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Posted: 1/5/2014 7:56:10 PM EDT
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Is the Lee Precision Pacesetter .223 die set a good set of dies to start reloading with? I will be loading on a single stage press for now.
I have been reloading 9mm on a buddies 550B for about a year now and just got my bench built and single stage mounted. I have to get a few more items before I can get started with .223 (trimmer, dillon swage, etc.) I am also thinking about picking the same set up in .308. Thanks for any input! -SS ETA: I can get the set off amazon for $28.95 shipped prime. |
| I have not used their rifle dies, but the handgun dies are as good as anyone's, the only possible drawback is the short length, sounds like a poster above has a solution for that though. If you'll be loading 9mm, get the auto-disc powder measure eventually, it's no progressive but it speeds the process along nicely. You might save a buck or two if you can find a set without the crimp die, you don't really need it. |
I just picked up the Lee three die set this weekend. (.223) Have not had time to set it up and still need the Hornady lock & load bushing set first. Also go the new Lee Qick trim case trimer. We will try it out to see what it is like. Also got the Dillon .223 case gauge. Now I just need to get some componants like primers, powder, cases and bullets. 
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Quoted: I just picked up the Lee three die set this weekend. (.223) Have not had time to set it up and still need the Hornady lock & load bushing set first. Also go the new Lee Qick trim case trimer. We will try it out to see what it is like. Also got the Dillon .223 case gauge. Now I just need to get some componants like primers, powder, cases and bullets. |
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Quoted: Thanks again for all the replies. I appreciate the input. Whats the best way to clean the dies before use? Spray inside of die with spray lube. Home made, Dillon or FA. Reassemble and adjust.
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Quoted:
Thread on how to convert Lee die nut into lock nuts. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/359040_Making_Lee_die_rings_into_lock_rings.html Quoted:
Quoted:
I just picked up the Lee three die set this weekend. (.223) Have not had time to set it up and still need the Hornady lock & load bushing set first. Also go the new Lee Qick trim case trimer. We will try it out to see what it is like. Also got the Dillon .223 case gauge. Now I just need to get some componants like primers, powder, cases and bullets. Thanks. It's not the lock nuts I need. It is the bushings that fit into the Hornady Lock and Load press. They go on the die below the lock nut. The nut would screw down to the bushing and better hold it all in place. |
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Quoted:
Thanks again for all the replies. I appreciate the input. Whats the best way to clean the dies before use? I like to break them down and use hopes elite and Q-tips. I also get a couple of replacement de-capping/sizing rods when I get a new set of Lees for bottle necks and polish them up a bit with 1500 sandpaper and Mothers billet polish. I use a touch of shotgun choke anti seize lube and a tiny paintbrush on the rods lock nut threads before reassemble. I do break the resizing dies down after each use before putting them up. |
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I would stay away from lee dies. I own a few. For sizing , expanding forming the case etc theyre fine. The seating dies are what I have issue with. When using cheap bulk bullets that are likely inconsistent, the seating depths can be very inconsistent. I thought this was normal for cheap bulk fmj. When I made the switch to a RCBS die set, I noticed the seating depths where much more consistent. Why is this? Being +/- .005" might not be a deal killer to some, but for $10-20 more, Ill go with RCBS or hornady over lee every time. Ive noticed this with straight wall and pistol cartridge die sets as well. I have now phased out all of my Lee die sets.
I will say though, with high quality bullets, they are as consistent as any die set out there. |
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Lee dies and products are love or hate.
i happen to love them. i use almost all lee dies and presses. Can they have a turd once in a while. yep. but in my dealings they have been very responsive to problems to include problems i caused by not following directions. |
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