Reloading Dies

Reloading dies are special tools that are fixed into the tool head of thepress and are specific for each calibre.
There are 6 basic functions ofdies: de-priming, sizing, powder charging, expanding, seating and crimping.

The sizing and depriming functions are usually combined in one die, wherethe case is cleared of the old primer and sized to factory dimensions. Thesizing is performed either on the entire length of the cartridge case (fulllength sizing) or just a neck only (collet/neck sizing dies - available only forbottle cases).

The expanding and powdering function is most often combined in pistolcalibre dies. The purpose of the expanding function of the die is to create aslight flare on the neck of the brass case to make it easier to seat the bullet.During this operation, the case may also be charged with gunpowder using eitherattached automatic powder dispenser, or manually through attached powderfunnel.

The seating die is used for the accurate seating of the bullet in thecartridge case. The use of a proper seating die ensures that the bullet isalways properly seated on axis and at a consistent depth. Some seating dies also offer acrimp function, but we recommend using a separate die for this step ifavailable.

The crimping die crimps the bullet in the case. This die is an absolutemust if you will be using the ammo in a self-loading gun. It is also recommendedto crimp cartridges loaded into a magazine. In addition, proper crimpingimproves accuracy, because the pressures in the cartridge needed to push thebullet out are higher. Increasing the pressure at the beginning of the shotensures more consistent burning of the powder, more balanced pressures inindividual shots, and thus more constant bullet velocities.
A special typeof crimp die is the LEE Carbide Factory Crimp Die, which crimps the bullet andre-sizes the whole case with carbide sizer, so that each bullet is safelychambered with the reliability of a factory product.