Could someone please explain - what is the purpose of the dies? Thank you.
Ok, reloading is quite a journey from start to finish so I will give just the beginners guide.
Using the Die set that is open in the pic's above to explain.
Pretty much all dies are interchangeable with different presses except lyman, I believe but am not positive, might be Lee.
Step 1) The middle die in the open box is the de-priming die and resizing die. You screw the die into the press,
place the shell holder (Not showing in picture) into the ram on the press. Insert the used and tumbled clean brass
into the shell holder on the ram. You lower the handle on the press and the casing slides into the die. The piece
of metal sticking out of the die will push the used "Cap" out of the casing and size the casing to the proper spec's.
Step 2) Insert the left most die in the package into the press. This die will gently expand the mouth of the casing
so that the bullet will just barely sit on top of the casing. You don't want it to lose nor to tight.
Step 3) Load the required powder measure into the casing and place bullet on top of casing.
Step 4) Insert the right most die into the press. This is the die that seats the bullet to the casing and
then crimps the brass around the shell. Just slide the casing into the shell holder on the ram and guide
it into the die so that the bullet enters the die in the correct position and push down until the ram until
it is fully extended into the die.
Step 5) Mic the bullet to ensure that it falls within specs.
Hope that helps.....
