Lee Loader

Hi, Guys -

One of my die sets is a Lee 45 ACP. I have several 45 ACP die sets. The other is a RCBS.

What I've noticed in using the Lee seating die for 45 ACP is that when the bullet comes into contact with the seating plug, that there is some slight movement or wiggle in the adjusting stem. The bullets insert just fine, and apparently consistently, but it's just unsettling to see the adjusting stem have any movement to it at all. In short, this Lee seating die seems rather unstable versus the solid RCBS seating die.

Is this Lee seating die acting like any of yours? If so, what do you do about it? Could this die simply be out of spec or possibly have a bad o-ring?

Thanks for the input.

Bayou

It is supposed to have the wiggle, see the note at the bottom of the instructions.
Make sure the bullet seating stem (punch) at the bullet end fits the nose profile of your bullet, or you can order a custom punch to fit a specific bullet requirement.

I like the floating punch, never had a problem with it, and it fits my 72% meplat round flat nose cast bullets I use with both rifle and pistol cartridges. The punches have also fit every spire or flat point jacketed bullet I have used.[hr][hr]
Just drove across LA, twice, to go visit my grandkids in VA.

Thanks for pointing out the notation, RD.

Good advice on using the correct seating plug. The plug in my die is rounded, concave, so it is well suited to the 230 gr. 45 ACP RN projectiles I use. It leaves no mark on the projectile after seating.

Thanks again -

Bayou

The floating seating stem is internal, and can't be seen while in use. The adjusting stem is usually held tight in the threads by the o-ring so it doesn't move. Is your o-ring missing, by chance?

Thanks, sk -

I checked the die, and there is an o-ring in place. I thought I'd replace it with a new one to see if that helped. I've got tons of them, but not that size so no luck.

Thanks for the suggestion, though!

Bayou

Yep, what they all said, your ok Bayou...

Thanks, Larry -

Bayou

Hi, Guys -
Just FYI -

I called Lee and asked to purchase a new o-ring for this seating die. The CS service rep said she'd mail one out at no charge and no shipping.

Thought that was very nice of her, for sure!

Bayou

bayou wrote:Hi, Guys -
Just FYI -

I called Lee and asked to purchase a new o-ring for this seating die. The CS service rep said she'd mail one out at no charge and no shipping.

Thought that was very nice of her, for sure!

Bayou

Yep, outstanding customer service sure makes things a lot better.