How to Improve Lee Collet Dies

Improving a Lee Collet die is essential for successful homemade ammunition manufacturing. A Lee Collet die is a handheld device, made of steel, used for sizing the necks of shell casings. The interior mandrel slides into the empty shell casing sleeve, according to Accurate Shooter, while the "fingers" compress the neck into its proper shape. Dismantling the device by hand is an expeditious way to enhance the interior components necessary for neck reduction.

Things You'll Need

  • Tack cloth
  • Pliers
  • 500 grit sand paper
  • Non-toxic metal polish
  • Microfiber polishing cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a tack cloth over the serrated edges on the Lee Collet die end cap. Grip the edges of the cap with a pair of pliers. Twist the pliers counter-clockwise to loosen and remove the cap. Pull out the mandrel and neck fingers.

    • 2

      Rub 500 grit sand paper over the mandrel surface to reduce the diameter -- and tension -- of the mandrel. Smooth the die fingers with 500 grit paper as well.

    • 3

      Polish the interior components and exterior casing of the Lee Collet die with a non-toxic metal polish and a microfiber cloth. Re-insert the mandrel and fingers before re-securing the end cap.