Originally Posted by gotcha
Big Ed, I've picked up some great info from you. And it's well appreciated! But, I'll have to differ with you on this one. The 25# press handle pressure that Lee recommends just isn't right, period. I use the Lee collet to set neck tension (among other things) when tweaking loads for optimum performance. Start w/ a fired case. Measure nk. dia. then measure nk. diameter on the same type case w/ bullet seated. Determine how much "squeeze" you'd like on the fired case neck. Run the collet die into press until bottom of collet touches shell holder. Insert case, activate arm 'til it just bumps the "stop", check nk. dia. Continue making small adjustments until you reach desired amount of "squeeze". I try for .002" smaller than bullet seated dia. or .002" squeeze. re- insert case into die and tighten lock ring. You're good to go! On my dies I can get from .001" to .003" squeeze without having to "polish" the mandrel. ------ Once fired brass will exhibit perfect outside neck dia. New brass, not quite so perfect. Just activate the press arm 'til it "bumps" the stop!!!! With this method you are allowing the collet to determine neck dia. NOT the mandrel!!! No need to have a bionic arm! Using this method the brass will tell you when it needs annealing also. Hope this works for you ;D PM me if you'd like. Dale