Lee 45-75 reloading dies

hhughh · February 16, 2011, 05:22:34 AM

I posted about this the first time I tried them, but last night tried again, and the problem is worse.

With the resizing/decapping die, the case, now, will NOT go into the die, a severe "fight" to attempt to get it in, then holy terror to try to remove it. Last night, never did get it to the point of the shell holder reaching the die. Did manage to get it far enough to have the primer engaged and then removed.

I've reloaded other calibers with Lee for several years now, and never a problem. I lubed the cases, etc. and followed proper procedure, the die just won't accept the case.

Only did one case, as it's extremely scarred now. I have checked my chamber, and it's not the "Uberti" chamber, but WCF, so that's not the problem. I'm thinking I just need to break down and buy more expensive dies. Any other suggestions would be appreciated, as I don't want to be wasting any of this brass.

Oh, they're Jamison cases, from Buffalo Arms. Bought the loaded (BP) rounds from BACO, fired them, reloaded once---it was a struggle then, but the cases did eventually go through--and these are the twice-fired cases.

Thanks,
Hugh

CavSoldier3ACR · February 16, 2011, 03:04:32 PM

I wish I knew what to advise. I have not had any problems with my Lee dies. You may want to contact Lee and get their guidance.

hhughh · February 16, 2011, 04:21:21 PM

OK, an update. Called and talked to Dave/David at Lee. He suggested it was the lube I was using (spray on type). I went and got a tub of the "rub on" type, and the die will take a case now. Still pretty rough unless there's just an un-Godly amount of the stuff on it. I've always heard an excess of lube was not good, can dent, etc. but so far no dents.

Do any of y'all find so much lube is required on Jamison brass? I had mentioned earlier that I had done some other reloading. I've reloaded Winch, R-P, Starline, and Federal brass so far. This is the first time it's taken so much. Is it the size of the case?

Thanks for the help, Soldier.

Hugh

Hobie · February 22, 2011, 04:46:17 PM

I've used Imperial wax, the RCBS spray-on and good old RCBS tube lube on the pad with equal success in my Lee dies. I will likely be getting a set of RCBS dies so that I can use my powder compression stem. It is my experience that you need to thoroughly clean those dies and then try the new lube. I'm talking to the point of lubed "buffing" with lubed 0000 steel wool on a wood shaft with an electric drill. Where there is friction (particularly EXCESSIVE friction) there is roughness.

Cimarron · February 22, 2011, 07:02:11 PM

Hugh,
I don't know what to advise. I have never used LEE products. That's not to say they arn't good, as my nephew has used them for years without problems. I have never used anygthing but RCBS lube on a lube pad. I am using the Jamison brass lightly rolled on my RCBS lube pad and then resized in RCBS Legacy .45-75 dies. I have noticed the resizing die is vented to help prevent case denting. I bought my RCBS dies from Midway last year when RCBS had their $10 rebate program going. I think they were $35-$37 after rebate.

larryo_1 · February 24, 2011, 02:05:59 PM

I got a bottle of RCBS lube alot of years ago and when that ran out, I took a good look at it and decided that STP was the same stuff and that is what I have been using in that bottle ever since. Using the same old stamp pad too. The stuff works so why change. Just figgured I'd pass this tidbit on.

Stu Kettle · February 24, 2011, 02:14:54 PM

I use Lee dies for .45-70 7 have an assortment of brass, but never use Jamison - I do know that some brass is harder to resize than others. I have one of those RCBS lube pads, but haven't used it in years. My favorite case lube these days is mink oil. yep, same kind you put on yer boots. Mine is Kiwi brand - very slick, wipes off easy, cheap & lasts a long time.

Rebel Dave · February 25, 2011, 01:30:43 AM

Hugh
I only use LEE case lube, the kind that comes in a tube. I have mostly all Lee dies, and have not had any touble with them. Make sure the cases are clean on the out side , along with the dies on the inside. Just put a small amount of the Lee lube on your finger, and roll it all over the case. Try it, it might just be the trick.

Rebel Dave