Lee Speed Dies

Mac57 · February 2, 2002, 06:04 PM

Has anyone used the Lee Speed Dies. They're the single die set for handgun rounds. Do they simplify the process, or should I stick with the carbide 3 die set? I was looking at them for 38special.

Thanx for you're input.

Contender · February 2, 2002, 06:40 PM

I have the set for the 44 mag. They are a novel way to load ammo but when all is said and done, they are not that much faster than a 3 die set.

The one main thing you should know is that the press stroke is LIMITED by the die adjustment. In other words, you do not fully swing the press arm to full throw for each operation. Not a big deal but you have to, at first use, get the hang of it and not force the hell out of the press handle if you are unaware of this. You feel the press handle stop and that's it.

Just an idiosyncrisy of the die adjustment so you can run through the different operations without really adjusting the die body except at the crimp stage.

Also, the case length has to be very close to the spec length in order for the expander stem to bell the case mouth enough.

I'd recommend them if you are really into portable reloading or want a minimum of items to carry or store.

Send to Lee for an instruction sheet first to see how they work. They will send you one free of charge.

Regards

Mac57 · February 2, 2002, 09:07 PM

Thanks Contender. The thing that caught my attention about them was the price. The shop I saw them in had them for about 18 bucks. I dont take to change very well (I like steel handguns and wood rifle stocks.) Think I'll stick with the old 3 die set.

February 2, 2002, 06:04 PM	#1
Mac57 Junior Member Join Date: November 19, 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 10	Lee Speed Dies Has anyone used the Lee Speed Dies. They're the single die set for handgun rounds. Do they simplify the process, or should I stick with the carbide 3 die set? I was looking at them for 38special. Thanx for you're input.

February 2, 2002, 06:40 PM	#2
Contender Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1998 Location: NY Posts: 680	I have the set for the 44 mag. They are a novel way to load ammo but when all is said and done, they are not that much faster than a 3 die set. The one main thing you should know is that the press stroke is LIMITED by the die adjustment. In other words, you do not fully swing the press arm to full throw for each operation. Not a big deal but you have to, at first use, get the hang of it and not force the hell out of the press handle if you are unaware of this. You feel the press handle stop and that's it. Just an idiosyncrisy of the die adjustment so you can run through the different operations without really adjusting the die body except at the crimp stage. Also, the case length has to be very close to the spec length in order for the expander stem to bell the case mouth enough. I'd recommend them if you are really into portable reloading or want a minimum of items to carry or store. Send to Lee for an instruction sheet first to see how they work. They will send you one free of charge. Regards

February 2, 2002, 09:07 PM	#3
Mac57 Junior Member Join Date: November 19, 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 10	Thanks Contender. The thing that caught my attention about them was the price. The shop I saw them in had them for about 18 bucks. I dont take to change very well (I like steel handguns and wood rifle stocks.) Think I'll stick with the old 3 die set.