Carbide crimp die? Why?

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rick_reno

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I'm thinking about getting a Lee crimp die for my 45 acp rounds - I'm not happy with the crimps I'm getting from my Dillon Sq. Deal, and some fellow shooters have suggested the Lee die as a good one to use.
I can get carbide for $14.59 or non-carbide for $9.99. Can anyone tell me why carbide is needed or desired for a crimp die? $5 isn't much of a difference - but having been out of work for a couple of years has me watching every $ spent.

thanks...
 
In order:

What do you not like about the crimps out of your SDB?

The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die has a carbide ring at the bottom just like the resizing die, but slightly larger. It re-resizes the loaded round and will iron out the lumps and bumps of uneven cast bullets, crooked seated bullets, uneven brass thickness, etc.

The CRIMP portion is not much different from any other taper crimp die; it tapers the case mouth a little to eliminate the seating flare for good feeding and secure the bullet.

IT WILL NOT FIT A DILLON SQUARE DEAL (NEITHER WILL THE REGULAR LEE TAPER CRIMP.) I ran a lot of ammo loaded on a SDB through a Lee CFC die on a single stage press before moving up to bigger machines, but it is an extra step and an extra piece of equipment to set up. Maybe one of the least expensive Lee presses.

If you don't want to do that, take it up with Dillon, they will probably replace your SDB crimp die if there is something you don't like about it, they will certainly replace it if there is something wrong with it.

REPEAT, NEITHER THE LEE CFC DIE NOR ANY OTHER 7/8 x 14 THREADED DIE WILL FIT A SQUARE DEAL, THEIR DIES ARE ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. Look at your Dillon and its instructions and compare to any other press and die, even other Dillons.
 
carbide lee crimp die

Thanks Jim - yep, I know it won't fit a SQ Deal. I'll get the carbide one, Midway has it for about $13. The crimp I'm getting is inconsistent, and in a tight chamered 45 it's inconsistent enough to be annoying. I have no problem in running the loaded rounds thru my rock chucker...or I've been thinking of dumping the 3 Sq. Deals I have and picking up the needed shell plates/etc. for my 650 - then I could just put the Lee crimip die in it and be done with the SQ Deal die thing.
 
It's worth it.
The Lee carbide FC dies are the best thing since reloading started.
Once adjusted properly, you will never have ammo that will not fit in your chamber.
No lead rings in your seater die, brass bulges, and no wasp-waisted reloads.
They are the reason I got a 550 instead of a square deal.
 
You are ok, then; I took it that the SDB was your only press.

I consider the Lee CFC die to be essential for loading cast bullets in .45 ACP. On the other hand, I want the EGW/Lee "U" marked undersize sizing die and a regular taper crimp to load jacketed bullets.

I went from two SDBs to a 1050 for .45 SWC only and a 550 for other pistol calibers, including even .45 FMJ and JHP. I didn't buy any new guns that year, but I am better off in the loading.

But I LIKE wasp-waisted reloads. I have had too many set back bullets in nice smooth imitation factory loads. Which is why I use the "U" die for all jacketed bullets and a case canneluring tool for anything lighter than 230 hardball. I gauge IDPA match loads 100%. A few won't pass no matter what. Usually due to rims peened out by many firings, but some are just tight, no matter how small the sizing die or CFC. They nearly always shoot for practice, though.
 
I use the lee factory crimp die with all my auto guns except the 9x18 with great
results, the simple act of seating and crimping in two stages I believe will
help.

I have heard some believe this die will deform the bullet causing poor accuracy,
this is not the case from my results. I suppose the die could be adjusted down
enough to do so.

My springfield with a tight chamber sure approves of the Lee Factory crimp die.
:D
 
Carbide crimp die

I tried to order it last night on the web - die was $12.49, shipping/handling was going to be $11.25. I called them this am and ordered one in 45 acp and another in 38 spc/357 mag. That got rid of $3 handling, and when she suggested leaving their 640 page catalog out of the box shipping dropped to $5. The lady I spoke with was very helpful.
 
Lee carbide die

My Lee Carbide sizing die arrived today. I read the instructions, put it in the Rockchucker and proceded to run about 35 of my rounds thru it. I'll admit, I wasn't sure it was doing anything. I got my old Kimber GM out and tried it out. Every one worked! I've had this gun over 5 years, and I think this is the first time I've run that much ammo thru and not had to tap the slide into battery. Everyone should have one of these dies, they work.
 
The crimp dies from lee are great i have um for almost everything except my 454 i went with the redding profile crimp die for it.

The reddign was recommend here by some loaders havent tried it yet
 
Carbide crimp die

I crimp load for my 454 FA guns using a RCBS die - in another step after seating the bullet. Been doing it that way for about 15 years and it's worked fine.
 
Will the Lee Die fit the RCBS turret?

Sounds like I need the Lee Factory Crimp Die for my 40 Cal feed problems. I'm never sure about the taper crimp with my Hornady 3 Die set, Crimp and Seat in one operation.

I assume the Lee will screw into the the RockChucker.
 
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