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+--- Thread: Lee 3 die set (/showthread.php?tid=21510)
Lee 3 die set - NightStalker - 06-24-2020
I found a Lee 3 die set on amazon for 6.5 Grendel wondering if anyone has used them to reload?
Lee 3 die set - A5BLASTER - 06-24-2020
The search feature here on the fourm will turn up a bunch of threads about Lee dies.
Lee 3 die set - FLshooter - 06-25-2020
I have a friend who uses the tree Shepley dies.For the same price , get the Hornady 2 die set.
Lee 3 die set - NightStalker - 06-25-2020
I wanted and went looking for RCBS dies but cant find them, but ill keep looking
Lee 3 die set - FLshooter - 06-25-2020
Midsouth shooters has them. $39.81
Lee 3 die set - Sinclair - 06-25-2020
NightStalker, more expensive is not always better, but cheaper is seldom just as good. There is a reason why Lee dies are cheaper than the rest. I have always had to compromise between price and quality and have bought Lee dies in the past. It has bitten my back side more times than I care to admit. When the dies fail to produce the quality of ammunition that you require, you have saved nothing. As has been said, the 6.5 Grendel is a hunting cartridge with target shooting accuracy. If you want to get the most out of your rifle, then you will need the highest quality reloads possible. Accuracy is a game, it is called consistency. You find what works best in your rifle and you repeat it. Poor quality dies will not do.
Reloading dies are an investment. Buy the highest quality that you can afford, I do not believe that you will regret it. I believe there might be a survey on another discussion of which brands are the most popular. Good luck.
Lee 3 die set - NightStalker - 06-25-2020
Thanks guys I appreciate the advice. Ive always had great luck with rcbs so ill check them out
Lee 3 die set - 1Shot - 06-25-2020
It is just like purchasing a car. You can get a bad one from any maker. To lump Lee dies with "they are junk, or you can not get accurate ammo by using them" is VERY UNFAIR and untrue. I have been hand loading for over 40 years now and I have used about every makers dies. Actually I have had more problems with RCBS dies than any make. I use a good number of Lee's dies and I get very accurate ammo. I have been using the Lee dies for the 6.5 Grendel and once I found what my rifles want to shoot the ammo is as accurate as the shooter is. As others have stated, in some of the 6.5 Grendel Lee die observations, I have had after 5 or 6 loadings of some Hornady cases that the neck's crack but others last for may more loadings. This could be due to over working the neck by the neck being sized down a little more than actually needed but it could also be that I don't anneal the necks either. Now I will agree that some of the Lee equipment is cheesy and you should stay away for it but I don't lump their dies into this category. With that being said it seems that people are not having ANY issues with the Hornady die set for the 6.5 Grendel. I bought a set of Hornady 6.5 Grendel dies to see if there is any difference in loading with them and the Lee but I have not had the time to do this yet. In case you don't know the third die in the Lee set is a Factory Crimp Die. As for me I have been using it with the Grendel and some other calibers and from extensive testing I get better accuracy by using it mainly with rifles that have long throats where the bullet needs to jump a mile to the lands. I mainly use what I call a medium crimp. With semi autos it just makes me feel better knowing that I have a bit more security against bullet being shoved back into the case during the operation. I tried some 100 gr Sierra HP bullets without using the crimp in one of my Grendel's and I had bullet jam and set back. But it comes down to each will choose what they choose for what ever reason. Some may be like a fellow that I know that worked for Ford. He told me that he would rather walk and carry a Ford hubcap than drive any other make. Hope you have good luck with what ever you choose.
Lee 3 die set - riuma - 06-25-2020
I use Lee Dies in my bolt guns. If you can't get accurate ammo using them, it's not the dies fault.~Riuma
Lee 3 die set - olde sarge - 06-25-2020
I agree with 1Shot. I have dies from Lee and several sets of RCBS dies in different calibers and see no difference in them. Big fan of the Lee collet dies for my bolt actions. Most of what I have are more than 30 yrs old so the quality may have changed. Have been lazy and used factory ammo for my Grendels so can not speak for Grendel dies specifically.
Lee 3 die set - SDW - 06-25-2020
I've been using Lee dies for all my various calibers for years, being a cheap SOB. I am considering buying up to something better for my Grendel though, based on what I keep reading here on this forum. Regarding some of Lee's other equipment, I recall reading a review of one of Lee's progressive loaders I think, on MidwayUSA, years ago. Someone nailed it and I'm paraphrasing it here, "The problem with Lee equipment is that the function relies heavily on the friction settings between plastic parts." That is so true. Or was anyway a few years ago. So much of their product is made from injection molded plastic. And also, cast aluminum pieces.