223 lfcd help

[JBrady555]

Hey guys I just started reloading 223. I'm using lee dies and I am also using the lee fcd. I know it's controversial but I like it in 9 mm and I'm gonna use it in 223. My problem is that I'm having a hard time gauging how much crimp I actually have. I'm crimping into a cannelure but am having a hard time measuring how much I'm getting. I'm actually getting the same reading on crimped bullets vs ones that I've just set the bullet in. I can see the crimp in the groove but don't know if it's too light or heavy. Right now I just set it up per Lee's instructions. "Screw die until it touches she'll holder, then go 1/4 turn more". Thats how they say to start and adjust from there, but I don't know if I need to lighten or make it heavier because my caliper isn't really agreeing with the edge of the case neck. So to users of the 223 lfcd, how do you set it up and determine when your happy with the crimp? Thanks.

 

[steve4102]

Pictures will help.

 

[119er]

Try using a Sharpie to mark the neck to determine contact. This die uses the shell holder to close a collet to crimp inward. If you are rubbing the ink off but not seeing a change in diameter at the edge of the neck you may need to adjust more.

If I use the FCD at all anymore for rifle, it is set to minimal contact. After doing both I believe that crimping rifle cartridges in most cases creates more problems than it solves provided that the neck is sized properly.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I sometimes use a FCD for rifle ammo but I have never really measured the crimp. I just take a look at it and if it's crimped I call it good. I know that's really not a help but a few pictures of your cases will help so we can pick the one that looks best.

 

[gamestalker]

Honestly, if crimping your bottle necks is what you desire, no problem, do what floats your boat.

But considering the above, all that matters is making sure they are all consistently crimped with the same amount of crimp, how much crimp has little significance in this respect. So that said, if all your brass is consistently trimmed, then adjust the die for what looks acceptable to you, then just crimp them.

GS

 

[Walkalong]

I know it's controversial but I like it in 9 mm and I'm gonna use it in 223.

The FCD for pistols and rifles are totally different animals.

It's hard to tell you how to see when it is right. It will crimp inwards with four fingers. In between those fingers will leave a high mark. (Four "lines" if you will.)

You can always pull the bullet to see how much crimp it is getting. Most folks don't crimp .223, but some do, depending on the application.

 

[j357]

+1^^ on all points.

The pistol FCD does entirely different things and the crimp actually works well, its the sizing ring that causes controversy.

The .223 rifle FCD is a great crimp tool and the pics above show what it does, although I don't even crimp them quite that much.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Honestly, if crimping your bottle necks is what you desire, no problem, do what floats your boat.

But considering the above, all that matters is making sure they are all consistently crimped with the same amount of crimp, how much crimp has little significance in this respect. So that said, if all your brass is consistently trimmed, then adjust the die for what looks acceptable to you, then just crimp them.

GS

The Lee FCD places very little importance on trimming the brass all the same length.