Factory Crimp Die and .45 ACP Cast loads.

[CZ57]

I am using the LEE 4 die set with factory crimp die. I'm wondering if the cast bullet is being squeezed to a smaller than .452" diameter during the factory crimp die process. Also, I am considering going to a 14 Brinnell cast SWC which would be even easier to squeeze down vs. the 18 Brinnell I use at present. I guess the simple solution would be to load a dummy round and pull the bullet and measure the post crimp diameter. What are your thoughts?

 

[jcwit]

My thoughts? Forget about the FCD. Its great for fixing problems that don't exist. Use the seat and crimp die to crimp.

Do a search about FCD and .45ACP.

 

[cfullgraf]

I agree with jcwit, the Lee FCD is a solution looking for a problem.

I use a taper crimp with both cast and jacketed bullets to remove the case mouth belling on all my auto pistol rounds including 45 ACP. Been doing so for 31 years without any problems. I prefer to taper crimp in a separate step, a habit left over when auto pistol seater dies were not available with taper crimps machined into them.

But, they are now available from several manufacturers now and you can taper crimp when seating bullets if you want to..

 

[Miata Mike]

I miss being able to crimp with the FCD since having dedicating a Lee Pro 1000 to .45acp, but all loads go bang just like before. I have noted however that my bullets are getting down sized a sliver. I just haven't put a calipers on them yet. Still shoot plenty good groups at 15 yards.

 

[bxchef29]

My thoughts? Forget about the FCD. Its great for fixing problems that don't exist. Use the seat and crimp die to crimp.

Do a search about FCD and .45ACP.

Sorry ,i diagree been using it for a while, although you could just use the seating die for a crimp the lee fcd makes ammo feed more reliable. The choice is yours

 

[LiveLife]

I guess the simple solution would be to load a dummy round and pull the bullet and measure the post crimp diameter. What are your thoughts?

Although I use Lee dies to reload lead 9mm/40S&W/45ACP bullets, I do not use the FCD (They stay in the box collecting dust). In my opinion, they were meant for smaller diameter jacketed bullets and seem to cause problems for post-sizing larger diameter lead bullets.

Pulling bullets to measure whether they are getting post-sized is a good idea.

 

[CZ57]

Well, I want a light taper crimp as I do with my jacketed bullet loads. Rather than reset a die for crimping the cast lead loads seperately, it is just simpler to taper crimp with the Factory Crimp Die as I have it set for jacketed loads. I just wonder if it reduces the cast lead bullet diameter. I doubt that it does but I haven't confirmed this.

 

[jcwit]

Mine did, and thats not the only reason I tossed the FCD. There's your answer, pull a couple of rounds and check your's. Then do as you wish.

 

[CZ57]

Sounds like the way to proceed. I'll pull a couple of bullets and measure diameter.