Lee Factory Crimp Die

[ldlfh7]

I just started loading the 30-30 and realize I do not have a factory crimp die yet.
However I do have one for the 308 winchester and although they are different sizes at the neck they are pretty close.
Is it possible to use the 308 FCD on the 30-30?

 

[joustin]

The FCD is based on length, not sure if they are close enough to work

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm a big fan of crimping in a separate step and of the Lee FCD for rifle cartridges but it's not necessary. Which dies are you using? Does the seating die have a crimp feature? If yes you can load good 30-30 ammo without the FCD until you get a chance to buy one.

I don't think the .308 FCD will work on a 30-30 case.

 

[mdi]

Check the die instructions and see if the bullet seating die is also used for crimping. Most are. Also, after seating the bullets back off the seating stem several turns, and lower the die in the press to see if the die will also crimp (I loosen the die lock ring, run the cartridge up into the die, screw the die down until I feel contact with the cartridge, then adjust for amount of crimp needed).

 

[ldlfh7]

My seating die does have the ability to crimp.
I just prefer the FCD.
Sounds like I just need to setup my seating die to crimp until I can get a 30-30 FCD.

 

[FROGO207]

The beauty of the Lee FCD is the case lengths do not have to be the exact same length to get a consistent crimp. Otherwise you have to trim them all to the same length, then you can use the regular die to crimp them. Or sort into batches, adjust and crimp then adjust for length on next batch and crimp those----rinse and repeat till done. No the 308 FCD will not crimp in the correct spot for the 30-30 sorry to say. FWIW I do not crimp my 308 ammo as it is more accurate without in both my 308's even though I purchased the FCD for it but do crimp the 30-30 as it is tube fed and needs it to prevent bullet setback.

 

[Grumulkin]

1. I don't think your .308 Lee Factory Crimp Die will work on 30/30.

2. The 30/30 case isn't that strong. While true that dies have a built in crimp feature, I believe there is a risk of collapsing the 30/30 case using that feature. I think the Lee Factory Crimp Die is a much better option.

It's pretty debatable though if the 30/30 case even needs a crimp.

 

[ldlfh7]

Out of curiosity I tried using the 308 crimp die on the 30-30.
Worked like a charm. I have loaded several shells into the tube and cycled them out, reloaded and unloaded again.
I then measured some OAL's and none of the bullets had set back at all.
I did have to adjust my 308 crimp die down a little bit but no big deal.
I do not even crimp my 308 bullets anymore so I will be using it for the 30-30.

 

[el indio]

Don't forget, the 308 Win in metric size is 7.62x51. The 30-30 Win in metric size is 7.62x51R. Should be no problem.

 

[bainter1212]

Wow.....good to know. This could save some folks some money.

 

[gamestalker]

I've loaded a good deal of 30-30 with nothing more than my standard RCBS FL 2 die set, never had a problem. The seating die will crimp just fine if adjusted properly.

With any bottle neck cartridge it is important to make sure the brass is within SAAMI length, so keep them trimmed to the same length and within SAAMI spec., you should have no issues.

And as for crimping, it is advisable to crimp 30-30 that is intended to be used in a typical tublular magazine to avoid bullet set back. So with that said, use bullets intended for 30-30 tubular magazines, no PSP's, they need a canelure to crimp into, RNFP's are the recomended.

GS

 

[270WSMANIC]

one way to make sure the cases are all the same length is to use the rcbs x-die. If set up right after trimming all cases to the same length, or using once fired cases and setting die to reduce the once fired by a thousandth or two. You should never have to trim again for the life of the case, and they will all be the same length for crimping. For those who don't like, trust, or have never tried the x die. I have used them for years for 270WSM with no problems and nice tight groups. I don't yet have x die for 3030 but grandson has one now so will be getting one soon.

 

[PapaG]

I have used the Lee 308 fcd for 30-30. No problems as long as you feel your way along until you get it set the Ayers you want it.

 

[gamestalker]

You don't need no stinking FCD.

Seriously though, I wasn't trying to sound all negative about the FCD, I have never even tried one. But it is simple fact, that we (reloaders), have not needed, nor used them prior to their introduction to the reloading market, which hasn't been all that long ago, thus doing it (crimping), the way it has always been done. In other words, if all you have is a standard seating die, you have everything you need to get the job done correctly, and without incident.

GS

 

[Lost Sheep]

You don't need no stinking FCD.

Seriously though, I wasn't trying to sound all negative about the FCD, I have never even tried one. But it is simple fact, that we (reloaders), have not needed, nor used them prior to their introduction to the reloading market, which hasn't been all that long ago, thus doing it (crimping), the way it has always been done. In other words, if all you have is a standard seating die, you have everything you need to get the job done correctly, and without incident.

GS

Are you perhaps confusing the Factory Cromp Die (FCD) for sraight-walled handgun cartridges wih the FCD for bottlenecked cartridges? They are completely different.

 

[gamestalker]

Lost Sheep, ya probably, who knows, I have exactly zero experience with the FCD, straight walled Crumple, or bottle neck. I was actually just saying that it's entirely possible to live without the FCD if one knows how to properly adjust a standard seating die.

GS