Scan/copy instructions for Lee M1 carbine dies?

[Rick the Librarian]

I'm getting a set of 3 Lee dies for the M1 carbine and they aren't coming with instructions. Does anyone have some that they would scan or copy for me?

I checked the Lee website and they have only "generic" rifle and pistol die instructions. The carbine doesn't seem to be either fish or fowl. Lee has 3-die pistol instructions or 2-die rifle instructions. These will come with three dies.

Thanks - please PM or email me (rrsbls[at]msn.com) if you can help.

[joem]

I have a Lee set but it will take me a bit to scan and E-mail to you if you want.

[Rick the Librarian]

That would be fine - I understand. Thanks for your help!!

RtL

[4F4Nam]

I use them, too. No different than any other straight wall pistol type case dies. However, you have to lube cases. Also taper crimp.

Ed

[Parashooter]

Yup, Lee lists them as a 3-die carbide pistol set. Use the instructions at http://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/Pistol3.pdf - but don't expect you can dispense entirely with case lube; carbine cases are too long, tapered, and stiff for that.

[joem]

Rick; make sure you trim if necessary. A little bit shorter than max spec doesn't hurt.

[Sunray]

Like 4F4Nam says, you set 'em up just like any other pistol die. Should be any need to lube if the sizer is carbide though. Absolutely no need to crimp.

[Rick the Librarian]

Speaking of case length, I have fired cases that measure 1.74" or so in length and I see the minimum is 1.90 or so. If you don't mind a little continuation of my "Reloading 101" course.

[Parashooter]

. . . I have fired cases that measure 1.74" or so in length and I see the minimum is 1.90 or so. . .

There's something very wrong with those numbers. SAAMI specs for .30 Carbine case length are 1.290" maximum with a tolerance of -.010" (minimum 1.280"). Did somebody skip over a digit when remembering?

SAAMI30carb.jpg

Let's assume you meant 1.274" and 1.290". Did you measure before or after sizing? When sized, fired cases get skinnier and longer. Length after sizing shouldn't be less than 1.280" - but I get away with them down to about 1.270" for plinking. Headspace in the carbine is established at the abrupt end of the chamber mouth, so really short cases aren't good for positive ignition and extractor longevity. (Too long, and the bolt won't close.)

[joem]

I trim mine as close as I can to 1.280. I load them with AA # 9 and chrono them to 1980 or 2000 FPS. Accuracy is very good, better than i can see at 100 yds.

[Rick the Librarian]

I resized a few and was still getting about 1.274 (sorry about the goof!).

[Nam Ranger]

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/Pistol3.pdf

Hope this helps Sir.

Old SGM

[Litt'le Lee]

Lube lube lube

you can only use no lube on STRAIGHT CASES--the Carbine is not straight wall--if you don't lube--well you are in for a case separation--
how do I know--I had a case separate because no lube let's the case web thin

[Super Dave]

Trim to less than max..........

Be sure to keep the cases trimmed to less than max length. A long case + an abrupt stop on headspace + a free floating firing pin = a less than ideal situation. I find that Winchester 296 powder meters very well. The carbine is fun to shoot, enjoy!!

[PhillipM]

Like 4F4Nam says, you set 'em up just like any other pistol die. Should be any need to lube if the sizer is carbide though. Absolutely no need to crimp.

I under lubed my carbide carbine die and wound up with a case stuck so badly I had to get a gunsmith to eat the brass out with acid.