Lee Factory Crimp Die

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Idano-
What you describe works, but a lot of guys use AR-15's for blasting guns. IMHO it would be a big mistake to stomp around blasting all day with a bucket full of uncrimped ammo, there is an accident waiting to happen.

The whole AR-15 platform (along with most other mag fed .223/5.56 guns) were designed to use military ammo with a heavy bullet crimp. Most LC ammo comes with a crimp that rivals the toughest Lee FC I can put on. With a good factory crimp, it it impossible to suffer setback due to handling or chambering, so for blasting ammo (or to a new reloader) the advantages are very strong in favor of a factory-type crimp.

My blasting .223 is loose packed in .50 cal cans, with the way that stuff rattles around, I'll be using the FC for the foreseeable future.

Your results may vary, but for less experienced reloaders, I don't hesitate to present the most fool-proof safe method loudly.
 
I use Lee Factory Crimp Dies for all handgun cartridges that they're available for...

I use Lee Factory Crimp Dies for all rifle cartridges that might even conceivably be shot in autoloading rifles...

Works for me...

For those who don't like them, don't use them...

We all pays our money and takes our chances...:)

Forrest
 
A vote for the Lee FCD for certain applications, but not a cure all for everything. If you are having a problem...Solve it. Don't mask it.

I do use Lee's FCD for .30-30 and .38 Special...
 
a lot of guys use AR-15's for blasting guns. IMHO it would be a big mistake to stomp around blasting all day with a bucket full of uncrimped ammo, there is an accident waiting to happen.
I am fully on board with you on this trueblue1776
 
I think there is some debate about the "need" for cannelures, Kevin. I have successfully loaded 140LRNFP bullets without a cannelure with higher loads for revolver use--but I'd prefer not to: Setback issues can generate real problems.

Haven't looked at .454C loading data for a while, but if he's loading them even mildly warm, he'll need to crimp to avoid the opposite of setback. Full-house .454C loads need a very heavy crimp.
 
I use the Lee FCD on everything I load. It works great.
In fact, Jessica Biel started dating me because her last boyfriend did not crimp. Now Jessica likes me better.
So, there is a reason to crimp.
 
You got that right J newell! bullets between 240-300 grains and charges of 30 - 35 grains of LilGun! You know you shot something!! kevin
 
I use the Lee FCD on my 7.62 x 39 MM reloads using bullets with & without cannelures. From what some people say about SKS rifles there not suppose to be accurate anyways, you can make your own decision about both. The top target is the Speer 150 Gr. .311 Hot Core with no cannelure with a Med. crimp.

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trueblue1776,

Thank you for elaborating on your reasoning behind crimping a .223 round. You highlighted and excellent point, handling or should I say mishandling of the ammunition before it gets to the gun. I treat my AR and it ammunition like I do all my high power rifles and match 22's so it never occurred to me that some people would toss .223 in a can like a brick 22 plinking rounds. I keep forgetting that more and more re loaders are in it for quantity versus quality; I have to agree with your advice about crimping for Joe Public we do have to protect them from them self.
 
By the way, EBRDude, if you want to mention to Jessica Biel when you see her next that I use a Lee Factory Crimp Die on my stuff, too, I certainly won't mind...

:)

Forrest
 
No problem Man. I started seeing J. Love Hewitt, so Jess is free I think.
I use the FCD on my 10mm stuff, and with a tight aftermarket bbl in my G20, I have no issues at all, and it is still more accurate than I am.
 
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