Lee die SNAFU, need some help

[BigSlick]

Hi guys,

I bought a 9mm Lee 4 die set to get the size die and the FCD. I have been using the size die (works great) in the 550 for a couple of months.

I have been wondering about the issue of bullet pull being affected by the FCD and decided to do a bit of research on my own. I have a few cast 9mm rejects (frosted) that are sized correctly, since I know I am going to melt them down again I figured they would be perfect to use as test components.

I open the die box to get the FCD out of it and notice there are two dies that appear to be crimp dies, both look identical, one has some rust around the opening. I looked a little closer at the set and realize there is no seater die. Great. I called Cabelas and they are most happy to exchange them, so no problem there. I would still like to get this done tonight, and am hoping I can work with what I have until I get them swapped out.

Can someone help me identify which of the crimp dies is the FCD ? I can't tell from the photos on Lee's website or in the cheesy instructions that came with the set.

The numbers on the dies across the bottom just above the opening is as follows:

LEE-9MM-A5

LEE-9MM-C5

Thanks for the help

BigSlick

 

[Jim Watson]

The CARBIDE factory crimp die is the one with a carbide ring inset into the mouth of the die like a sizing die. And with a knob on top to adjust a separate taper crimp sleeve.

A plain crimp die is just the body and lockring, the whole thing is screwed in and out to adjust.

 

[ATAShooter]

A5 and C5 are date codes of when the die was made.. A5 being Jan '05 and C5 being Apr '05 Now, a FCD looks from plain across the room observation just like a seater die... EXCEPT the whole die length is shorter on FCD. Also, when you look inside, on the FCD you will be able to look all the way up into the center of the knob. Seater you cant, due to seating head.

 

[BigSlick]

Here's a pic of the dies. You can see all the way up inside the cap of the adjustment screw and there is a 'sleeve' inside that slides up and down.

Thanks

BigSlick

 

[The Bushmaster]

Except for the rust on one they both look the same and just like the one I use for .38 special...Your guess is as good as mine here...

 

[ATAShooter]

It is the same die... just 2 different date codes... That is the FCD though...( both of them) Somebody screwed up in packaging and gave you 2

 

[BigSlick]

Thanks for the help fellas

Now I can get on with it

BigSlick

 

[Lennyjoe]

I have a set of Lee 9MM dies that I am not using. If someone wants them give me $5 + shipping and they can have them.

 

[BigSlick]

Hey lennyjoe,

I'll take them

E-mail headed your way.

THANKS!!

BigSlick

 

[Lennyjoe]

Roger!