[s.forktraveler]

have been reloading bottle neck rifle cartridges for many years -- am going to begin handloading for 9mm glock 17-- have purchased 115 grn. bullets -- powder --
already have press etc. -- appreciate info re dies -- currently using all redding dies -- have been reading a bit about crimping have no exprience here and am
concerned by the many different "expert" opinions -- i want to get the dies asap and get started -- lee 4 die set , redding or rcbs and why -- i understand that the crimp on the 9mm is a slight compression crimp -- any thing to worry about ?

[cfullgraf]

You cannot go wrong with Redding dies. Get the carbide version. You will not need to lubricate the cases during resizing with a carbide resizer. Redding dies are my favorite brand these days with RCBS second. But, I have never used a Lyman set so no comment there.

All of the major companies make good dies.

The second die is for expanding the case mouth, similar in concept as the expander button in a bottle neck rifle die, but the cartridge design does not permit expanding the case mouth in the same die as the resizing is done. Maybe you already knew that.

You will want to taper crimp your 9x19 ammunition. A roll crimp is not appropriate for auto pistol cartridges that headspace on the mouth.

These days, most die sets for auto pistol cartridges should have a taper crimp but verify to make sure.

There is probably an even split on opinions whether to crimp while seating the bullet or crimp with a crimping die. I prefer to crimp in a separate step with a taper crimp die. Redding also makes a crimp die.

In my opinion, the Lee Pistol FCD (factory crimp die) is a solution looking for a problem. I believe this is the crimp die included in Lee's 4 die set. The seater die should have a crimping ing in it so if you are set on Lee dies, get just the 3 die set. Lee used to make taper crimp dies, I believe they still do. These are not the same as the FCD die. I used to buy Lee dies, but have not bought any since the mid-nineties. Lots of folks here swear by Lee dies.

I hope this helps.

[david bachelder]

I like the RCBS dies. I'm sure Redding is equal in every way, it just so happens that I use RCBS. RCBS customer service is amazing.

All you really need is a three die set, I'd suggest carbide.
Die #1 - Deprimes and reshapes.
Die #2 - bells the case mouth.
Die #3 - seats and taper crimps.

All straight wall pistol reloading will require a 3 die set, and carbide is the best choice.

It's true ... all major manufacturers make good dies.

[Josh45]

Any dies will do you fine. Make sure to get carbide as stated. You won't have to lube up the cases to get them resized. The next die is known as the belling/flaring die which opens the case mouth to help open the case mouth to accept the bullet.
The third die is know as the seating/crimping die and I am sure you know what that does already.

Yes, You should crimp I think but only enough to get rid of the flare from the #2 die.
I use the 3-die set and have had no issues at all with the LEE 9mm carbide dies when loading ammo. You can get the FCD if you want but to what I understand is not a very good idea to use on lead rounds should you choose to use lead.

I do have the FCD on other calibers and use them there. I like being able to crimp on a 4th die. Just do. No real other reason. Redding, Lee, RCBS, Hoprnady...What ever brand you get is fine really.

The only thing I can tell you to pay close attention to is the OAL as it is a finnicky pressure round.

[Rmeju]

+1 for Lee dies. They're cheap and they work great!

[BYJO4]

Any of the die sets you mentioned will work. As already stated, buy a carbide die set to eliminate the need for lubing the cases. I have used RCBS dies for more than 35 years with no problems. I do like to crimp and seat bullets in separate steps when loading for semi autos. Therefore, I always buy an extra taper crimp die so I don't have to readjust seating/crimp die between steps.

[splattergun]

The Lee 4 die set includes a carbide sizing die, and Lee's crimping dies are taper or roll as appropriate for each cartridge. 9mm is a taper crimp.

I use this set and have gotten very good results both with and without the crimp. Crimping is just an extra step I usually find unnecessary, as I get great neck tension when I do my part and follow the setup instructions.

Sometimes when working on a new load I will give 1/2 the rounds a very light crimp .001-./002. just to see which method is more accurate.

Right now, my Ruger P89's fave load is 4.4 gr W231 under Berry's HBFP 124 plated, either no crimp or very light, no diff. Keeps the brass close ( had cases 2 land in my shirt pocket last time out!) and gives me a very consistent, though not terribly small, 1 3/4" group at 25 yds.

It likes 4.7 gr 231 over 124 gr XTPs also. Smaller primary group, but too many flyers for my liking
/

[Blue68f100]

Most of my dies are Hornady or RCBS with 1 set of Lee. Of the sets the Hornady (TiNi) are the easiest to size with. They also have a large radius for use on progressive presses. Redding makes good dies and will serve you well too, just get the carbide set. I do prefer to crimp (taper) in a separate step. It's makes die setup easier since you normally do not trim straight wall brass.

Since you will be reloading for a Glock plated bullets may present a problem with there barrel. Thick plating will be preferred.

[gamestalker]

In all honesty, I haven't used a crimp or had to bell case mouths for any ACP cartridges is many years. I just chamfer the inside of the mouth enough to allow the bullet to allign during seating. It saves time, but more importantly, it assures me that I am getting full neck tension, and I don't have to be concerned about over / under crimping.

Often times a new reloader will either over bell the mouth, over crimp, or both, resulting in frustrating delays and time wasted pulling bullets. Since I only load jacketed bullets, this method has worked 100% for me, and those I have passed it on to. I don't think this method will work very well on non jacketed bullets due to bullet shaving issues.

BTW, I have a 1st gen. G-17 I have been loading for since I bought it new, among other 9mm's.

GS

[kingmt]

I can only speak about RCBS & Lee. I prefer Lee. I only use the 3 die sets tho. Never seen the point in the 4th die.

[LightningMan]

In my opinion, reguardless which die set you get, you can seat & crimp at the same time, but thats only if you seperate your brass by brand. The reason being, case wall thickness varies a little, which causes variations in OAL of the finished cartridge. So if you don't want to sort brass by brand (WIN, R-P, PMC, & etc) it's better to seat then crimp in seperate steps. LM