Custom Lee Collet dies

[Luke45]

Anyone had luck sending in fire formed brass to lee and having them make a custom collet die? I saw on thier websight that you could do it for 50-60 $

[bootsmcguire]

I would do it for a couple of my wildcats, but last I heard they were not taking custom orders due to being so back logged with regular production.

I love my Lee Collet Dies. What chambering do you need them for?

[Luke45]

I would do it for a couple of my wildcats, but last I heard they were not taking custom orders due to being so back logged with regular production.

I love my Lee Collet Dies. What chambering do you need them for?
280 ackley. any suggestions?

[Savage6x284]

I've modified standard LCD's to size many different non-standard cartridges.
If the cartridge you wish to size is shorter than the standard offerings it's very easy to do on a lathe. For example, the 6.5x55 LCD can be modified to size the 6.5 Lapua or Creedmoor.
If the cartridge is longer than the standard offering then it becomes more complex but I have done these too. For example, the 6.5x55 can be modified to size the .264 Winchester Magnum.
Anyone with a lathe and a modicum of skill can do it easily.

[Savage6x284]

280 ackley. any suggestions?

The 7RM LCD can be modified to size the .280AI.

[Savage6x284]

The critical dimension is the length of the cartridge from the base to the neck/shoulder junction.

[Luke45]

Interesting, ill need to look into that if there isnt an easier option! any other neck sizing options for 280 ai that arent collet dies that would work?

[Savage6x284]

Interesting, ill need to look into that if there isnt an easier option! any other neck sizing options for 280 ai that arent collet dies that would work?

Very few if any work better than the superb LCD's.

[Savage6x284]

I'd modify a LCD for you for $20 +$5 for return shipping.

I'll need three cases and at least three bullets along with the standard production LCD of course.

[Hotolds442]

For neck sizing only, a 284 Winchester FL size die shoud work.

[bootsmcguire]

Click Here (http://leeprecision.com/collet-dies-7mm-express.html) I think these may just to the trick. The standard Collet Dies traditionally work with the Ackley Improved Versions. the only exception I have run across is using 22 Hornet Collet dies on the 22 K-Hornet. That required a modification to the shellholder.

[Luke45]

Click Here (http://leeprecision.com/collet-dies-7mm-express.html) I think these may just to the trick. The standard Collet Dies traditionally work with the Ackley Improved Versions. the only exception I have run across is using 22 Hornet Collet dies on the 22 K-Hornet. That required a modification to the shellholder.

thanks alot guys. so a standard collet die wont bumb the shoulder on a ackley case?

[bootsmcguire]

I have used them on the 243AI using 243 dies, the 22-250AI using 22-250 dies, and I know other members here use the 260 dies for 260AI, 25-06 dies for 25-06AI, and many more.

They have tons of clearance around the shoulder area inside the collet, to the shoulder angle is not terribly important. Obviously there are limits, but the AI shoulder should clear fine.

[Savage6x284]

Boots is right, the LCD for the parent cartridge most always works fine on the AI version.

I don't recall if the .280 Rem is one of Lee's standard offerings though.

[Werewolf]

I think Lee still calls it the 7mm express

[TC260]

A 280 LCD works for the 280 AI. That's what I use. For other cases sometimes I don't even bother modifying the die. For a 6.5 Jap I just use a 260 Rem LCD. It only sizes half the neck but that can be a good thing for accuracy and the bullets are only seated about halfway in the neck anyway. Same situation using a 35 Rem LCD to size 357 Herrett cases.

[Luke45]

A 280 LCD works for the 280 AI. That's what I use. For other cases sometimes I don't even bother modifying the die. For a 6.5 Jap I just use a 260 Rem LCD. It only sizes half the neck but that can be a good thing for accuracy and the bullets are only seated about halfway in the neck anyway. Same situation using a 35 Rem LCD to size 357 Herrett cases.

Aweswome thanks alot! I dont think im ever going to own another rifle based off a 30-06 or 308 case thats non ackley ever again