Lee challenger Bullet setting/ crimping die setting?

[MGK]

I am new to reloading and am trying to load .45 cases. I am using a Lee challenger with the three die set. Ya, I know buy Dillon, but it wasn't in the budget, so...

My question:
I am trying to get a bullet seating die to seat the bullet for an overall Length of 1.190 for a lead 220 grain RH and taper crimp.

The procedure that I figured out is as follows:

To seat bullet

Run ram up full length
insert bullet seating die till contact the back off 3 full turns
Insert dummy round that is set to an OAL of 1.190
Adjust top knob till contact
Insert casing and bullet and run it up
Check OAL

To taper crimp

Remove top adjustment knob
Run ram up full travel
Adjust bullet seating die to contact ram and backoff 1/4 turn
reinsert seated bullet on shell holder
run ram up full travel and remove.
This gives me a bout a 1/4" taper crimp that is easily seen and shows on a caliper

This was developed through reading and trial and error. I have not loaded any live ammo yet with this procedure. For thoswe of you using Lee Challengers; What do you think and / or how do you do it? Yes I know that Lee makes a Carbide Factory crimp die, but no money in the budget just yet for that. I am trying to get what I got to work if possible.


Any thoughts?

MGK

 

[Sisco]

I started on a challenger press, still use it from time to time. Load on a Lee turrent now.
Sounds like you've got it down, once you have the dies set you shouldn't have to readjust them unless you change bullet types then you'll need to adjust OAL again.
After setting OAL I back the seating stem out then raise the ram, screw the die down until it contacts the case, lower the ram then give the die another quater turn.
I never totally remove the bullet seating stem, just back it way off.
If you find you're crushing the cases you're trying to crimp before the bullet is seated.

 

[MGK]

Sisco

Thanks for the reply. The Lee instructions are not as clear as I new reloader needs and I am trying to take my time and "understand" what I am doing before I do it. How do you test for a correct crimp on the casing? feel? look?

Thanks MGK

 

[Sisco]

Lee instructions are about as clear as mud.
Press the bullet down against your bench. If it doesn't slip it's crimped OK.

 

[MGK]

Thanks sisco

MGK