LEE COLLET DIES

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=3>joeb33050

I suspect the “some reason” you have is damage to the die from closing the press without a shell in the holder. The die should be set so the collet functions per instructions. If your collet does not activate from the shell holder and then go into the die and size the neck with the closing of the collet then die damage is preventing your die from functioning correctly.

You can check die function off the press BY HAND. Hold the die in hand and press the collet at the bottom of the die against a table top. you should be able to push against the spring action of the collet and push the collet into the die about 1/16” . Then upon releasing your pushing on the die, the collet should spring back out to it's normal resting position. This functional check of the die not working indicates the die is damaged.

You may be able to fix it by adjusting the damaged collet for correct spring action. The problem may also be grit in the die or a marred finish inside the die. If you cannot adjust function to the collet, I don't recommend polishing anything yourself. Send it back to Lee with a full explanation. They will repair the die.

This is a simple spring action collet activated by a press with a shell in a shell holder. If you are not getting any spring action, the die is damaged and the collet is out of adjustment.

The most common reason for the problem you have is the die owner polishing the fit  that regulates collet function out of specification. Or, jamming the die all the way closed with no shell in the shell holder and damaging the factory setting of the collet and bending it out of the range of being springy. This is not new news, Loaders not following Lee instructions for die setup easily damage the delicate collet finger springy fit inside the die the first time they close their press with no shell in the holder. You have stated the classic complaint for doing exactly that to your own die all by yourself..

An additional way a Lee Collet die may be damaged is to ruin the springy temper of the collet by abuse incorrectly adjusting the collet and destroying the temper that provides springiness to the part. When that damage is done the collet does not have an at rest position with any springiness left. The collet has been ruined and should be replaced. Not following directions and repeatedly damaging these dies will cause repeated frustrating damage to these dies and a non justified dissatisfaction with these wonderful dies.

An alternate way to abuse and damage these dies is to operate the die without the mandrel in place. This will cause loss of springiness to the collet and ruin the part.

Lee is extraordinarily user friendly to loaders that ruin these dies and returning the die with a complaint generally  gets  abused dies replaced or repaired for free.

Gary