Lee powder through die

[Collo Rosso]

Anybody use them? Looking into adding them to a turret press for 9mm and 45acp. Do these have a good range of adjustment? Reason I ask is I load coated bullets and had trouble with a Lyman expanding die not getting enough flare and shaving bullets.
Also, can I adapt a RCBS uniflow to it? Thanks.

 

[arjay]

They really don't have enough adjustment IMO,but I use them for 44s and 38s and they work ok.There's an adapter for the uniflow available,I've seen them on eBay.

 

[Trooperdan]

I use Lee dies in a Lee classic turret in 9 mm, .38/357 and ,45ACP/GAP. The powder expanding dies works well EXCEPT I cannot get enough flair on .38's. I just ordered a replacement for that die and if it doesn't work I'll be in contact with Lee support, they have always been helpful in the past.

 

[ageingstudent]

I've always been able to get enough flair for lead, coated, and plated with mine. I thought the expander was a little sticky so I polished them with some flitz and they stay smooth much longer. Less brass buildup on them. I've taken to polishing all my working parts with flitz. Everything picks up less gunk that way.

 

[ageingstudent]

I use Lee dies in a Lee classic turret in 9 mm, .38/357 and ,45ACP/GAP. The powder expanding dies works well EXCEPT I cannot get enough flair on .38's. I just ordered a replacement for that die and if it doesn't work I'll be in contact with Lee support, they have always been helpful in the past.

That's interesting. I can flair mine too much even with a .358 projectile.

Ft. Bragg? I did a few years there in the late 80's. Snakes and chiggers eesh.

 

[Bugkiller99]

I was having problems with my 44 loads, as I use a .431 diameter LSWC on my Model 29. Same problem the OP had. Went to a RCBS cowboy die set.
Yes, you can put a RCBS uniflow on a Lee Classic Turrent Press. Use the case activated linkage system, but they are not cheap. Look for a used one out there, maybe on for sale forum here, but they go quick. Midway, and others have them cheaper than RCBS.
You may have to either seat/crimp in one step, or size/prime brass first to use this arrangement. I do the first one, and have had success.
Case Activated Linkage Kit - RCBS
Edit: After rereading you post, I realized you may have been asking about using the Uniflow WITH the Lee die. I've not tried it, but there is a product to do just that. The Perfect Adapter™
If you use it, let us know how it works for you.

 

[johngalt]

I've always been able to get enough flair for lead, coated, and plated with mine. I thought the expander was a little sticky so I polished them with some flitz and they stay smooth much longer. Less brass buildup on them. I've taken to polishing all my working parts with flitz. Everything picks up less gunk that way.

I used to use the lee expander die, and also found it very rough, especially the .45 ACP die. I read somewhere that this is intentional, to shake the powder measure and make the powder drops more consistent. Before upgrading to the Hornady LNL, I started lubing my .45 brass because it got so bad.

 

[ageingstudent]

I used to use the lee expander die, and also found it very rough, especially the .45 ACP die. I read somewhere that this is intentional, to shake the powder measure and make the powder drops more consistent. Before upgrading to the Hornady LNL, I started lubing my .45 brass because it got so bad.

I've read that also, but I find it works just fine without the sticky pop. IMOP it's better in fact.

 

[Boogsawaste]

I've read the same about the pop.

I run a uniflow with hornady case activated linkage on my Lee classic cast turret for 38's. But the set is expensive and I use the regular Lee powder through dies on other calibers.

The only one I don't like too much is the 9mm. It expands to .354 and I'd rather have it a little narrower for plated and jacketed. For those I don't even expand or flare, I just slowly seat them. I'd like to invest in a universal flare die.

 

[daboone]

NOE makes powder thru expander plugs that are great for cast and PC coated bullets. Here's a link that Ranch Dog started over on NOE about their use and why cast bullet need these improved inserts. NOE Powder Through Expander Die Plugs

 

[rsrocket1]

The Lee 9mm PTX die is good for plated and jacketed bullets, but does not expand deep enough if you want to load 0.358" diameter cast bullets. A Lyman "M" die is better. If you want to go the cheap route, you can use a PTX plug for 38 S&W in the 9mm die for only $3 or if you load 38/357 you can use the plug from that expander die but you need to make a spacer out of a piece of dowel or PVC pipe to make the plug longer and reach the shorter 9mm case.

You can see in this picture how the stock 9mm plug won't expand the case deep enough to prevent swaging of softer lead bullets and that the 38/357 plug body is short.

Remember to put the standard 9mm plug back into the PTX die when loading plated or jacketed bullets. Otherwise you won't have enough neck tension to hold the bullet in the case.

 

[BC38]

I use 6 sets of them for 380, 9mm, 38 sp, 357 mag, 44 sp, & 44 mag.
No problems with any of them. All 6 sets have enough adjustment to go from shaving lead all the way to bullets dropping clear into the case.

 

[noylj]

I don't have any problems getting all the flare I want.
I do use the .38/.357 or the .38 S&W for 9x19 with lead bullets.
I wish sometimes I could visit folks with problems I don't have so I can see why--either theirs isn't like mine or we are doing something different.
I have been perfectly happy with all the caliber/cartridge specific PTE from Lee, Hornady, and Dillon (just that little issue with lead bullets and 9x19, 9x21, and .38 Super cases).

 

[Rule3]

I don't have any problems getting all the flare I want.
I do use the .38/.357 or the .38 S&W for 9x19 with lead bullets.
I wish sometimes I could visit folks with problems I don't have so I can see why--either theirs isn't like mine or we are doing something different.
I have been perfectly happy with all the caliber/cartridge specific PTE from Lee, Hornady, and Dillon (just that little issue with lead bullets and 9x19, 9x21, and .38 Super cases).

I would also. I have probably 12 or more calibers with the PTD and have loaded every form/shape of bullet, lead, FMJ coated whatever and have no issue with any of them.

It's a mystery

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I load handgun ammo on a Lee Turret press using a Pro Auto-Disk mounted on a Lee powder through die. The only coated bullet I'm loading right now is a 124gr 9mm bullet and have had no problems expanding the case enough.

 

[vanman1]

Currently loading 9mm,380 and have just begun 32auto cast and jacketed. Flaring has never been a problem with lee die on a lee loadmaster. Originally I had planned to use a hornady measure with linkage. Instead bought the new lee auto drum, with chain reset, and am thrilled with it's consistency. Here's a question for you all, maybe dumb. What is the advantage of a coated cast bullet? Is it used on only soft lead? Have read from mfr that a hard cast will not leave leading in barrel.
I enjoyed my time at Bragg, 70-73. Just wish I hadn't given up golf.

 

[Collo Rosso]

Going to give it a try. Ordered 9mm and a 45acp powder through dies and found a adapter on Ebay that lets me put my uniflow on top of the Lee dies. In theory it reduces swings of the handle and speeds things up. Yes, I know, still not a progressive.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

I use 3 of the through the die powder dies. I have a Lee powder measure on one, a Pacific and a RCBS on the two.