Collet neck tension

[Newbie2020]

I’m loading 6.5cm

I FL size w a Hornady FL die w expander ball removed.

I then use a Lee collet die and getting 0.004” neck tension. I’m happy as neck tension is very consistent.

Is anyone using an oversized collet pin to get down to 0.0015-0.002” tension?

What are my options to get to 0.0015-0.002” tension?

Thanks!

 

[spife7980]

Your option is to order a larger collet from lee if you want to keep using that die. Or anneal so maybe they spring back less but that’s speculation.

But using the hornady with ball installed will work too.

 

[Newbie2020]

Thanks!

 

[wil_pt]

Try backing up your LCD 1/8 turn then measure. Repeat until you get your target neck tension.

 

[supercorndogs]

Get an expander mandrel or a body die. The Lee collet die is good for squeezing necks, not so much for expanding them. If you want the benefit s of the collet die, you are better off with a body die. With a body die and the LCD spring back will probably put you close to .002. Using it to expand, your spring back is going the other direction.

 

[Steel head]

Don’t expand necks with a Lee collet.
it’s certainly not designed for that.

I get .002 neck tension with my 7 saum and 260 collets.
I sanded my 223 stem for .004 neck tension.
This is with brass that’s in good condition.
Brass that needs annealed with throw things off.

 

[Newbie2020]

@supercorndogs and @Steel head what size expander mandrel is required to get to 0.0015-0.0020” tension, given spring back? For 6.5cm

 

[Steel head]

@supercorndogs and @Steel head what size expander mandrel is required to get to 0.0015-0.0020” tension, given spring back? For 6.5cm

I use a .262 on my 260.
springback is minimal as long as your brass I properly annealed.
I don’t chase a certain tension, just want a consistent tension.