Lee FCD....

[Walkalong]

I have never loaded 44/40, but have read of the thin case walls and the problems they can cause. Crimping is probably pretty touchy with them. Trimming for consistent case length is probably a must.

 

[ranger335v]

"We reloaded tens of thousands of quality rounds without problems for years before this little "godsend" was invented. How did we ever get by?" "If that was only true in the real world, but it isn't."

Are you saying it affects undersize cartridges and well as oversize? Not mine.

Many of us old dudes, for sure those of us who felt the need to be absolutely certain our ammo would chamber every time, ran EVERY ROUND through our pistol/revolver chambers OR a commercially made case gage from Wilson, Lyman, Midway, etc, before boxing it. If it did not fit, it did not get boxed. (I still do that with hunting rifle ammo, doesn't everyone?)

The "godsend" is that Lee's neat little FCD crimper makes that time consuming step unnecessary for handgun ammo.

 

[Walkalong]

Well then we will just have to disagree on this.

I know what the one I tried in .45 ACP does, and it post sizes many rounds that will fit in tight match barrels. I am not interested in using the FCD to squeeze my ammo to fit when it is not needed, and would rather gauge ammo than do that. (Which I do not in .45, and never had a problem) To each their own way.

 

[RustyFN]

Then you understand the difference.

I understand the difference of the Lee FCD with the post sizing ring compared to the other crimp dies. I don't understand how buying a set of Redding or RCBS dies will do any thing different than a set of Lee dies if you don't use a crimp die. The last time I checked my Lee seating dies crimped just like Redding and RCBS.

If you took offense to the fellow who said "with a quality set of dies such as Redding or RCBS", don't. It's their opinion.

No I didn't take offense. I'm not a Lee only type of person and Lee bashing or any brand for that matter won't push any buttons. Asking ten different people the meaning of quality is like asking ten different code inspectors the same question, you will get ten different answers. If it makes a person feel better because it cost a lot more then that's great, at least they feel good about what they are using. Sometimes the more expensive item is the way to go but I have found that because it cost more doesn't always mean it's better.
Rusty

 

[Walkalong]

I don't understand how buying a set of Redding or RCBS dies will do any thing different than a set of Lee dies if you don't use a crimp die.

Well, they don't do anything different. You can crimp with the built in crimper in the seater, or crimp in a fourth station with anybodies crimp die, an extra seater etc. As you say, folks can argue all day about quality. (What is quality, best machining, or best results?)

Some are machined prettier for sure, all one has to do is look at them. I have Lee, RCBS, Redding, C&H, Hornady, Forster, Lyman, Wilson & Niel Jones dies, plus a couple of custom dies. I have my favorites, of course.

They all load good enough ammo. (Not counting match loading for match rifles)

I have found that because it cost more doesn't always mean it's better

I agree, but then sometimes you get what you pay for as well.