It is easy to adjust the FCD for the perfect crimp with the knurled knob on top. No tightening or loosening a lock nut and hoping the adjustment doesn‘t move. Many cast bullet reloaders like to use bullets that are 0.001 to 0.003 inch oversize in order to eliminate barrel leading. The ring can resize cast bullets below that, especially with thicker brass.
Lee Factory Crimp Die?
- Thread starter 9mmepiphany
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thump_rrr
Member
Some people want to be able to crimp without post-sizing.
AV8TOR
Member
You can do that with the seating die.
snakeye
Member
I would never knock the ring out.....there is really no point in doing so...
Jlr2267
Member
some want to crimp in a separate operation, without post-sizing
thump_rrr
Member
No. With the Lee Factory Crimp Die.
You can post size and depending on how far you turn the knob on top you can also crimp.
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I was considering picking up a Lee FCD to solve problems with reloading semi auto rounds. I have, hopefully, figured out how to get my semi auto reloads up to near 100% effectiveness ( uniform case lengths and just enough belling of the mouth to get the bullet started). But I am always looking for better or faster. I reload with a single stage press, so I don't want to crimp in a separate step unless it's worth it.
Let's here from the veteran reloaders ....is the Lee FCD worth it ??
Let's here from the veteran reloaders ....is the Lee FCD worth it ??
OilyPablo
Member
Yes. For for me, the Lee FCD works great,
gojones
Member
ditto......I use the FCD to take the bell out of my cases. Minimal crimp. No problems with the post sizing.
In my opinion, the Lee handgun FCD has its uses.
But, it is not a panacea for fixing poor reloading practices and poor press and die set up.
My opinion and $5 will get you a designer coffee. Many folks like the Lee handgun FCD and one can never discount the phycological factor. If you feel better about your reloads, you will shoot better.
FROGO207
Member
If Lee would offer the handgun FCD with a .001-.002 over sized carbide ring for lead bullet use I bet a lot of those that dislike them would then like them.
I only use the FCD on the 30-30 and revolver rounds these days. I do have many others in both rifle and handgun calibers. However I find that when they are used MY ammo accuracy suffers. But the first few posts answer the question asked.
I only use the FCD on the 30-30 and revolver rounds these days. I do have many others in both rifle and handgun calibers. However I find that when they are used MY ammo accuracy suffers. But the first few posts answer the question asked.Jarhead66
Member
Been reloading now for about 6 months. use the Lee FCD on 9mm.
Got to thinking, do you have to readjust the FCD if you change to a
a different bullet with a different case OAL or is the die set for all loads once you get your desired crimp set.
Got to thinking, do you have to readjust the FCD if you change to a
a different bullet with a different case OAL or is the die set for all loads once you get your desired crimp set.
OilyPablo
Member
Since 9mm is tapered - what is the actual size of the FCD ring?
OilyPablo
Member
There is no ring in the 9mm Lee FCD, well there is a tapered shape. Ideally your formed brass is already close to this shape.
lauderdale
Member
To narrow it down I wish I new how to post a poll: It would be Pistol/rifle for the fcd and also lead vs. other various flavors. Iam w/ CFULLG. I no it serves its purpose for some and when its needed.
Traffer
Member
22lr
This is interesting from my loading 22lr perspective. I make all of my own tools since they are rare at best for 22 rimfire. I just made a die yesterday that "swages" and sizes the final round. I crimp with a completely different tool because the bullet is the same diameter as the case and it cannot be crimped with a die. I knurl the bullets for lube retention and to "soften" the outer diameter a bit for a good gas seal. Because of the knurling the bullets have come out with too much variation in diameter for me. So I am using the term "swaging" loosely here as it is just really resizing the bullet. I had the thought of skipping the initial sizing because I am now sizing the round in the end. I haven't tried it yet but it looks like I should keep sizing the brass before reloading also.
This is interesting from my loading 22lr perspective. I make all of my own tools since they are rare at best for 22 rimfire. I just made a die yesterday that "swages" and sizes the final round. I crimp with a completely different tool because the bullet is the same diameter as the case and it cannot be crimped with a die. I knurl the bullets for lube retention and to "soften" the outer diameter a bit for a good gas seal. Because of the knurling the bullets have come out with too much variation in diameter for me. So I am using the term "swaging" loosely here as it is just really resizing the bullet. I had the thought of skipping the initial sizing because I am now sizing the round in the end. I haven't tried it yet but it looks like I should keep sizing the brass before reloading also.
OilyPablo
Member
Where do you get 22LR cases?
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