Lee Factory Crimp Die

[308win]

I just purchased a Lee FCD for my 45acp. Any tricks to setting up and using I should be aware of? Thank you.

 

[wally]

Follow the included instructions. Adjust your seating die so it doesn't crimp -- just touches the case mouth. This tip may not be in the instructions, I don't recall.

One full turn of the crimp knob after it just touches the seated round (you have to back off the RAM to turn it) seems to be about the right adjustment for me.

--wally.

 

[JackC]

Great purchase, ever since I started using one, I've had NO problems withe chambering a reload, and no more wasp waisted reloads. Simple to use, only way to screw up the installation is to strip the threads!!
Jack

 

[Ala Dan]

I too have had great success using the Lee FCD, with
my .45 ACP handloads. It makes each cartridge very
uniform; and easily chambers in my SIG-SAUER P220.


Just so you will be perfectly clear on this issue, be sure
and research the archieves under the Lee FCD die; as
we have discussed this at length before. There are some
very interesting comments, thoughts, and opinions on
this very subject!


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[dodgestdshift]

I use and like the Lee Factory Crimp Die and use it for all my reloading but the 45 ACP which I have the Lee taper crimp die. The die works well and the crimp has noticably cut the velocity variances in my loads. I have also noticed that the cases do not last quite as long as before I started with the FCD. All told the plusses heavily outweigh the minuses.

I can't help but wonder though if it is a good thing for people to use the die to ensure their loads will chamber. It has always been my contention they should chamber without the resizing part of the crimp die having to work. Maybe it would be a good idea to check to see why your loads won't function without the die, correct the problem, then use the die.

Just a thought.

 

[Gary H]

I use and like the Lee Factory Crimp Die and use it for all my reloading but the 45 ACP which I have the Lee taper crimp die.

Just to avoid confusion, the Factory Die in .45 ACP is a taper die.

 

[HSMITH]

Wasp waisted reloads are a good thing, not something to be avoided. If the FCD is touching the case in any way other than to crimp the bullet something is wrong and it needs to be fixed, not covered up.

 

[dodgestdshift]

Gary:

I agree that the FCD is a taper die, I only wanted to point out that my Lee taper die does not resize.

 

[dickwholliday]

now you can quit throwing away the Amerc brass....the FCD will load it.....Dick



PS...i still throw it away

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

I use one for every caliber I load for. I love them.