223 crimp question

[showmebob]

I believe the Lee information for the Factory Crimp Die states that case trimming isn't necessary when using their FCD die. Is this the case?
Since the die uses a collet system for crimping and doesn't rely on the case mouth to crimp it would seem to make sense. I would prefer to save time and not trim cases unless necessary.
What has been your experience?

 

[Mac45]

Since it's a collet, you'll get a consistent crimp regardless of the length of the case.
I don't worry about cases being 4-5 thousands different, but I do trim when they get to max.

 

[rcmodel]

That is the way it works.

Collet is driven off the shell holder.

My experiance has been, I started reloding for AR-15 & Mini-14 about 1970.
Never have found a crimp necessary.

Just make sure your case neck tension is right, and if your magazines feed right, bullet movement is a non-issue.

rc

 

[LoonWulf]

Im with RC, never felt crimp was necessary. I load for a Mini.

 

[cfullgraf]

I believe the Lee information for the Factory Crimp Die states that case trimming isn't necessary when using their FCD die. Is this the case?

Unlike taper or roll crimps which for consistent crimping require the case lengths to be close to the same, the Lee FCD does not.

But, you still need to trim cases to prevent them from growing too much and the case mouth jamming into the end of the chamber. This will cause high pressure situations.

There are lots of discussions on the pros and cons of crimping. Search the forum and come to your own conclusion.

Like Loonwolf and rcmodel, I do not crimp. I load crimpless in my ARs, M1s and M1A.

 

[NCsmitty]

+1 rcmodel.

Crimping is an extra step that's not necessary, if your bullet's neck tension is proper.



NCsmitty

 

[plunge]

I have only reloaded a couple hundred 223 rounds, but i havent used a crimp on them and haven't noticed any issues.

 

[wingman]

I've never crimped a rifle round however recently I purchased an AR which has decent accuracy, I had a 223fcd with a set of dies never used so I gave a light crimp a try on every third group of last reloads and they turned out to be most accurate. I will test some more but if the crimp works I will use it,IMO whatever gives most accuracy is ok with me.

 

[zeke]

While i like the LFC, and it is not as dependent on case length, it will not replace trimming to length for accuracy purposes. It seems my most accurate rounds, are the ones with consistent case length.

 

[steve4102]

I believe the Lee information for the Factory Crimp Die states that case trimming isn't necessary when using their FCD die. Is this the case?

Yes and No. With the use of the LFCD brass length is not critical, unlike a roll or tapper crimp the LFCD will work with brass of different lengths.

That does not mean that you do not have to trim your brass, your 223 brass still needs to be within specs, 1.750-1.760, it just means they all don't have to be the exact same length.

 

[showmebob]

Thanks to all for sharing your opinions. I will still check the case lengths but won't get near as particular with them as before. Thanks again!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

While I completely agree crimping rifle ammo other than ammo that's used in a levergun because of the tube is unnecessary for some reason I like to crimp my rifle ammo. I get very good accuracy from the ammo I build so I will continue to crimp. I see nothing wrong with those who do not crimp.

When I'm asked if rifle ammo should be crimped I tell them it's not necessary but I like to. I then tell them to make some that is and is not crimped and see which shoots better in their rifle.