What do you think of lee dies?

muchocranium · April 27, 2007, 08:55 PM

I was thinking of getting a set of carbide dies for .45. I use RCBS dies for .40
but was thinking of trying a set of lee dies because of the cheaper price. What are your thoughts on them compared to RCBS. Also, any recommended
loads for .45. They'll be used in a kimber fullsize. Thanks.

Randy_che · April 27, 2007, 10:20 PM

I like Lee dies. They have a good design, and the 4 die carbide set with the crimp die is a good deal. The lee dies also come with the shell holder, powder scoop, instructions, and load data. RCBS, while a great set of dies, and with great customer service, only come with instructions.

pumpkinheaver · April 27, 2007, 10:21 PM

I use RCBS, LEE and Hornady dies for various hangun and rifle cartridges. I think the ammo loaded with the Lee dies is just as good as the ammo loaded on the other brands. I would never hesitate to recomend Lee dies.

pumpkinheaver · April 27, 2007, 10:22 PM

My most used load for my Kimber is 5.0gr Bullseye under a 230 gr cast bullet.

benedict1 · April 27, 2007, 10:34 PM

You can't go wrong. Get the Deluxe 4 die set and you get the Factory Crimp Die too. You can put a perfect taper crimp on your .45 rounds with it--as little or as much as you want.

I have two sets of them for .45 ACP--one on a turret for my Load Master and one on a turret for my Lee Classic Press. The latter set is used in load development of the turret press.

For the price they cannot be beat, IMHO.

mrawesome22 · April 27, 2007, 10:49 PM

I love Lee dies. I hate Lee lock rings. If you order a 4 die set, order 4 Hornady lock rings to go along with them.

Ranger61 · April 27, 2007, 11:08 PM

I kind of go along with mrawesome. Their 4 die carbide pistol sets are very good but the lock rings kind of suck. They don't stay put very well. It wouldn't be a problem if you put them in the press and never take them out but I load for a lot of different calibers and each time I put them in the press its hard to get them back to the same setting without some trial and error. That being said the one thing I like best about the Lee pistol dies is that with my RCBS and Pacific carbide dies I have found they sometimes leave a ring near the base of the case that is very unsightly. Never had that problem with my Lee dies.

skeeter1 · April 28, 2007, 12:29 AM

Quote:

I love Lee dies. I hate Lee lock rings. If you order a 4 die set, order 4 Hornady lock rings to go along with them.

That's exactly what I did as well. The Lee carbide dies work just fine, but the lock rings just don't hold adjustment very well. I got some Hornady lock rings (from Midway, I think) for about $3 each, and they're much better. Since I use a Lee hand press to reload my .38Spls, I have to change my dies frequently, and the Hornady rings work better. If you're using a multi-stage press, and don't change dies often, maybe the Lee rings would be OK.

Luciano · April 28, 2007, 01:14 AM

I also have Lee,Hornady,RCBS,Lyman and Redding.
FOR THE MONEY...they're ok.Yes they load ammo.But check your expander plug.A little rough right?Tool marks filing little brass shavings off the case mouth.Yes they work...

Castaway · April 28, 2007, 05:27 AM

I'm a Lee die fan for pistols. Using the Lee disk kit with the combination powder charger/case beller saves a step in the reloading process and speeds production considerably. I can't tell the differrence in the final product between them and my other dies by Lyman or RCBS.

qajaq59 · April 28, 2007, 07:11 AM

I use Lee, Lyman and RCBS. They're all ok but I like the Lyman the best.

**44 AMP** · April 28, 2007, 02:47 PM

I don't care for some of their features. I have a couple of sets, but seldom use them. I use RCBS and Lyman mostly, although I do have a realy old set of Herter's that I use for 6.5x55mm Swede.

Lee dies work fine, I just like others better, and the small difference in new price is nothing over the life of the dies. Some of my dies have been in use for 35 years! Unless you do something wrong, they don't wear out.

I use the Lee decapping sets for GI brass, and are very happy with them.

CrustyFN · April 28, 2007, 05:49 PM

I have Lee die s and they work great. I have never had trouble with the lock ring. I have never had my dies get lose, at least not yet.

Quote:

Ranger61
They don't stay put very well. It wouldn't be a problem if you put them in the press and never take them out but I load for a lot of different calibers and each time I put them in the press its hard to get them back to the same setting without some trial and error.

Ranger61, are you using a turret press. If so then I would suggest buying extra turrets and not removing you dies.
Rusty

Zippy06 · April 28, 2007, 06:05 PM

I have only used Lee dies.

And Lee Carbide Dies. With multiple turrets. Change over is 5 min.

**Shane Tuttle** · April 28, 2007, 06:08 PM

Muchocranium,

I have to duplicate what most have said already...the Lee dies, for the money will serve you well. I have them for the .40 S&W and the 3-in1 for my 9mm. I have the Redding for my .45ACP. I think the Redding is the better die, but you pay for it, too. I'll upgrade to Redding when budget allows, but again, Lee is a good choice.

Mrawesome22,

Thanks for the tip on the lock rings. I didn't think of doing that...

40SIG · April 28, 2007, 06:12 PM

I use Lee dies in 38/357,40 and the collet die in 223. They work well. I especially like the factory crimp die.

mrawesome22 · April 28, 2007, 06:50 PM

No problem Tuttle. And thanks to whoever gave me the idea LOL.

Huntzalittle · April 28, 2007, 07:00 PM

I own 'em, I use 'em, I'm happy

rfdillon · April 28, 2007, 07:20 PM

+! CrustyFN, almost all my dies are Lee. I like the lock rings so much, that I ordered some extra ones to replace those on my RCBS dies.

BigJakeJ1s · April 28, 2007, 09:42 PM

Lee carbide sizing dies I have tried are pretty good. Can't say the same for their seater dies though; too much play leads to crooked bullets. I like Hornady seating dies much better, with their floating alignment sleeve, and easy cleaning without having to reset them up. I like the Lyman M Die expanders too.

Lee FCD for rifle or bottleneck pistol cartridges (collet style crimping) are great. I've not had good results from my 45 colt FCD. I like the crimp from my Hornady seating die (while I seat the bullet) better, and it saves a step too.

And I seriously dislike the Lee lock-less rings! Hornady lock rings are the best around. Clamping action to stay put, and wrench flats to boot. Hard combination to beat.

Andy

cloudcroft · April 28, 2007, 11:15 PM

Lee dies are all I use...except for a Lyman Universal Depriming die.

And, with Lee dies, you get all that extra stuff right there in that compact red plastic container.

-- John D.

Crazy4nitro · April 29, 2007, 09:05 AM

I like them for Pistols...I have never used their rifle dies.
The Meter is Pegged on Bang for the Buck.

Crazy4nitro

tstone · April 29, 2007, 09:13 AM

Work great for me.

KW-Bane · April 30, 2007, 12:27 AM

All I have used were Lee dies, but I'm sure the others mentioned are just as good.

Tim R · April 30, 2007, 02:57 PM

I'm going to be the odd man out on this one. I got a set of Lee 38/357 carbide dies when I first started loading 38/357. It sounded like I was sizing sand when I sized the brass. I got a set of RCBS carbides, the sand sound went away, and the press handle stroke was way smoother. Today I use only RCBS carbides for pistol cartridges.

April 27, 2007, 08:55 PM	#1
muchocranium Junior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 14	What do you think of lee dies? I was thinking of getting a set of carbide dies for .45. I use RCBS dies for .40 but was thinking of trying a set of lee dies because of the cheaper price. What are your thoughts on them compared to RCBS. Also, any recommended loads for .45. They'll be used in a kimber fullsize. Thanks.

April 27, 2007, 10:21 PM	#3
pumpkinheaver Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2006 Location: Missouri Posts: 294	I use RCBS, LEE and Hornady dies for various hangun and rifle cartridges. I think the ammo loaded with the Lee dies is just as good as the ammo loaded on the other brands. I would never hesitate to recomend Lee dies. __________________ Just because your paranoid don't mean they aint out to get ya.

April 27, 2007, 10:22 PM	#4
pumpkinheaver Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2006 Location: Missouri Posts: 294	My most used load for my Kimber is 5.0gr Bullseye under a 230 gr cast bullet. __________________ Just because your paranoid don't mean they aint out to get ya.

April 27, 2007, 10:34 PM	#5
benedict1 Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 245	+1 Lee 4 die Deluxe carbide die set You can't go wrong. Get the Deluxe 4 die set and you get the Factory Crimp Die too. You can put a perfect taper crimp on your .45 rounds with it--as little or as much as you want. I have two sets of them for .45 ACP--one on a turret for my Load Master and one on a turret for my Lee Classic Press. The latter set is used in load development of the turret press. For the price they cannot be beat, IMHO.

April 28, 2007, 02:47 PM	#12
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,839	Not a big fan of Lee I don't care for some of their features. I have a couple of sets, but seldom use them. I use RCBS and Lyman mostly, although I do have a realy old set of Herter's that I use for 6.5x55mm Swede. Lee dies work fine, I just like others better, and the small difference in new price is nothing over the life of the dies. Some of my dies have been in use for 35 years! Unless you do something wrong, they don't wear out. I use the Lee decapping sets for GI brass, and are very happy with them. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

April 27, 2007, 10:20 PM	#2
Randy_che Member Join Date: July 28, 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 57	I like Lee dies. They have a good design, and the 4 die carbide set with the crimp die is a good deal. The lee dies also come with the shell holder, powder scoop, instructions, and load data. RCBS, while a great set of dies, and with great customer service, only come with instructions.

April 27, 2007, 10:49 PM	#6
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	I love Lee dies. I hate Lee lock rings. If you order a 4 die set, order 4 Hornady lock rings to go along with them.

April 27, 2007, 11:08 PM	#7
Ranger61 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2004 Posts: 213	I kind of go along with mrawesome. Their 4 die carbide pistol sets are very good but the lock rings kind of suck. They don't stay put very well. It wouldn't be a problem if you put them in the press and never take them out but I load for a lot of different calibers and each time I put them in the press its hard to get them back to the same setting without some trial and error. That being said the one thing I like best about the Lee pistol dies is that with my RCBS and Pacific carbide dies I have found they sometimes leave a ring near the base of the case that is very unsightly. Never had that problem with my Lee dies.

April 28, 2007, 01:14 AM	#9
Luciano Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2006 Posts: 111	I also have Lee,Hornady,RCBS,Lyman and Redding. FOR THE MONEY...they're ok.Yes they load ammo.But check your expander plug.A little rough right?Tool marks filing little brass shavings off the case mouth.Yes they work...

April 28, 2007, 05:27 AM	#10
Castaway Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Dade City, FL Posts: 90	I'm a Lee die fan for pistols. Using the Lee disk kit with the combination powder charger/case beller saves a step in the reloading process and speeds production considerably. I can't tell the differrence in the final product between them and my other dies by Lyman or RCBS.

April 28, 2007, 07:11 AM	#11
qajaq59 Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2005 Posts: 139	I use Lee, Lyman and RCBS. They're all ok but I like the Lyman the best.

April 28, 2007, 06:05 PM	#14
Zippy06 Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: S.E. MI Posts: 117	I have only used Lee dies. And Lee Carbide Dies. With multiple turrets. Change over is 5 min. __________________ Zippy06. U.S.N. Vet. NRA. Lee Turret(circa 1986). 9mm, .357 Mag., .40 S&W, .223 Rem., .30-30 Win., .308 Win. G17, S&W 686, G22C, Colt H-Bar, Marlin, Savage 10FP. Be safe. Be happy

April 28, 2007, 06:08 PM	#15
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Muchocranium, I have to duplicate what most have said already...the Lee dies, for the money will serve you well. I have them for the .40 S&W and the 3-in1 for my 9mm. I have the Redding for my .45ACP. I think the Redding is the better die, but you pay for it, too. I'll upgrade to Redding when budget allows, but again, Lee is a good choice. Mrawesome22, Thanks for the tip on the lock rings. I didn't think of doing that... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

April 28, 2007, 06:12 PM	#16
40SIG Junior member Join Date: April 27, 2007 Posts: 35	I use Lee dies in 38/357,40 and the collet die in 223. They work well. I especially like the factory crimp die. Last edited by 40SIG; April 28, 2007 at 10:04 PM.

April 28, 2007, 06:50 PM	#17
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	No problem Tuttle. And thanks to whoever gave me the idea LOL.

April 28, 2007, 07:00 PM	#18
Huntzalittle Member Join Date: January 10, 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 99	I own 'em, I use 'em, I'm happy

April 28, 2007, 07:20 PM	#19
rfdillon Member Join Date: April 8, 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 60	+! CrustyFN, almost all my dies are Lee. I like the lock rings so much, that I ordered some extra ones to replace those on my RCBS dies.

April 28, 2007, 09:42 PM	#20
BigJakeJ1s Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2005 Location: Arlington TX Posts: 663	Lee carbide sizing dies I have tried are pretty good. Can't say the same for their seater dies though; too much play leads to crooked bullets. I like Hornady seating dies much better, with their floating alignment sleeve, and easy cleaning without having to reset them up. I like the Lyman M Die expanders too. Lee FCD for rifle or bottleneck pistol cartridges (collet style crimping) are great. I've not had good results from my 45 colt FCD. I like the crimp from my Hornady seating die (while I seat the bullet) better, and it saves a step too. And I seriously dislike the Lee lock-less rings! Hornady lock rings are the best around. Clamping action to stay put, and wrench flats to boot. Hard combination to beat. Andy

April 28, 2007, 11:15 PM	#21
cloudcroft Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 565	Lee dies are all I use...except for a Lyman Universal Depriming die. And, with Lee dies, you get all that extra stuff right there in that compact red plastic container. -- John D.

April 29, 2007, 09:05 AM	#22
Crazy4nitro Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2007 Location: Lou-a-vul KY Posts: 142	I like them for Pistols...I have never used their rifle dies. The Meter is Pegged on Bang for the Buck. Crazy4nitro

April 29, 2007, 09:13 AM	#23
tstone Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Location: MS Posts: 25	Lee dies.... Work great for me.

April 30, 2007, 12:27 AM	#24
KW-Bane Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2006 Location: Mississippi Posts: 109	All I have used were Lee dies, but I'm sure the others mentioned are just as good. __________________ http://www.kwsquad.com/kwsite2/ "Everyone knows there is right and wrong, but integrity proves a man"

April 30, 2007, 02:57 PM	#25
Tim R Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2004 Location: God's side of Washington State Posts: 1,601	I'm going to be the odd man out on this one. I got a set of Lee 38/357 carbide dies when I first started loading 38/357. It sounded like I was sizing sand when I sized the brass. I got a set of RCBS carbides, the sand sound went away, and the press handle stroke was way smoother. Today I use only RCBS carbides for pistol cartridges. __________________ God Bless our Troops especially our Snipers.