orrwdd
Member
I have the 44 and 357 FCD die and want to set it up to roll crimp without compressing the case. Can the sleeve be removed and accomplish this?
Thanks
Bill
Thanks
Bill
Can Lee FCD used to crimp only?
- Thread starter orrwdd
- Start date
- Status
jfh
Member.
I currently do that with my 357 Lee 4-die setup without removing the sleeve. However, I sort cases by headstamp to minimize brass thickness issues, my bullet sizes are carefully chosen to eliminate post-sizing, and the (cast) bullet brands are chosen for QC and consistency in size.
Jim H.
Jim H.
mkl
Member
What die are you using to seat bullet with?
Most revolver bullet seating dies I have seen have a roll crimp built into them. PM me if you need instructions as to how to set a bullet seating die to roll crimp.
I don't think the Lee FCD will roll crimp.
Error in last sentence. See post #6
Last edited:
The FCD for revolver calibers will roll crimp. You can knock the ring out and use it to crimp only if you want to. The seater does have a crimp ring built in, so you can seat and crimp in one step if you wish.
Some crimp pics. Some in two steps, and some in one step. Done with various seaters and crimp dies.
Some crimp pics. Some in two steps, and some in one step. Done with various seaters and crimp dies.
mkl
Member
As usual, Walkalong is correct. I just got out my FCD in 45 Colt and the instructions say it will produce a great roll crimp.
I was thinking of the FCD dies I use for my 45-70 and 30-30 that use a Collet to squeeze the case into the bullet.
Sorry 'bout that.
BADUNAME37
Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2008
- Messages
- 4,434
Yes, I use the Lee FCD for that exact purpose!
I seat all my bullets using my RCBS Seater Die, then I perform all the crimping as one last operation as opposed to seating and crimping both at once.
I get EXCELLENT results with the Lee FCD using it this way! Remember, that FCD will put out a LOT of crimping power, so much so that you could easily deform the bullet!
Follow the instructions EXACTLY!
I seat all my bullets using my RCBS Seater Die, then I perform all the crimping as one last operation as opposed to seating and crimping both at once.
I get EXCELLENT results with the Lee FCD using it this way! Remember, that FCD will put out a LOT of crimping power, so much so that you could easily deform the bullet!
Follow the instructions EXACTLY!The Lee FC dies post sizing ring does not compress your case UNLESS its diameter exceeds maximum SAAMI standard. With normal careful reloading using the proper size expander and bullet combination the sizing ring shouldn't touch the case. This is for pistol dies as the FC rifle dies do not have a sizing ring and use a collet to make the crimp.
Sport45
Member
Exactly. The FCD will "iron out" mistakes but the sizing ring doesn't affect a properly loaded cartridge. The carbide ring in the seating die is larger than the one in the sizing die.
jfh
Member.
To elaborate a bit more--my use is as described by Inspector. I use the Lee 4-die set in an update Lee (standard/old) Turret. I have been primarily loading revolver rounds, and the Lee handgun FCD will produce easily-tweakable crimps, if the cases and bullet are matched up well.
My Seater die is set to seat only, and iron out the bell--no more. The FCD body is set high, so that the crimp stem can be dial in crimp continuously--i.e., from no crimp on into the heavy crimping.
This kind of setup works well once you have the correct bullet / brass sizing to meet spec.
Jim H.
My Seater die is set to seat only, and iron out the bell--no more. The FCD body is set high, so that the crimp stem can be dial in crimp continuously--i.e., from no crimp on into the heavy crimping.
This kind of setup works well once you have the correct bullet / brass sizing to meet spec.
Jim H.
jfh
Member.
aha! Walkalong shows a bit of real-world knowledge--
about the QC of the FCD dies....
Not to mention the whole notion of specifications we tend to treat as absolutes are in fact a range (granted, usually an exceedingly-small range) that meet specifications.
Ultimately, that leads us to the question of "how often will an FCD post-size if my brass is mixed, my bullets are in fact of some varying diameter, and my dies are gummed up with lube."
I get some sort of post-sizing action perhaps 3% of the time--now, after careful tuning of the whole set of subjects--i.e., ranging from die setup to component selection.
Jim H.
about the QC of the FCD dies....
Not to mention the whole notion of specifications we tend to treat as absolutes are in fact a range (granted, usually an exceedingly-small range) that meet specifications.
Ultimately, that leads us to the question of "how often will an FCD post-size if my brass is mixed, my bullets are in fact of some varying diameter, and my dies are gummed up with lube."
I get some sort of post-sizing action perhaps 3% of the time--now, after careful tuning of the whole set of subjects--i.e., ranging from die setup to component selection.
Jim H.
Last edited:
- Status
Similar threads
