Budget Precision .223: Sizing and Case Prep

[@kevinwilkinson2005]

I have the same setup. But that little notch on the bushing is there for a reason. It's made to lock the bushing in position with the little button on the top of the press.

[@captainjayc9217]

According to LEE instruction on this press, it say "After dies are set, they can be installed so the lock groove does not line up with the lock button, allowing you to install and remove die without depressing the lock button." Therefore, this is optional to line up the lock groove with the lock button. Actually I have decided to do just like what Gavin has done. I need to turn the bushing clockwise or counter-clockwise to eliminate all the "play". In my case press, there is a 1-mm up-and-down and left-and-right movement if I setup the bushing in a way that the lock groove lines up with the lock button. Turning the bushing like what Gavin has done eliminates the "play". Seem like this may be what we need to do in order to use a low cost press to do precision shooting.

[@danielwharrison]

Really loving this series, I seem to find myself linking the first video to not only showcase the TC Compass accuracy, as well as an inexpensive entry setup for budget friendly reloading. Great series, and as always, great work Gavin. I appreciate the hard work you do. Just picked up the inline fabrication ultra mount because of your videos for the Dillon 550. The quick mount for it and the super swage 600 really cleaned up my bench.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback, and glad you are getting setup with a killer equipment package!

[@captainjayc9217]

Thanks for showing how to setup the bushing onto the LEE Challenger Breech Lock press. I notice that you turn the bushing clockwise in a way that the lock groove of the bushing doesn't line up with the lock button of press. I don't know why you choose to do this. But this works for me. I find that if I turn the bushing either clockwise or counter-clockwise (hand tight only), I will find a spot where the bushing will sit tight on the press. In my case, if I didn't do this, the bushing would have had quite a bit of horizontal and vertical movements. I doubt all these movements help precision shooting. Thanks again for showing me the trick. BTW, LEE instruction that comes with the press says that this is OK not to line up the lock groove with the lock button. Therefore, I don't see any downside of doing this to make it sits tight on the press.

[@kaptkrunchfpv]

Quick change bushing has a locking notch and button.

[@haroldcook2146]

Hallelujah, someone finally showed the use of a case length gage. But only on the first case? Honestly, every case needs to be gaged.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Harold- that sounds like a LOT of overkill to me :) Perhaps if you switch brass brands check then :)

[@charliebrown2489]

When full length sizing for a semi automatic it's not a bad idea to check them if the case doesn't fall out when flipped over it's probably not going to feed correctly

[@dirtydan3029]

If you were into scrapping you could recycle the spent primers. I probably have 5 pounds of spent primers in a small tupperware i want to melt. Most of it is from resizing once fired cases. Brass also has a lot of copper so if you knew how to seperate the copper you could make some bullion as a little side bonus of reloading

[@stickfighter1038]

Good video showing that you can load good ammo on a budget. I still use my Lee Challenger Press a lot even after getting a RCBS and a Hornady AP Press.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Well said!

[@markmtbrider]

Just getting into reloading. I have brand new brass. Should I load it with junk bullets and minimum powder to fire form ? Using an AR platform, heavy varmint barrel

[@JohnSchenck]

GREAT video!- wish this had been here a year ago when I bought my Lee single stage and a budget bolt 223 rifle! Been a great learning experience for me. I recently bought a classic turret and have been learning this press too. I have a bunch of Hornady brass that has been through my bolt gun now and am ready to try my hand at neck only sizing. Rifle is a Savage 12FV in 223 (also a good budget precision rifle IMO)

[@Ultimatereloader]

Awesome rifle, and have fun with the next steps in loading!

[@dannylee5588]

Do those cutters and trimmers last? Do you have to buy the whole kit when they wear out?? Good job on your videos your a natural!

[@kassilewis5511]

If you are using a. Lee collet neck die there is really no need for lube. The collet squeezes the neck around the collet and when you raise the handle it lets go. There isn't any dragging force like a bushing die.

[@Davie272]

The one component I can not find anywhere along with everyone else is primers

[@chevy6299]

Almost bought the Lee Quick Trim last year and after seeing you use it wish I had =(

[@rwcraver]

I don't think you can beat the simplicity. The Little Crow 'Worlds Finest Trimmer' is pretty sweet too. Gavin has demonstrated it as well. I'm just setting up shop now, the Deluxe Breechlock kit seems a great bang for the buck accessory-wise.

[@chevy6299]

Yup had thought about that one too. I shoot very little rifle and that is the reason I did buy either one.

[@kevinokeefe7796]

I have the lee and can’t get it to trim for crap measurements all over the place

[@HollywoodMGB3]

Thank you another great video. Would you recommend sizing and deprimeing, or just deprimeing before tumble clean the brass?

[@ryanw7673]

I don't think you need any lube for the lee collar die. It does not have an expander ball, and nothing is touching the inside of the case mouth. Also, not sure why you need to tighten the lee bushing. The little notch on the bushing it to lock it to the black detent and ensure the die setup remains the same every time.

[@ktmracer3587]

the neck die uses a collet and does not require lube.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Good catch, lube is optional!

[@ktmracer3587]

gavintoobe no problem just trying to save you some time.

[@kolt46]

I have used lee's collet neck dies for thousands of rounds. You are correct on the no lube. The collets compress the necks to the mandrel with very little friction to the brass. The only place lube (grease) is needed is the internals of the die itself where the collets are compressed into the upper cone part.

[@JohnSchenck]

Still need lube on the inside of the case mouth otherwise the sizer/ decap rod might stick in the case (ask me how I know!) - true ?

[@mitchalvin]

@@JohnSchenck No the inside does not need lube as the decap rod does not expand the case

[@cs_yt]

I also uniform the flash hole and primer pocket.

[@darrellsmith1973]

I'm new to the reloading world and I was wondering if you would recommend lake city brass over any other 223 brass?

[@Tyrant2225]

That's the same lee kit I got. Need a budget Precision 7mm Remington magnum setup.

[@mikepierson5239]

What in-line fabrication base did you use with that lee press kit. I’m researching the best beginner setup and going to buy the same kit. Love the simplicity and the price

[@emeryemond7904]

ANOTHER great video, THANKS ! Question - when you lube inside of neck with a q tip, how do you keep powder from sticking to the inside of the neck ???

[@KY4BDP-TinyFangorn]

I also bought the Centerpoint scope. Mine requires a lot of light and is susceptible to sunlight preventing a good sight picture, so may need a sunshade. I wonder how your is performing. I do like the illuminated reticle and parallax adjustment.

[@Ultimatereloader]

I haven't tried the illuminated reticle yet, but love the idea for twilight coyote hunting and what not- mine looks great in sunlight- but will check looking towards the sun to see how bad it washes out...

[@DangerClose13E]

No mention of crimp removal?

[@canuckloyalist4681]

What is with the bushing, does the press or the dies have a non standard thread?

[@ryanc629]

hey Gavin, as a new subscriber I'm really impressed by your knowledge. I want to start reloading but I'm intimidated by the process. did you have someone who taught you the basics? or did you just research and go for it? also, am I right to be cautious about getting started reloading myself?

[@cs_yt]

Go for it, it isn't rocket science, just have attention to detail and do it slow at the beginning. What I did was starting with something less complex (38 special), then moved up to 223 and 6.5 Creedmore.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Agreed- just be super-careful and check everything (load data, etc) 3x before committing to a load and shooting them. You'll be just fine!

[@ryanc629]

thx guys!

[@silentbob267]

Most reloading manuals have a lot of good information in them about the basics of reloading and being safe about it as well as load data for most standard cartridges. You should really pick up at least two different ones and read the reloading section in all of them. There are several good ones to choose from, some beginner press kits even include a reloading manual. It is recommended to check at least three sources for load data on a cartridge you want to load and it's best to go by the one with the lower published values for a particular bullet/powder combination to be on the safe side because occasionally a starting load in one manual can exceed max load in a different manual with the same bullet and powder combination. You could get three reloading manuals or look up the third value online whichever is more convenient. Aside from that there are plenty of good videos here on youtube that can help you out if you get stuck.

[@stuartbrazile]

I'd recommend starting with a single station setup like the one in this video. There are a LOT of constant adjustments to keep a 5 station progressive purring, which can be intimidating for a new loader. Once you master the process then consider a progressive press.

[@timross7046]

How would you bump your neck in with this neck only sizing

[@pareloader5989]

That LEE lube your using says NOT to lube the shoulder of the case.

[@jamiesloan5902]

It's nice to see someone using "budget" equipment, to shoot tight groups. I have 2 Savage Axis rifles, that shoot great. I also have a Center Point scope on one of them.

[@pewpeww556]

He also conceal carries a hi point.

[@thormusique]

Excellent, Gavin, thanks! Silly newbie question, but how did you know that the cases wouldn't require additional trimming?

[@Ultimatereloader]

You can see it in the case gage check (2nd part of checks) and I also measured with a digital caliper when preparing for the video. The cases are 1.740" before firing, and after firing/sizing (neck only) had only grown a few thousandths...

[@thormusique]

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks very much!

[@jamnow9779]

Thanks for the great info ... Having a rough time finding small rifle primers ,, Can I use small pistol primers ... Yes I`m reloading 223 .. Thanks

[@jasoncown]

No, only use the designed primer for the designated cartridge. Wait for primers to come in stock, it will take a long time for things to settle down.

[@jamnow9779]

@@jasoncown thanks

[@jamessween]

You don't need to lube any of your brass, just make sure you are using a carbide die. And what you are doing is very very slow. Why not speed things up by going progressive prepping? I know it cost, and your point is Budget case prep. And that is good. But you really do not have to waste time lubing them necks if you jus start with carbide dies. But very nice work on your video, I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing. Thumbs up to ya!

[@reggiesterns2583]

I know there are carbide lined dies for pistol. I do not think there are carbide lined dies for rifle. Do you know something I don't, James?

[@ZERO_42069]

Reggie Sterns dillion makes carbide dies for rifles but they’re expensive and you still need lube

[@junmadrid2010]

Lee does not recommend lube using its neck sizing die...

[@joejr9653]

How do you decide whether to neck only size or full length size? Could you just full length size all the time? I presume that also does the neck sizing too.

[@charliebrown2489]

Neck sizing is for a bolt action full length sizing is for semi automatic

[@Mark-pp2ty]

Hi Gavin. Which single stage do you recommend for 6.5 cm. Thank you for the video. Good job as always

[@Enlowra]

A bit late but my lee single stage works just as fine as my rcbs rock chucker and my Lyman. I've never noticed the press itself effecting the groups, but mostly your case prep and bullet seating

[@Homebrew58]

I thought the quick change bushing was supposed to index the notch on the bushing with the button on the press??

[@Ultimatereloader]

Se my reply to the other commenter- there's two options: lock to the press (if you want to leave bushing in press and screw in/out dies), or don't lock to the press for quick and easy die swaps with bushings attached to the dies.

[@DTWCT]

It appears you're setting up the sizing die for sammi spec. For any new reloaders watching this, you should be reloading for your guns chamber. Get yourself a bump gauge. Fire formed brass only needs a 3-4 thousandths shoulder bump for semi auto and 1-2 thousandths bump for bolt action to be able to rechamber in your gun. Anything more and you're over working the brass

[@joshwideman7487]

Does brand new factory brass need any sizing/ prep before loading the first time?

[@Ultimatereloader]

No, but you can run an expander ball through the case neck if there's any deformation to help with consistent bullet seating.

[@TALLA300CforumZ]

Lee Quick Trim is not bad but u have to be carfull the chamfer deburr blades get stuck sometimes and mess up ur brass

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thanks for the heads-up- I'll watch out for that!

[@TALLA300CforumZ]

you welcome try to use some lube on the lee trimmer it helps to keep the blades from getting stuck

[@ScottPriestley]

@gavintoobe How do you set the COAL when using the on-press trimmer?

[@charliebrown2489]

By turning the plastic ring on it and if you trim .300 blackout you take off the metal ring lee also makes a power deluxe quick trim for a electric screwdriver

[@roquri]

Sticking to the "budget" theme, why are you using starline brass instead of 1x range brass? I love starline, only brass I use in my handguns. But I can in no way see 223 brass being a higher price than 44 mag or 45 Colt.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Personally, I think it's worth the spend since this is a precision series, but previously-fired bass would be an interesting twist to the story...

[@gruntspy44]

Gavin are you keeping away from the powdercoat craze?

[@Ultimatereloader]

Can you elaborate?

[@gruntspy44]

gavintoobe alot of people are powdercoating hardcast bullets. Are you avoiding that?

[@Ultimatereloader]

Vanilla Gorilla I've read about it, but haven't looked into it closely yet! Good suggestion.

[@hellcatchuck2723]

What table is that?

[@zanpekosak2383]

I will buy this reloading kit. Our progressive presses are always 200€ more expencive than american ones. But this is the only one U can buy for 250€ here.

[@godfreypay-yac5439]

Where to buy

[@Ultimatereloader]

Midsouth Shooters Supply

[@RyanMcIntyre]

Lee makes some really clever stuff, but I wouldn't be trimming on my press like that. First off, that looks like an ergonomic nightmare, say hello to carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. Secondly, the last thing I want near my press is metal chips. I own plenty of Lee gear, I'm not a hater.

[@Caveman01384]

You might want to re-check your set up directions again

[@Ultimatereloader]

?

[@Ultimatereloader]

Can you be more specific?

[@Ultimatereloader]

You can actually install it both ways- the locking feature is for when you want to use it like a press without quick change. From the instruction manual: "After your dies are set, they can be installed so that the lock groove does not line up with the lock button.This allows you to install and remove the die without depressing the lock button."

[@JohnSchenck]

I will offer this feedback - I was using my 223 full length resizing die with the quick change just turned in (but not locked in the button. Got to a somewhat dry case and put a lot of pressure, popped all the aluminum threads out of my press because the quick change collet was only 1/2 into the threads. Just no clear way to ensure you are indexed into the press properly except the button and notch cut into those quick change collets. I can post a picture if that helps to explain what I'm saying

[@Caveman01384]

John Schenck good point thanks John

[@gunfanPoland]

In your video, you tighten the matrix twice, half a turn in the film from Lee, they tighten it once by half a turn, saying that it is a full turn, whose version is yours or the manufacturer's correct?? hzttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIiznquqhcx9i6s

[@chrisweber4450]

Lost me at neck only sizing

[@gunman9090]

the neck die uses a collet and does not require lube.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Yes, I've noted that in the video description and blog post :)