FNG reloader Question About Cam Over and Die Setup

[bronco_buster]

I picked up a Lyman Crusher kit, Lee Deluxe dies, and started reloading some 223 to cut my teeth on the process. I've read two reloading manuals (Lyman, hornady) but I have a question that specifically relates to the CAM OVER of the press and where to correctly set the dies. The lee instructions on the neck sizing die states to turn it an additional 2 turns once it touches the shell holder to avoid the cam over and allow appropriate "feel" of the collet sizer. My question is where the full length and bullet seating dies should be set? Should they be set to contact the shell plate at the peak of the ram's travel prior to camming, or turned in so it can't cam over? I assume it should be allowed to cam over shouldn't it? Any tips appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Rookie]

Re: FNG reloader Question About Cam Over and Die Setup

Never used a collet die so that could be the difference. For me, I prefer to allow cam over. That way, sizing or seating depth is not affected by how much pressure you put on the handle. Additionally, it reduces stress to your press.

 

[bronco_buster]

Re: FNG reloader Question About Cam Over and Die Setup

I'm just looking for some assistance on where the dies should be set on a can over press...screw in to touch the shell plate? Is it safe to follow the "screw in an additional 1/2 turn instructions? anybody?

 

[USW.260]

Re: FNG reloader Question About Cam Over and Die Setup

Touch the shell plate at the point where the ram reaches the top right before it cams over. You will see it come up and then "jump up and fall" thats the cam over. Do this a few times and watch it real close you will see it. Now move the die in and touch it to the shell plate if the shell plate has any room to move up and down make sure its down. Now with the seater die move the depth adjument out and run the ram through the cam over and move the bullet in a little at a time until you reach the seating depth for your round. And one more really important bit of advice...use other dies than Lee, this is my advise. If your loading for an AR RCBS has a new die set out that is made just for AR rifles. Anyways good luck. Oh I use Hornady equipment and love it.