Opinions on the Lee factory crimp dies.

I always enjoy your bullet closeups. Very informative, Walkalong!

I use Lee FCDs for specific applications such as .454 Casull and .375 H&H. It's a tool that works as intended, nothing more.

Walkalong said:

A "military" bullet (pulled 147s) with a crimp ledge like a cast bullet instead of a cannelure which is used in a number of "military" loadings. The brass is roll crimped into the ledge and setback is eliminated.......

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I didn't know such bullets existed! Sure makes better sense than a squeeze of any kind. So then I'm wondering why they all aren't designed that way. Then you can taper crimp with no squeeze, and get setback-proof cartridges every time. Wonder if it affects accuracy?

I consider the FCD a specialty tool. For the bulk of my reloading I don't find that they add anything worthwhile so generally do not use them.

For bottlenecked rifle bulk production “Blasting ammo” I call the lee factory crimp dies a game changer.

I can pump out .223 and .308 like its .45ACP

Walkalong said:

How does the collet style FCD for rifles make loading easier or faster or better?

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The only thing I can think of is that they are not as picky about trim length. For regular taper crimps, a consistent crimp depends very much on a consistent trim length.

Edcnh said:

I use the Factory Crimp Die on all my reloads, both hand gun and rifle. For handguns I use a Lee Classic Cast Turret press and use the FCD in the 4th station.

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same set up here and it works for me 7mm/m,30-06,45-70,45acp,9mm,40w&w,38spl