Lee’s instructions can be confusing when it comes to
the setup of their pistol reloading die sets. But you need to consider that
these dies are used in a variety of presses.
This is our way of setting Lee pistol reloading dies…tried
and tested over thousands of reloads.
As always follow safe reloading practices.
Handgun Carbide Sizing Die Setup.
The first die you must setup and the most important to
set up on a progressive reloading press.
480BC Tip- Clean your cases before you attempt to reload. Dirt
will damage your reloading dies.
480BC Tip- While not necessary to use case lube with a carbide
sizing die it does make reloading easier especially on a progressive press.
Raise your ram/carrier to the top and hold.
Turn the die in until it touches the shell
holder/shell plate.
Secure the lock ring.
Very Important additional step for these presses.
Six Pack Pro, 2023 Pro1000, Pro4000.
Lower the ram and screw the sizing die 1/3 more in.
480BC Tip- On the Six Pack Pro it is not always necessary for the
additional 1/3 turn. I only turn in enough to size the case completely, this is
checked with a case gauge or doing a plunk test. Make sure the press stops on
the handle stops at the top of the stroke.
Breech Lock Challenger III. Older Pro1000’s and Load Master.
Lower the ram and screw the sizing die 1/4 more in.
Secure the lock ring or breech lock bushing.
480BC Tip- if you are using the Smart Lock Bushings use a ¾”
(19) spanner on the die body to adjust the die.
Notes:
Check that you are correctly sizing the case by using
a case gauge or doing a plunk test. Adjust the die as needed but be very
careful not to interfere with the linkage stops of your press.
The decapping pin is retained by a collet. Should it
be overstressed by a berdan or undersized flash hole it should simply slide up.
This is not always set at the factory.
To setup or reset, loosen the decapper clamp and
position the decapping pin flush with clamp end and retighten. Test until you
are able to decap a normal primer without the decapping pin moving and the decapping
pin sliding up when overstressed.
You need a ½” (13) and ¾” (19) spanner to do this.
This will take a few tries but will save you decapping
pins.
Remember decapping pins are wear items and you should
always keep a spare on hand.
1.6mm undersized decapping pins are available to accommodate
undersized flash hole cases like S&B NX.
480BC Tip- replace the pistol decapper with a rifle decapper
like the 223 model. These are longer lasting.
