The inserts are pretty cheap. I've got 22 die sets and insertsfor all dies. Every time you buy a set of dies order the insets you need. I was out when I started 7 mm mag and just put one in and used one to resize my brass. Took it out to seat until I got more. They are sold in 3 packs for around 6-7.00 I finger tight but on bottle neck once my headspace is right I use a wrench and tighten a little more. The pin that pops up is spring loaded but if your insert is stuck just tap it with screwdriver handle or use channel lock to wiggle insert back in line. I like it but all my hand gun are on a turret now. You can be precise on. Turret. I'm loading for my 44 mag and using powder through die for exact powder each time. I trim my brass before loading. I don't trim 9 mm as I've never had one stretch. Your downloaded 45 probably will never stretch your brass either. My 44 only does first few firings. Don't donwload so low you get a squib. Bullet didn't exit barrel. Good luck. You will enjoy I'm sure. It's an addiction.
Lee dies question
- Thread starter Lavan
- Start date
I used to reload a LOT!
Had RCBS stuff and only bought Lee to keep the cost down for the aforementioned reason. ONE CALIBER!
The only thing that I am "angry" about is how Lee does not explain clearly that a separate breech lock is required for EACH die.
Had I know that one leeetle thing, I would have naturally ordered them at the time I got the setup.
I'll get it working. I'll use it. I'll remain a bit miffed that the mfr doesn't provide much info on what is needed to set it up.
Hell, they'd even be able to charge a bit more.
Had RCBS stuff and only bought Lee to keep the cost down for the aforementioned reason. ONE CALIBER!
The only thing that I am "angry" about is how Lee does not explain clearly that a separate breech lock is required for EACH die.
Had I know that one leeetle thing, I would have naturally ordered them at the time I got the setup.
I'll get it working. I'll use it. I'll remain a bit miffed that the mfr doesn't provide much info on what is needed to set it up.
Hell, they'd even be able to charge a bit more.
From reading this whole thread, it appears that everything is actually "there", to complete a load of 45 ACPs, without the requirement of picking up more parts, etc. The O-rings work as intended. Some, even prefer the O-ring method.
I own and use, dies from quite a number of manufacturers. Redding, RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, as well as Lee's. And I'll still use the O-ring, because, …...as the machinist said in a prior reply, they do work, as long as you know how they work. I too, once worked in a machine shop, as the repairman of machines.
I own and use, dies from quite a number of manufacturers. Redding, RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, as well as Lee's. And I'll still use the O-ring, because, …...as the machinist said in a prior reply, they do work, as long as you know how they work. I too, once worked in a machine shop, as the repairman of machines.
Levan I just checked a couple retailers and it looks like depending on where you go the product description isn't very complete. So I can see how you would feel misled or that it was incomplete.
So now step back, get yourself a nice cold beverage, calm down and start over, knowing what you know now. Doesn't pay to get worked up. Once you get started I think you will be happy with what you bought. Good luck!
So now step back, get yourself a nice cold beverage, calm down and start over, knowing what you know now. Doesn't pay to get worked up. Once you get started I think you will be happy with what you bought. Good luck!
I've been using a Lee single stage press and Lee dies for about 10 years. I reload, .308, 7.35mm, .357, .45 Colt, .45 ACP, .380, .223. I have never had one single failure on the press or in the gun. Just screw the specific Lee die in the press according to instructions and while holding the die, tighten the jam nut against the press. Started out reloading .308 on the Lee Loader that uses a mallet instead of a press. It works also. My son killed his first Deer with ammo from it.
While I have and use many Lee products and like them just fine . I agree that if the press was sold as a set/kit and did not come with the proper number of bushing then that is lame . On the other hand if the parts were bought separately then there should be no expectations of additional parts in any of the individual components . The o-ring system works best if you never remove the dies like when using the Lee turret press where you change out the whole tool head rather then the individual dies . If ( like in the OP's case ) you have to constantly remove the die to insert the next stage die then a lock ring with a jam nut is a far better system to use . This way you don't have to re-adjust every die every time you change them out .
I have the Hornady single stage press with bushing system and have 20+ dedicated bushings for each die I use in that press . Yes when you have enough of the bushings/breech lock pieces it's a great system to use .
I have the Hornady single stage press with bushing system and have 20+ dedicated bushings for each die I use in that press . Yes when you have enough of the bushings/breech lock pieces it's a great system to use .
NOW...I'm ready for my cold beverage.
That, klw1954 was my feeling exactly. I don't mind paying for a product, but PLEASE make that product COMPLETE !
OR.... tell me what ELSE I need.
I went down to the gun store and laid out 12 bucks for three Hornady lock rings.
And NOW things look to make some sense.
I can see how the Lee "system" could work very nicely....if.... you had a breech lock on each die.
I even wonder why Lee would stick with a system that requires manufacturing interrupted threads. Seems it would be cheaper to mfg regular threaded plain HOLES.
Saaayyyyyy......you don't think Hornady has an "arrangement"...... naaaahhh, forget that.
That, klw1954 was my feeling exactly. I don't mind paying for a product, but PLEASE make that product COMPLETE !
OR.... tell me what ELSE I need.
I went down to the gun store and laid out 12 bucks for three Hornady lock rings.
And NOW things look to make some sense.
I can see how the Lee "system" could work very nicely....if.... you had a breech lock on each die.
I even wonder why Lee would stick with a system that requires manufacturing interrupted threads. Seems it would be cheaper to mfg regular threaded plain HOLES.
Saaayyyyyy......you don't think Hornady has an "arrangement"...... naaaahhh, forget that.
jaguarxk120
New member
Lets see you bought the less expensive tools and then you have to spend
more money to bring that tooling to standards you want.
Seems to me if you would have bought the more costly die set with the
lock ring features you wanted you might be farther ahead.
more money to bring that tooling to standards you want.
Seems to me if you would have bought the more costly die set with the
lock ring features you wanted you might be farther ahead.
Lee and Hornady have adopted proprietary quick change systems into most of their presses now, including their single stage models. Apparently lock rings on threads are too slow for some people even though they only add seconds to a die change.
Perhaps the next step will be to integrate their proprietary quick change into their die lock rings. Or they could sell dies with no lock rings and you would need to buy quick change rings that match the press. For whatever reason, the simple standard thread approach for presses might be going away.
Perhaps the next step will be to integrate their proprietary quick change into their die lock rings. Or they could sell dies with no lock rings and you would need to buy quick change rings that match the press. For whatever reason, the simple standard thread approach for presses might be going away.
m&p45acp10+1
New member
The rubber washer in the Lee has worked fine for me. I have been using the same .45 ACP set since 2009. Maybe I got the only one that does not come loose from adjustment or something. I am not super fan of Lee. Oh and the Hornady American dies have the rubber washer in them. I do not see people lining up to bash them.
Follow the instructions on the die set. They will serve you well for many years to come.
Follow the instructions on the die set. They will serve you well for many years to come.
This is really an extremely simple system; a part (the breech lock bushing) is installed on a die to enable quick change die swaps without the need to readjust the die. Yes, a bushing is required for each die. If one is "mechanically challenged" to the point of confusion, perhaps one should reconsider reloading...
I'm thinking this thread is just "pulling our legs" and not a serious request...
I'm thinking this thread is just "pulling our legs" and not a serious request...
Average Joe
New member
I must be missing something here, I have used a Lee single stage press for years, I have reloaded .380, 38 spl, 9mm, .357 mag, .308 and .223, and currently just started reloading 32-20. Never a problem, and never had any issue with the dies or how they are set up. Maybe you should contact Lee customer service, for instructions.
Lavan said:
Nothing. You were assuming they should work like your RCBS system. Unlike other brands, the Lee system for standard 7/8"-14 tpi threads has you set up the dies every time you use them. With batch processing of more than a few rounds, this isn't a big time drain. However, they always had complaints about it and the Breech Lock system gets you around that by letting you make the die adjustment just once and then keeping the die in the bushing.
Right now it looks like the lowest price for bushings is Midway at $7.19 for 2. The most expensive was Graf's at over $9.
Perhaps you are not aware that most Lee (and Hornady) presses no longer directly accept standard 7/8 x 14 threaded dies. Instead the presses are designed to mate with a quick lock insert that is threaded for the dies. typically, one of the quick locks is included with the press.
These quick lock systems can make die changes faster if you have a quick lock on each die. But if you only have one quick lock, it can get a bit cumbersome to remove and install it onto each die before installing on the press.
The Hornady lock rings work fine.
I've only done 6 rounds to test them.
But they were simple with the quick changing of dies without that dumb breech lock.
The finished rounds are perfect ...looking.
Hoping to fire those rounds tonight to check the noise level.
Assuming 3.6 gr Bullseye w/ 185 gr lead SWC will be just fine.
But...gotta try first.
I've only done 6 rounds to test them.
But they were simple with the quick changing of dies without that dumb breech lock.
The finished rounds are perfect ...looking.
Hoping to fire those rounds tonight to check the noise level.
Assuming 3.6 gr Bullseye w/ 185 gr lead SWC will be just fine.
But...gotta try first.
Marco Califo
New member
You can think of the breech-lock as optional. Just leave it in place, and never remove it. Forget it is there. Lock-tite it or paint over it, if you want. You now have the function of an older typical single stage press.
I do have a breech lock hand press, and a few of the breech locks. It works OK. I really like the hand press. I use a Lyman turret for most of my handgun loading (leave it set for two calibers, and have a spare turret). I also have a Redding Boss single stage.
Lee has an auto-indexing (rotating) 4 hole turret for$103, and videos showing its use.
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690900/lee-auto-breech-lock-pro-progressive-press
I do have a breech lock hand press, and a few of the breech locks. It works OK. I really like the hand press. I use a Lyman turret for most of my handgun loading (leave it set for two calibers, and have a spare turret). I also have a Redding Boss single stage.
Lee has an auto-indexing (rotating) 4 hole turret for$103, and videos showing its use.
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690900/lee-auto-breech-lock-pro-progressive-press
That's what I am doing.
I find however, that the lock spring interferes in a MINOR way with seating the lock rings.
It doesn't seem to matter, but I'm considering Dremeling that part of the spring lock to make it lower than the breech lock.
So far, doesn't seem worth the effort as it's working fine except for my OCD about things fitting RIGHT.
I find however, that the lock spring interferes in a MINOR way with seating the lock rings.
It doesn't seem to matter, but I'm considering Dremeling that part of the spring lock to make it lower than the breech lock.
So far, doesn't seem worth the effort as it's working fine except for my OCD about things fitting RIGHT.
Nice thing about lock rings for standard loading dies is they are all a 7/8-14 size so if you want to use one brand die with another brand lock ring it makes for easy. I happen to like the Hornady 0446071 Sure LOC Lock Ring, 6 Packs available from Amazon or the retailer of your choice. My dies are a collage of all manufacturers, mostly RCBS but the Lee lock rings work fine as I have those also. While I am not fond of the aluminum used in Lee they do what they are supposed to do. I also have a few old Lee presses and while I am not exactly fond of them the also work and do what they are supposed to do. The Lee stuff cost less but it works.
Yeah, I agree the vendor could have been a little more informative but that's history now. When you have problems or questions just ask as there are no shortage of people here using the Lee equipment and making perfectly good ammunition.
Ron
Yeah, I agree the vendor could have been a little more informative but that's history now. When you have problems or questions just ask as there are no shortage of people here using the Lee equipment and making perfectly good ammunition.
Ron