Lee factory Crimp die ?

[joneb]

As I understand it the Lee FC die does a resize on the case before it crimps ? Some of my brass varies in thickness, how would the FC die compensate for this With brass that is thicker will this die reduce the bullets diameter?

 

[Stinger]

Run a search on the FCD's post-sizing properties. Some swear by them...others consider them a bandaid. I fall in the latter category.

 

[mjrodney]

For semi-auto calibers that headspace on the mouth of the case, the Lee Factory Crimp die simply ensures that the outer diameter of your completed round is no larger than the standard established for that particular caliber.

For revolver rounds that use a roll type crimp, the FCD not only limits the maximum outer diameter, but also serves to provide that style crimp to the round.

They are not absolutely required, but they don't hurt, either.

Using a traditional bullet seating/crimping die, you are pushing a bullet into a case to a particular depth, while at the same time trying to crimp that case against the bullet. It works, but these are opposing forces. They fight each other.

Using a Lee Factory Crimp die allows you to seat the bullet to the correct depth, prior to adding crimping force, and then to add the crimp with the FCD after the bullet is seated.

I use a Lee FCD in several calibers, and FTF issues just don't exist for me.

The FCD works.

 

[StrikeEagle]

Some of my brass varies in thickness, how would the FC die compensate for this

There is the same concern with the conventional sizing die, isn't there? No matter what, different thicknesses of brass yield slightly different results, round to round. Different neck tension, different powder volume. I don't feel this is an issue here.

I use Factory Crimp Dies for most of the calibers that I reload, and I like them. A bandaid, perhaps... but then bandaids are useful.

 

[RustyFN]

As I understand it the Lee FC die does a resize on the case before it crimps ?

The FCD doesn't post size every case. It only post sizes the cases that are out of spec and won't chamber.
Rusty

 

[Grumulkin]

In my opinion, the Lee Factory Crimp die only crimps; it doesn't size. They will not compensate for brass of varying thickness except in the crimp area.

I don't crimp many of the cartridges I reload but for those I do, the Lee Factory Crimp die works great.

 

[Walkalong]

There is absolutely no need for the Lee FCD. .......Yea, some will say otherwise. Post sizing is a bad idea. It solves nothing that more carefull loading won't fix. It can cause problems by squeezing down the bullet. The bullet is dead soft compared to the hard springy brass. You can ruin neck tension. If the FCD die is helping feeding, then something is wrong. Get an undersized size die or figure out where you are going wrong in your loading.

others consider them a bandaid. I fall in the latter category.

Me too.

One vote "NO" on the LEE FCD.

 

[Bronson7]

I load for 45 ACP using cast bullets. I like my bullets sized to .452", which is the standard. Using the FCD resizes the bullet. Why would I want to resize my .452 bullets to .451"? Doesn't make sense does it? That's why I quit using it. This is in addition to what Walkalong has stated, which by the way, I agree with 100%. Some people love the thing and some hate it. I fall in the later group. I have to say this though. I like the way it crimps so I ordered one from Lee WITHOUT the sizing ring. In all fairness to Lee, they state on there paperwork that it's for the OCCASIONAL round that's out of spec. If you're loading cast, believe me, it's going to resize every round.
Bronson7

 

[ftierson]

The Lee FCD works differently for rifles and pistols.

The rifle die simply crimps using a four-fingered collet. It does not post-size...

The pistol die crimps using a step ring, and also post sizes (only when the cartridge case exceeds the maximum dimension for the cartridge, otherwise it doesn't touch the cartridge case)...

I use Lee Factory Crimp Dies for both rifle and pistol (except that I don't crimp cartridges that will be shot exclusively in bolt guns)...

And I wouldn't be without them...

Forrest

 

[Walkalong]

The rifle die simply crimps using a four-fingered collet. It does not post-size...

Yep, they probably work fine. I was talking about their pistol dies.

 

[The Bushmaster]

.30-30 Lee FCD post sizes...And for a good reason...

Don't listen to Mr. Walkalong...I'll make him a convert later...

 

[StrikeEagle]

.30-30 Lee FCD post sizes...And for a good reason...

Are you sure about that? I have a 30-30 Lee Factory Crimp Die, and mine doesn't do that... no carbide ring in there. I just took a look at it to be sure.

I'm not sure what to say here, but are you *certain* yours post sizes? It has a ring? Mine has nothing like that at all.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Well...It definately straightens them out when I over crimp them or the bullet collapses the case a bit...

 

[Randall]

If you have a pistol with a factory chamber you will probably not need the FCD, if you have a match chambered pistol it guarantees the cartridge will be sized to fit, especially if you use cast bullets.

 

[Ala Dan]

Some say that the Lee FCD over corrects the dimensions of the cartridge;
which may be true? Good handloading techniques should not never, ever
be compromised; in which I think we all agree. But, pistols with very tight
throated chambers may not feed properly (if at all); unless the Lee FCD
is used~!

 

[PowderKeg]

FCD

I bought a 10mm/40S&W FCD to use for reloading 180gr. lead TC's for my Smith 610. I've had problems with getting a very slight bulge in the case from seating, which makes for a tight fit in the cylinder, sometimes needing a little thumb "encouragement" to chamber the round fully. The FCD did smooth out the cartridge and made for smooth insertion in the cylinder. However, the bullets were swaged down from .402" to .397", and the OAL increased from .630" to .640". I was not impressed with the results on the rest and at the sil. match a few days later. I haven't had time to investigate further (too much overtime at work - like that's a problem!?!) but I think I'll leave the FCD alone for awhile and look at some other options, maybe even some different 10/40 dies (at least the seater die).

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

My personal experience with the Lee Carbide FCD for 45 colt was very disappointing. It does not crimp as well as my Hornady seating die crimps, while seating. Fully sized brass will not need post sizing after seating/crimping unless something else is wrong, like mis-adjusted crimp setting, non-uniform case length, insufficient chamfering/flaring, etc.

The collet type FCD (not carbide) for rifle and bottleneck pistol cartridges is a whole different species, and is a superior tool to anything else out there.

Andy

 

[Walkalong]

Well...It definately straightens them out when I over crimp them or the bullet collapses the case a bit...

Yep... solving a problem that can be fixed without the die.
I'm going to be a tough convert.

But, pistols with very tight throated chambers may not feed properly (if at all); unless the Lee FCD
is used~!

That is why I recommended the undersize size die for those needs. I believe that is a better solution.

Yep... I'm going to be a tough convert alright.



ROLL TIDE !!

 

[bakert]

I use the Lee FCD in some calibers with lead loads but some lots of thick brass can cause problems. My problems were mainly with some lots of military .38 Sp and Win nickel .357 brass. It has worked fine for me in other calibers such as .45 ACP, .44 mag and .45 Colt with various brand of brass with cast bullet loads

 

[joneb]

Run a search on the FCD's post-sizing properties.

I tried running a search before posting but I must not have entered the secret code for the desired results It would have been more helpful if you would have posted the thread. Besides I don't care to read old news papers.

There is the same concern with the conventional sizing die, isn't there?

Yes but I can adjust for it.

It would seem that certain FCD's fit certain needs, and it would be prudent as a reloader to understand those needs.
thank you all for your help, jj

 

[Steve C]

IMO the Lee FC dies are great for semi auto cartridges and I use one when reloading the 9mm and the .45 acp. They provide a good strong crimp and makes sure the case stays within the maximum diameters. Specially useful when loading mixed brass.

For straight wall revolver cases I don't find the FC die to be all that beneficial and generally prefer to seat and crimp at the same time.

 

[Walkalong]

I bought a 10mm/40S&W FCD to use for reloading 180gr. lead TC's for my Smith 610. I've had problems with getting a very slight bulge in the case from seating, which makes for a tight fit in the cylinder, sometimes needing a little thumb "encouragement" to chamber the round fully. The FCD did smooth out the cartridge and made for smooth insertion in the cylinder.

Unless your bullets need to be that diameter to fit your throats for accuracy then they need to be .401 to eliminate the bulge that causes tight chambering. (or perhaps thinner brass) Why swage them down in the case? If loaded rounds with .402 bullets make for a tight fit in the chamber, I would expect your throats to be tight as well.

A .401 or even a .400 bullet will work better than one swaged down in the case to .397 for sure, even if .402 would be a better fit for the throats.

However, the bullets were swaged down from .402" to .397", and the OAL increased from .630" to .640"

This is exactly my point with auto cartridges and the Lee FCD.

 

[ilbob]

I have one in 38 special. I check my reloads with a gauge. For reasons that escape me, about one in 50 of my reloads ends up failing the gauge test. If it doesn't gauge OK, I run it thru the FCD.

 

[trickyasafox]

i bought some factory hardcast LRN 230gr 45acp bullets that i was having trouble getting to chamber. after i started running the cases through a FCD it cleared the problem up for me. . .

definitely not necessary, i really only use it in 45 and occasionally 9mm, but very nice to have when you do need it