Crimp die for .45 ACP lead bullets

[dradave]

Friends, currently I load .45 ACP FMJ on a Hornady LNL AP using Lee dies with the FCD. I want to switch to lead RN bullets for matter of economics.

The last test run with lead bullets using the FCD wasn't satisfactory so I determined that a different crimp die was in order. I want to keep the sizing and crimping separate.

There are several crimp dies available, but which one works better for lead bullets?

Thanks...

 

[Bovice]

There was a thread on here not long ago that explained that the Lee FCD and oversize lead bullets don't mix. The lead bullets are oversize by nature, so they can get a good seal in the barrel. The FCD is assuming you're using a standard diameter jacketed bullet and it will shave the lead and do a lot of other nasty things.

The solution to your problem is to either remove the carbide sizing ring inside the FCD to convert it to a "taper crimp only" die, or buy a purpose-made taper crimp die.

Since you have loaded .45 FMJs in the past, I would suggest you spring for a separate taper-crimp die. For FMJ loading, I like the FCD. You might want to go back someday to FMJs.

 

[Notoast]

If you want to stick with Lee, they make a 45 ACP taper crimp die or you can also taper crimp with their seating die.

 

[gahunter12]

Only dies that I have ever used with lead are Dillon dies. I have a set of Lee dies for my wife's 38spl, but only use them for plated/FMJ. I ended up buying a set of Dillon dies for her lead loads. Personally I love Dillon dies. They are $$, but worth every penny. Just my .02

 

[Walkalong]

As posted, crimp with the seater, or buy a separate crimp only die.

 

[Mike 27]

I crimp with my seater, and I have the Lee 4 die set. I will run them through the second sizing die after seating and crimping and they work great with the MBC lead 45's. I think they are called .45xd or something similar.

 

[coalman]

I think the Lee FCD goes well with a FLGR in the 1911. I have better use for my money. Dillon dies have gotten it done well for me for a while now. YMMV.

 

[BYJO4]

I use RCBS and Hornady crimp dies on my LNL AP. No problems with either brand.

 

[Scott_R]

I bought a Lee FCD specifically for lead bullets. Previously I was seating/crimping in the same step. That didn't work well (for me) with lead bullets.

That said, I don't typically load lead, so I'm now using a taper crimp die from CH4D.com.

Both work(ed) fine for me, but the FCD is not nearly as smooth.

 

[John Van Gelder]

I have loaded cast bullets in the .45ACP for a very long time 40 years + what kind of crimp you use is inconsequential, as long as they feed. .45ACP brass shortens over time and does not head space on the mouth of the case, the brass is held in place by the extractor.

 

[Blue68f100]

Use a std taper crimp die. The only time I crimp and seat in the same die is on a 357mag doing a roll crimp. I have the Hornady taper crimp that I use in my LNL.

 

[918v]

I use a Redding standard taper crimp die. It works well with .452" lead bullets, but the round sticks if I try to load .454"+. If you go with Lee, the interior is very tough and will shave your brass.

 

[MCMXI]

I get excellent results using the Lee FCD when I need a roll crimp and I won't use anything else for .45 Colt or .454 Casull. However, for a taper crimp I get excellent results using an RCBS die with lead or jacketed bullets.

 

[FROGO207]

If you are trying to do this with as little expense as possible get a second FCD and drive the carbide ring out of it from the top with a punch. Then it will only taper crimp. Just figure some way to mark them to be readily identified (I used red paint) as post size or not. This is what I use for crimping lead with my 45 die set.

 

[loadedround]

I have to go along with Gahunter12 regarding the Dillon dies. In my opinion they are one of best die sets that I have ever used especially if used in a progressive press of any manufacture. All my pistol dies are Dillon with the exception of a 44-40, that Dillon didn't catalog at the time. Now if you're talking rifle dies, I have to go with Redding. A little more expensive, but the best rifle dies on the market. JMHO!

 

[oldreloader]

I tried both the taper crimp and the FCD. In my pistol I actually get tighter groups with the FCD and no leading in the barrel.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

As posted, crimp with the seater, or buy a separate crimp only die.

Add me to that list. Even though I have no problems with lead bullets and the FCD I do understand there are those who do and that's the prefect solution...

 

[Rodman579]

i use dillon dies for everything but the crimp die which i use the Lee. i only load lead bullets an have never had an issues since i switched to the Lee. with the Dillon crimp dies i would have some rounds that didnt want to chamber in the lever action rifles or go into the cylinders on my revovlers. i mainly just load for 38spl, 45LC and 45acp.

 

[chhodge69]

Your cheapest option is to use your current seat die and just set it to crimp only in a separate step, or to use no crimp at all. Depending on your gun and how much you flare your cases it might not even be necessary.