X sizer dies

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:08 am Post subject: X sizer dies

Howdy. I dont own any of the RCBS x sizer dies im going this weekend to cabelas and was going to pick up a set of 223 dies now im going to get a neck sizer die as well. The x-sizer dies helps with full length resizing correct Question

. If i plan on neck sizing shouldn't i be ok with standard rcbs dies Question

i only plan on full length resizing when i have too any input would be helpful thanx.

Blaine · Member Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 260 Location: Maine

Hi Joe,

Don't know specifically about RCBS, but I have Lee deluxe set which includes a neck sizing die. They claim in their literature that trying to neck size with a standard sizing die is possible but it doesn't give the same quality neck size as a specialty die. I plan on buying the deluxe set for all my calibers so I will have the option of neck sizing when I want to. Obviously neck sizing has some great benefits when it comes to accuracy and case life, and whenever possible I plan to do that. I have some T/C Encore barrels that I have to full length size, though, because of frame flexing wherein the case is allowed to stretch beyond my allowable head space.
have a great weekend

Blaine

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:28 am Post subject: Re: X sizer dies

Howdy Blaine those lee deluxe dies. They come with ful length sizer, neck sizer and seater die ? i looked them up in the catolog and the add doesent mention a seater die. If it has all three thats a good price just about the same as rcbs standard two die set. I might have to give them a try they only have a two year waranty but for the price it might be worth a try. Have you had good luck with them Question

Blaine · Member Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 260 Location: Maine

Hi Joe,
You are correct. The Lee deluxe set comes with all 3 dies and a powder measure (scoop) and the shell holder in a convenient plastic case. Both the full length re-sizing die and the neck sizing die come with a de-caping/expander pin. I agree that it is a very good price. That is the main reason I went with Lee. Their "Classic" press has been around a long time and is built like a tank and is still priced below their competitors.

Blaine

Blaine · Member Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 260 Location: Maine

Quote::

Have you had good luck with them?

Sorry, just saw the last part of your post. I haven't been into reloading for quite a while and have just gotten back to it. I used to handload a lot 25 years ago and my press and dies were Lee then. I gave all my stuff away about 10 years ago, but I know for a fact that the press and dies are still like new.

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:14 pm Post subject: Re: X sizer dies

Howdy Blaine Thanx for the words i am heading to cabelas in the morning glad ya posted before i left i will give them a try. I got a list of wants thats much larger than my wallet. I go there 2-3 times a year so i try to get as much as i can. Thanx again

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 2:58 am Post subject: Re: X sizer dies

Howdy Blain I got a set of the lee deluxe dies in 223. I noticed that lee uses a rubber o ring as a locking ring does this keep the setting of the dies consistant when removing and reinstalling them Question

. If it doesent stay consistant i see no reason why i couldn't use a locking ring of another brand die do you Question

. I have some extra dies i no longer reload for. If it stays consistant there will be no need for it, other than that they seem like nice dies hopfuly will get to use them soon thanx.

Blaine · Member Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 260 Location: Maine

The "o" ring design works very well. I can set my die and re-size over 100 cases without the headspace varying a bit (I check every 5 cases with my headspace gauge). The "o" ring has the advantage of not needing to find your allen wrench every time you want to change your die setting Laughing

I have read on other forums that the "o" ring on the locking ring allows the die to set flush (and therefore aligned) with the shell holder when re-sizing therefore preventing the die from distorting the axis of the case. When you "cram" on a set screw, the die can be canted off center because of the slop in the threads. I don't know about all that, but the convenience of not having to look for a allen wrench is enough for me. Wink

Good luck....Blaine

Blaine · Member Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 260 Location: Maine

Joe,

I forgot to mention.....When you remove the die, don't touch the locking ring and it will stay where it is. A better way still to ensure you get back to where you were........Once my die is set where I want it to be, I take feeler gauge(s) and measure the gap between the bottom of the die and the shell holder (with the ram in the upstroke), and record the gap for that gun. Then when I want to size more cases, I simply place the correct gauge(s) on the shell holder and screw the die down to them and lock the ring. Works like a charm.

Blaine

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 1:58 pm Post subject: Re: X sizer dies

Howdy. Thanx for the tips Blaine. My dealer just called said i can pick my gun tomorow Very Happy

he got it a lot faster than he thought. So this week i should be able to give the Lee dies a work out. Thanx again!!

sniper · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 8:27 am Post subject: Re: X sizer dies

Blaine wrote:

Joe,

I forgot to mention.....When you remove the die, don't touch the locking ring and it will stay where it is. A better way still to ensure you get back to where you were........Once my die is set where I want it to be, I take feeler gauge(s) and measure the gap between the bottom of the die and the shell holder (with the ram in the upstroke), and record the gap for that gun. Then when I want to size more cases, I simply place the correct gauge(s) on the shell holder and screw the die down to them and lock the ring. Works like a charm.

Blaine

Blaine: How do you remove the die without touching the locking ring?
I don't have Lee dies, but my Dillon taper crimp die has the rubber ring insert, and if you try to remove the die by the body, it will rotate in the locking ring. I'm going to try the feeler gauge trick. That's one of those simple, "Why didn't I think of that?" sort of things. Thanks