Lee RGB 7.62x39 die set

[Jrsdar]

Hello All,
First post,
I just purchased a AR Upper in x39, and picked up a set of Lee RGB dies. Question is can you or can’t you put some typos crimp on this ammo??? I know they say no crimp with the doe set, but I’ve read all over the “net” that you can. All the other 2 die sets I own you can put a crimp with the seating die. I’ve been reloading for 35 years, just not for an AR type weapon.
Just wondered, If not I’ll just ick up one of their factory crimp dies.
Thank you
Jeff

 

[mdi]

I don't have that Lee die in hand, but Lee follows much of the industry standards. Standard being a crimp, of appropriate type for the cartridge being crimped, incorporated in the seating die. One way to find out for sure is to run an empty case up into the seating die, until you feel resistance, add a 1/4 turn and see if the case mouth is crimped...

 

[n2omike]

Lee has a separate die for crimping. It is their 'Factory Crimp' die. I bought these dies for my RCBS sets, as they are really nice. I just seat the bullets in the seating die, then crimp them with this. They are wonderful in how they work.

I have the Lee dies in 7.62x39, and it is a 3 piece set. It includes both regular dies, the factory crimp die, two different neck expanders ( one for .308" used in most American guns, and the larger diameter for the larger bullets used in SKS, etc)
The set also comes with the shell holder and even a powder dipper. It's a really nice set.

I'm not sure if the Lee bullet seater has the crimp included, but it doesn't matter... I find the included factory crimp die a LOT less annoying, and a lot more consistent.

edit. To bypass any built-in crimp on a bullet seating die, simply raise it up a little in its mount.

Good Luck

 

[armoredman]

FCD works just fine with 7.62x39mm in the Lee set, used it for years. I also set the seater die to give a gentle crimp when seating cast lead bullets.

 

[Swampman]

I can't speak with any authority about the Lee 7.62x39 dies since mine are RCBS, but I own several sets of Lee dies and they all have an appropriate method for crimping built into the seating die.

I did buy an FCD for loading 7.62x39 since I'm lazy and using it makes trim length far less critical.

I'm loading for AK's, SKS's and VZ-58's. If I were loading for a bolt gun I probably wouldn't crimp at all.

I lightly crimp cast bullets for .300 Blackout and .308 AR's, but don't generally bother when loading jacketed bullets.

 

[Jrsdar]

I ran an empty case and measured it, really didn’t “crimp” I’ll have to buy their factory crimp die.
Thanks for the info,
I only had loaded 10 rounds, I’ll have to keep an eye out that they don’t get pushed in when chambering
Thanks
Jeff

 

[Swampman]

If it's an accurate AR you might want to consider polishing down your expander ball a thousandth or two and forgoing the whole crimp thing.

Try it that way for a few hundred rounds and see how it goes. Good neck tension should take care of any bullet setback problems and it's a lot better for concentricity than any crimp.

 

[Jrsdar]

Good idea, I was thinking of that also, since the die set only came with one expander (.310)
And I have .308 bullets around,
Thinking I should have waited for a 3 die set with both expander.
Thanks I’ll post results after next range trip
Jeff

 

[Bcwitt]

I doubt very much there is a die set made in that caliber that wouldnt put a very firm crimp on.