[SHusky57]

I just ordered a lee factory crimp die and it should be in in about a week.

My 45 reloads are getting better, but they don't feed reliably in my glock because I haven't been crimping them.
I tried to crimp with the seater die but I think I just seated the bullet deeper.

Should I just wait until I get the factory crimp die and then should I be good to go?

[bobotech]

Here is how I seat 'n crimp in one step. After belling and charging, I will then put then put the bullet into the case. I then will make sure that the crimp/seating die is loosened up quite a bit. Then lower the press handle all the way down. With the seating stem very loose, I iwll turn the seating/crimp down until I feel it starting to get snug. Then I will turn the seating stem down until it contacts the bullet. Raise the press handle. I then will lower the seating stem a few turns to seat the bullet somewhat (still want it not seated all the way yet).

At this point, you have the seating/crimping die setup so that it will seat the bullet partially and it has just contacted the case. I then will start to turn the body of the die down so that it takes the belling out of the case mouth. When I turned the die enough so that the belling is gone, I will then check the bullet seating depth. At that point, I will lower the seating stem just a hair above the OAL I really want. Next I will give the whole die a little bit more of a turn to just barely slightly crimp the case and that should also just seat the bullet to the proper amount.

At that point, my rounds should be properly seated and crimped in one stage. Take it out and see if it chambers into your gun.

For the record, I do not bother with the Lee FCD for pistol cartridges but I will use the Lee FCD for crimping rifle rounds that are shot out of semi autos.

[loadedround]

I would suggest that you review the instructions that came with your reloading dies. This is not a put down by any means but your comment about "seating your bullet deeper when trying to crimp" means your seater/crimping die is incorrectly adjusted or that you've not followed the proper adjusting procedures. A FCD is completely unnecessary in loading pistol ammo unless you enjoy an extra step in reloading. Once learned this adjustment is very easy. :)

[Walkalong]

Yep, not adjusted properly. Seater stem needs running up a bit.

[The Bushmaster]

Just readjust your seating stem to compensate for the....Oh...It's already been mentioned...:scrutiny:

[jfh]

bobotech's description of the process for tweaking the seater-crimper in the 3-die setup is a good one. It's important to get the die body at the correct 'height' for proper crimping (minimal, for the .45ACP); the seater needs to be brought in to the OAL after that initial setting.

It is that final turndown of the die when tightening the locknut that will then determine the final amount of crimp--so look at it closely, possibly using a loupe to see exactly what it is.

Adding the FCD to a (Lee) pistol / straightwall 3-die setup can give you real flexibility with separate seating and crimping. I like that if I am working with different bullets, or doing load development tweaking. It's advertised function--the post sizing--really should not be needed if you have gotten your (lead) bullet diameter, cases, and die setups optimized.

Jim H.

[moooose102]

you can certainly crimp the ammo if you want to, but there really should be no need to crimp the bullet into place on a 45. all that should be necessary is removing the flare so the case wall is straight again. it is easy to set up the die to do that. if you do not understand the instructions that came with your dies, or the replies above, pm me and i will try to walk you through it.

[fourdollarbill]

The FCD die is very useful when loading. I think it gives a cleaner crimp on lead than the seat and crimp at the same time method. When you seat and crimp in the same stroke the lead will ever so slightly get shaved. I really don't think either way is bad or causes problems but I just like the FCD. Especially with 357 mags for lever guns.

I do like to very lightly crimp the 45acp as with 40SW too. Just enough to touch the bullet.

If your having problems with feed I would also check the OAL, make sure your sizer die is okay and make sure the flare is gone after seating.

[SlamFire1]

I seat my 230 LRN to 1.250, I taper crimp them to 0.469", and they feed perfectly.

[rfwobbly]

I like to crimp in a forth die position since it segregates the operations and makes the adjustments independent. If you have a 4 place progressive press, this is wonderful stuff. If not, then there's no reason at all that seat and crimp in the same die can't be just as effective. So the search for 'best practice' sort of depends on your equipment.

[rick300]

http://www.chuckhawks.com/adjust_reloading_dies.htm
I'm a new reloader and this helped me a lot....Rick

[remingtondude58]

Just follow the directions with the die, and it should improve your reloads