[xmanpike]

I have a 3 die set and am reloading with a single station rock chucker, and understand that the third die is for seating & crimping. Should I seat all my bullets, and then go back through and taper crimp them after. OR should i seat the bullet and then crimp it immediately after? It seems that I wouod have to constantly adjust my die to do it the latter way.

Thanks

[bensdad]

I set the die to do both in one pull. Follow the instructions that came with the set. Aim for the recommended COL, and make sure the finished rounds fit in the chamber of the gun they are intended for.

If you're anything like me, you'll make a few mistakes along the way and come back here repeatedly for solutions. RC and others will be infinitely more helpful than I.

[tactikel]

Tip: after you set the bullet depth and have gotten your crimp set. Take a finished round and take out the barrel of your .45, point the barrel down, and drop the round into the chamber. does it seat easily? point the barrel up- does it drop free? if so, you are good to go!

[The Bushmaster]

.45 ACP is one of the easiest rounds to reload and seems to be the most misunderstood. When you seat the bullet in a .45 ACP you just want to crimp it enough to remove any bell you might have left. If you have a .45 ACP three die set the seating and crimping die is a tapper crimp. Just seat the bullet and "kiss" the case mouth. When you are done and you want to check it you should be seated to the desired AOL and the mouth should be crimped to a measurement of .469 to .472 at the crimp. If in doubt. Pull your barrel and use it as a cartridge gauge. When you drop the round into the chamber you should hear a "clunk". and the cartridge should go at least flush with the chamber hood or just a few thousands below the hood.

[xmanpike]

Excellent. That makes much more sense. It sounded like it was going to take awhile the other way, and while I really enjoy reloading, I am not wanting to spend all day on this.

One more thing. I have heard mixed results about the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Some say cant live without it. Others say, not needed at all. Opinions?

[Doogledog]

I've only reloaded .45's with a Lee factory crimp die. I really like the results. I use RCBS dies for my .38's and .44's. Totally different animals though. Anyway, my limited experience with the Lee dies are positive.

[Marlin 45 carbine]

you can use a measured 'good' factory round to set your die.
then check the rounds in a gauge or pull the barrel from your pistol and use.
the Lee FCD is a good thing. but you still must pay attention to the OAL in seating die, the FCD won't set it it sizes and crimps (go lightly here)

[lnlreloader]

I like the Lee FCD also... I prefer it to other crimping dies.

[jcwit]

I learned not to use the FCD with lead cast bullets. Have no ecperience with commercial bullets tho.

[xmanpike]

I'm going to be loading with Plated RN 230 gr bullets

[Walkalong]

Set your seater up to give the rounds a light taper crimp. Loading .45 is so easy, unless you over think it... :)

Don't die sets still come with instructions? Just wondering.


FCD won't set it it sizes and crimps The FCD "post sizes". Not a good thing IMHO. Totally unneeded anyway.

[xmanpike]

I'm sure they do, I havent even opened them yet as my my reloading station is at my friends ranch an hour away. Figured I'd take the dies apart to look at them and end up losing something before I ever got started.

I have reloaded rifle for a few years now, but this is my first going for handgun ammo.

[jpwilly]

I reload 45 in my Lee Classic Turret with Lee Carbide dies. I've cranked out a few thousand of them in the last year. Easy to load for sure!

[The Bushmaster]

Lee FCD has it's place, but .45 ACP isn't one of them. If you are loading .30-30 for a lever gun then I would recommend a Lee FCD...

[lgbloader]

The FCD "post sizes". Not a good thing IMHO. Totally unneeded anyway.


Double Yup.

LGB

[Roccobro]

If you are loading .30-30 for a lever gun then I would recommend a Lee FCD...

Double yup yup. Goes for most rifle rounds. It's the unique way it crimps, not the post-sizing that is attractive.

Justin

[The Bushmaster]

If you have to use the "post-sizing" stage of the FCD. You need to go back and figure out what you are doing wrong. I learned that from Walkalong. BUT...Don't tell him I said that or it will go to his head and his wife will have to buy him all new hats...:evil:

[Walkalong]

Goes for most rifle rounds. It's the unique way it crimps, not the post-sizing that is attractive.The Lee rifle FCD does not post size, only the pistol FCD. ;)

The Lee FCD for rifles is a handy way to crimp. Not my preference for the calibers I load, but I haven't tried 30-30 yet with it's finicky neck. Since the Bushmaster says the FCD is the way to go with 30-30, I will most likely buy one when I order my 30-30 dies. :)

It's OK Bushmaster, I don't wear many hats. :D