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View Full Version : Issue with my 300BLK Lee dies



dwalker460
11-30-2012, 09:04
So before I send these back and get a set of some other brand, I wanted to make sure I eliminate as much probability of user error as possible.
Component details first-
Hornady 110gr VMAX bullet
18.9gr H110
Cases are once fired Remington 300BLK factory cases and also have 1000 or so cases made by Hoser
Dies are Lee two die set, Full length resizer die


The issue here is that no matter how the case mouth expander/depriming pin is set, the bullet does not want to seat. Various depths for the expander have been tried and none have seemed to make a difference. Research online shows that others have had similar issues solved it with resetting the expander, with one fellow apparently needing to purchase a Universal case neck expander die, and a factory crimp die, neither of which I care anything about doing. Since my other sets of Lee dies work perfectly, this has me a little perplexed, and I am just about to the point of just sending them back and getting a set of RCBS etc. dies. HOWEVER, since it looks like there might actually be a few hours this weekend to load up some rounds, which would be awesome since last weekend was a waste and I REALLY want to get this sorted out rather than see another weekend slip away.

As always any input is welcome, please dont feel too great a need to say "buy X dies Lee sucks", because thats already on the table :) Also dont feel like you will be insulting me by asking about a basic setting or procedure, there is always the potential that I overlooked the obvious.

DFBrews
11-30-2012, 09:36
Chamfering the inside edge? Hosers brass has a decent lip on the inside What is your neck ID after the sizing process. My dies run it down to .306 and I have to Chamfer to get flat base Barnes bullets in easily

Whistler
11-30-2012, 09:55
You might need to contact Lee for a new expander, variations in brass thickness can affect the neck sizer somewhat but the expander should correct it. The expander should be about a thousandth smaller than the bullets you are using.

Hoser
11-30-2012, 10:07
The 300 Whisper/Blackout is a tough caliber to get going actually.

A healthy chamfer might help your seating issue. If it doesnt, try seating a boat tail bullet and see how it goes.

A couple weekends ago I loaded a few thousand rounds of supersonic 300 Whisper with the Sierra 125 Matchking and Speer 125 TNT. While the bullets seated fine, it took more effort than it should have. I chamfered the necks a bit more and it made it much easier.

If you replace your Lee dies, go with Redding or Forster.

dwalker460
11-30-2012, 13:17
Thanks guys, I added a little more chamfer and they seat ok now.

DSB OUTDOORS
12-01-2012, 20:42
Had good luck with my Hornady dies, and Hosers brass. No feed problems what so ever.

ben4372
12-10-2012, 22:38
I'm hoping I don't have the trouble you had. I just got a set of lee. They were the brand in stock. Lee quality seems to be suffering lately. Seems most of the 300 AAC folks said they couldn't get a decent crimp, so I bought the factory crimp. Now If only I can find a Subsonic 150 grain load. I measured my pin and it was .307 inches. It has a funny shape. My reshaped brass should be here soon. If I'd known a local guy had it.....

Hoser
12-11-2012, 08:05
Now If only I can find a Subsonic 150 grain load.

Subsonic 150 gn is going to be hard. Getting it to run 100% in an auto will be even harder. The lightest I could get to run 100% was 175.