Lee Die Question - Pacesetter vs. Deluxe?

[Dutch3]

I would like to start loading for a couple of old Mausers I have that are chambered in 7.62 NATO. The goal is to develop some accurate loads at lower pressures to go easy on the old girls.

I am looking at the Lee die sets. Their "deluxe" set includes a neck sizing die as well as a full length die. The "pacesetter" set does not include the neck die.

Which would be the better way to go? If I don't neck size, do I need to segregate the fired brass and load for a specific firearm?

Sorry for the newb questions, but I am just getting started in this.

[Briancnelson]

The pacesetter includes the Factory Crimp Die. Whether or not you crimp seems to be a matter of personal preference. I do, but for rifle I'm mostly reloading for a semi auto and a 30-06 hunting rifle, so I like the extra security factor of crimped ammunition. It doesn't noticeably change my accuracy.

Neck Sizing is one of those things that sounds great in practice, but really isn't that inspiring in practice either. Basically the theory is that the gun fire forms the brass, and you just manipulate the neck to achieve proper tension and seating. Supposedly this:

1) Reduces the amount you work the brass, and therefore extends brass life (true, to some extent, so far as I can tell); and
2) Increases accuracy (I haven't noticed any dramatic increase, if it does at all).

It ONLY works with bolt action rifles. You should never do this with a semi-auto. Nor should you fire neck sized ammunition in any gun other than the one you fired it from originally.

Thus, if you DO neck size, you'd segregate the brass from each rifle and load for a specific firearm.

If you DON'T neck size, you are full length sizing. This allows the ammunition to be used in virtually any gun chambered for that round. You do not need to segregate brass from different guns in this case, but you will probably want to sort by headstamp first before trimming and loading.

If you are seriously loading for semi-autos, you can consider a small base die set, which loads just a bit smaller so that it will be sure to chamber properly from a magazine.

There are also x dies, or their equivalents from other manufacturers, which supposedly use a mandrel to keep brass from getting longer during resizing, reducing the amount of trimming you do. I have not found them to work spectacularly well.

Basically, if you want to do the simplest possible loading that allows your ammunition to be used in any of your guns chambered in the same caliber, get the lee pacesetter kit. If you want to use the ammunition in a semi auto, or you intend to go hunting with it, or for any other reason it will be subject to being carried around in the gun or loose while you are hiking, etc, use the crimp die to insure the bullet stays where you seated it. If you are just range shooting it probably isn't necessary to crimp.

[Dutch3]

Thank you for the information, it has helped clear up some of my confusion. At this point, I am planning to load only for bolt guns.

[bumpo628]

I got the deluxe set because that gives me the choice of doing either operation. For range pickup brass, you need to full length resize it the first time. After that (for my bolt gun), I can just neck size it to make it last longer.

I don't think the FCD is necessary. None of the other die manufacturers seem to need it. Besides, it is sold separately so you can always buy it later if you find that you need it.

[xbimmers]

I would go with the LEE RBG dies. Great if you already have the case holder. Comes with a FL sizer and a seater with crimp. All you need IMO. Try that Lee lube as well.

RBG die 308

$13.48 plus shipping

https://fsreloading.com/html/xcart/cart.php

[Dutch3]

I got the deluxe set because that gives me the choice of doing either operation. For range pickup brass, you need to full length resize it the first time. After that (for my bolt gun), I can just neck size it to make it last longer.

Not much chance of range brass at the clay pits, as the brass ladies are on it pretty quick. I did get lucky the other day and picked up a bunch of .270 and .45ACP. Too bad I don't own anything in those calibers.

I would go with the LEE RBG dies. Great if you already have the case holder. Comes with a FL sizer and a seater with crimp. All you need IMO. Try that Lee lube as well.

I don't have the case holder. I don't even have a press at this point. Any of the Lee die sets seem to be a good value for the money, I was just curious as to the need for neck sizing or not for my intended use.

[gunboat]

Actually, you do not need a specific die to neck size. Just back of the full length die a mite and you ave a neck size die.
I agree with xbimmer - the rgb dies are fine for most general useage.

[mnguyen84]

deluxe. go go go

[ejhc11]

The Deluxe die is your best bet because you don't want to full length resize everytime with the Pacesetter die kit.

Deluxe die Set
1) Full length die: size new brass or brass from another rifle
2) Neck size die (collet die): use on brass fired from same specific rifle to be used on same rifle only

[kylemurdoc]

The collet neck sizer will allow you to fly through cases.

[Dutch3]

I ordered a deluxe set. I like having options.

[rsrocket1]

I ordered a deluxe set. I like having options.

Good choice. Use the full length die on used cases fired in other guns and to partially size cases when you need to bump the shoulder back after a few firings. Be sure to use a very thin layer of lube applied evenly all the way down the case, don't assume a big blob at the top will flow down to the base as you resize, it doesn't.

No need to use any lube when neck sizing only. The Lee neck sizing die uses 4 fingers to close in on the neck and there is no friction involved during the process.

If you need a FCD, you can buy that separately. I bought one for use in closing the flare when loading lead bullets.

[Excaliburr]

I enjoy the deluxe sets for the options. As one of the others said, you can back off a full length resizing die to do just the neck size, but that is another adjustment and takes precious time. I like to have my dies preset in a locked position, like the rcbs dies that have an allen screw. This way I can more quickly use the die the same way as before. All in all, I like the lee sets, but have found the rcbs dies to be a little better to quicken the reloading process. I purchased the rcbs deluxe rock chucker kit and have been happy with the results and quality. I will say that it takes some time to go through the learning curve. Be safe.

[Briancnelson]

One thing to note, even if you are doing neck sizing, you will want to do a full length resize every 2nd or 3rd time you reuse the brass. Otherwise you'll get shoulder creep.