Factory Crimp Dies...Do You Use Them?

[Werewolf]

In handgun applications they are a band-aid AT BEST. If you 'need' them or saw an improvement in your ammunition when you started using them you need to fix the problem, not smash it out with a crutch.

That's an interesting statement. Please provide more information about the problems needing fixing. Not all of us have the knowledger or experience reloading to know what you're talking about.

 

[JA]

Kind of like saying, "if you need a gun then you need to work on your bow and arrow skills."

Is this some kind of a manliness competition, where if you use an FCD you aren't a real man?

What I am saying is..... The first reloading dies were made right after the reloadable self contained cartridge was invented in 1866. Over the next 134 years, billions of rounds of perfectly functioning ammo were reloaded using the seat/crimp die that came in every die set.
It is not a competition nor am I questioning your manliness for using a FCD.
It is just that if you HAVE to use a FCD to produce reloads that function correctly then you are lacking the ability to properly adjust a seat/crimp die.

 

[ftierson]

Just like if you have to use a cartridge gun using smokeless powder, something is wrong since a charcoal burner loaded from the muzzle end will do the job just fine...



Forrest

 

[Lucky]

How does one find out the proper height to put the crimp on? Right at the case neck, or lower? I've done both on .223 and both fired. .44's on the other hand clearly have a crimp further down, when you buy new ammo.