Specific Dies Needed For Reloading 

Specific dies needed for reloading include a resizing/depriming die (which sizes the brass cases back to their original dimensions and pushes out the old primer) and a seating/crimping die. Dies are typically sold in a set and must be calibrated correctly for your particular caliber. 

Full-length sizing dies resize the entire case and are recommended for rifles. Neck sizing dies work the neck of the case but only a little and may shorten case life.  

Case Sizing Die 

The sizing die works to remove excess brass from the fired cartridge and returns the case to its original unfired dimensions. Most manufacturers offer sizing dies in three types: neck, full length and small base. While any will work, a good quality full length sizing die will typically give the best results. 

To set up your sizing die, first remove the locking collar and loosen the set screw. Lower the handle on your press so that the shell holder contacts the die and screw down until the top of the die touches the bottom of the shell holder (no case). This pushes back the shoulder enough to accommodate the available headspace for the type of rifle you will be shooting, but no farther. If you are using a chamber type case gauge, use this to confirm that the die is set up properly. It is very important to set up a properly adjusted full length sizing die, as failing to do so will cause excessive case headspace and lead to cases that will not fit in the rifle’s chamber. 

Bullet Seating/Crimping Die 

A quality seating/crimp die can provide a taper crimp or a full roll crimp. It can be adjusted to do either or both with one operation. This die is especially important for revolver cartridges where a roll crimp in the cannelure is required to keep the bullet from falling out of the case during recoil. 

This type of die is also needed for lever action rifles and some pistol cartridges that require a roll crimp. It is possible to seat and crimp in one step, but it’s easier to do it separately. Two things can collapse cases during this process: applying too much crimp or trying to seat the bullet deeper after it has already been rolled. 

To set the seating die correctly, load a sized case and a bullet in the shell holder and screw the seater stem down until you feel a little resistance. Then back off between a half and a full turn. This will give you the correct amount of crimp for that type of ammunition. 

Decapping Die 

The decapping die removes the spent primer from the case and makes it ready for reloading. It is usually the last die in a three-die set (the other two being the sizing and seating dies). The decapping die also helps ensure the spent primer will not stick in the new bullet, which could lead to a fire. 

Decapping is normally accomplished in the resizing die by a centrally-located

decapping pin that is held rigidly within the resizing die body. This is a simple operation and does not require any lubrication to operate properly, but it must be adjusted so the pin strikes the primer pocket in the correct depth to remove the spent primer without damaging the pocket walls or changing the shape of the case mouth. 

Some reloaders prefer to use a separate decapping die, especially when they have lots of military brass that was crimped in at the range. Lee offers a decapping die that is inexpensive, works with all handgun calibers, and can even remove crimped in primers. 

Powder Measure 

As with other reloading supplies, a reloading press is needed to assist with resizing the cases. This can be as simple as a single stage resizing press or as advanced as a turret or progressive reloading press. 

Cases need to be lubricated in order to prevent them from getting stuck in the dies or causing problems during resizing. This is usually done by rolling the case on a lube pad or spraying it with an aerosol lube. 

The powder measure is used to dispense the correct amount of powder for each round. There are several types of powder measures to choose from: a dipper which is user adjustable for various charge weights, a rotary drop which can be set up for different powder types and will sound an alarm when you reach your desired powder level or an electronic measure which dispenses the powder through a scale that is built into the unit or can be attached to an external balance-beam type scale.