Lee Collet die

taurus · February 8, 2002, 08:34 AM

I have read many posts that indicated that the Lee collet die which neck sizes only , is too rough on the inside[mandrel] and requires polishing before use. I called Lee and they told me this was not accurate as the die will function properly as is with no marks left on the case. Can anyone provide info on this subject? If it is too rough will this damage the case? Proper way to remedy this ? Thanks!

dick w. holliday · February 8, 2002, 09:13 AM

i use mine to neck size 223 for my paper puncher AR and polishing the mandrell never crossed my mind--but if you were so inclined a drill and fine steel wool or the like would do the job faster than you could type a response to a post-----Dick

Fred · February 8, 2002, 12:28 PM

and never noticed a problem. Haven't polished anything - too busy sizing all that brass...

Bogie · February 8, 2002, 01:06 PM

The mandrels are nice and smooth. The collet itself may leave some marks on the OUTSIDE of the neck, but I wouldn't worry about 'em. I don't. FWIW, my collet-die sized .22-250 shoots in the area of .3-.4" groups at 100 yards...

I'd recommend taking the sucker apart, and brushing the stuff down with moly (or just toss it in your tumbler after you finish coating some bullets - NOT with the bullets), and the thing will work like a dream... You may also want to smooth a couple of the rough edges from the collet, but that isn't a "must do" item.

Best die value on the market for accuracy.

February 8, 2002, 08:34 AM	#1
taurus Member Join Date: January 30, 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 45	Lee Collet die I have read many posts that indicated that the Lee collet die which neck sizes only , is too rough on the inside[mandrel] and requires polishing before use. I called Lee and they told me this was not accurate as the die will function properly as is with no marks left on the case. Can anyone provide info on this subject? If it is too rough will this damage the case? Proper way to remedy this ? Thanks!

February 8, 2002, 12:28 PM	#3
Fred Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 1998 Location: CA Posts: 465	Use one for my .223 shooter as well, and never noticed a problem. Haven't polished anything - too busy sizing all that brass...

February 8, 2002, 09:13 AM	#2
dick w. holliday Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2001 Location: NC Posts: 589	i use mine to neck size 223 for my paper puncher AR and polishing the mandrell never crossed my mind--but if you were so inclined a drill and fine steel wool or the like would do the job faster than you could type a response to a post-----Dick

February 8, 2002, 01:06 PM	#4
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	The mandrels are nice and smooth. The collet itself may leave some marks on the OUTSIDE of the neck, but I wouldn't worry about 'em. I don't. FWIW, my collet-die sized .22-250 shoots in the area of .3-.4" groups at 100 yards... I'd recommend taking the sucker apart, and brushing the stuff down with moly (or just toss it in your tumbler after you finish coating some bullets - NOT with the bullets), and the thing will work like a dream... You may also want to smooth a couple of the rough edges from the collet, but that isn't a "must do" item. Best die value on the market for accuracy.