Lee Loader

Well I bought a set of RGB 243 dies, scared up 20 empties and tried reloading them. On the very first case the decapping rod pulled out. I should note that I removed the decapping rod and gently rolled it across the lube pad. Removed the rod from the case and reinstalled it. Sent the first case back through, no issues, second case, no issues. Third case was not the charm, that sucker popped out again. Again, removed, relubed, reinstalled, resized and no problem. I tightened the retaining nut pretty tight but it would not stay put. I have tightened well beyond how tight it was coming out of the box, new. I am at a loss. I was able to finish the reloading task but it took considerably longer than it should have. Is this sometimes an issue?? All of the other dies I have (RCBS) the decapping rod is threaded and doesn't have this issue.

Any suggestions?

Don't lube it and it has to be pretty tight.

Yeap, no lube! You also really need to put the elbow to these when tightening them.

I don't put lube on the shaft, just the ball end for the neck, makes it easier to pull the case down. I generally do this with my other rifle dies and it puts enough lube on it for a box or 2. When loading 30 WCF I have to get out the neck brush because I am usually loading 200 to 300 at a time.

I fear breaking the little collet off if I tighten them any more.

You have to really have to tighten the stink out of it.

Remove the stem and clean it thoroughly with a degreaser, brake clean works well. Get all the oil, grease off the stem and the collet, reinstall the stem and tighten the collet hard. The slipping stem/collet is a good "fail-safe" method, but is a real PIA if it slips on normal decapping...