Die Adjustment Cheat Sheet

[grant22]

I recently acquired a Lee single stage to use along with my Dillon 550. Using the two means I may or may not frequently be swapping dies back and forth.

Yes, I know there's lock rings and stuff to eliminate adjustments, but switching dies between different machines may still require adjustment.

So I made a cheat sheet to have at my bench area. Here it is, just copy, paste, and modify as needed. If I made any mistakes or you have suggestions, please let us all know.

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Dillon Rifle Dies
1) Full Length Sizing Die (use for semi-auto)
-In till touches shell plate
-Out 1 full turn, then make adjustments
2) Powder Die
-Start with bottom of die about flush with toolhead
-Adjust for full powder bar travel
3) Seating Die
-In till touches shell plate
-Out 2 full turns
-Then adjust the bullet seating stem to desired OAL
4) Crimp Die
-In till touches brass case
-In 1 full turn (or less to kiss brass)

Dillon Pistol DiesPowder Die
-In about half way
-Adjust for full powder bar travel & brass case flare
3) Seating Die
-With case and bullet, in till touches bullet and adjust to OAL
4) Crimp DieLee Rifle Dies
1) Full Length Sizing DieCollet Neck Sizing DieSeating DieFactory Crimp Die

[Divernhunter]

I just get Dillon dies for my Dillon XL650 and saved the RCBS dies I had for my single stage press. Then I have the dies set up for the different presses all the time without adjustments. IF you have lee dies then scrap the so called lock rings and get real ones that will not move once set such as RCBS/Hornady/Lyman/Redding rings. The split type rings are best.

[30Cal]

I'd toss the guesswork and get a gage for the FL sizing die so you can really tell what's going on. Especially if you're mixing dies and shellholders.

[grant22]

I use a case gauge.

The cheat sheet is for basic and initial adjustment. Basically, for me, the cheat sheet is so I don't have to go refer to the instructions every time I adjust a die. Pretty much all dies by different brands adjust differently.

[Flyin Brian]

Good idea, I've though about making one too, since I swap dies back and forth on my progressive and my SS. Thanks for sharing yours