my first dummy loads 45 acp question

[redbandit98]

hello all. Well, I finally got a day off work and my bullets, primer, and powder all finally got here. I set up my dies per the factory instructions (lee 3 die with factory crimp die on a lee classic turret) , and have some questions. First off, on the case flaring. At first it looked as though i was shaving lead on the bullets so I slowly adjusted that out until there is no shavings on the bullet. As far as bullet seating depth, I set that to where the oal is the same as some factory fmj bullets I have. (1.267) My problem seems to be with the lee factory crimp die. I can put a factory round in it and it runs smooth as silk. When I put my dummy bullet through it, it will go in but it seems like its hanging up every time when it goes in and also when it comes out. The rounds cycle through my gun but I know im off somewhere. I checked all the measurements vs the factory round and all are identical except for for the flare which is slightly larger. I measure the factory at .471 at the case mouth and mine .472. Am I flaring it a little too much?

 

[rcmodel]

No.

Something along the line has to iron out the flare.

Thats what you are feeling with the FCD.

Your lead bullets are slightly larger around then jacketed bullets, so you are feeling that too because the increased bullet diameter + the case mouth thickness is making the finished load slightly bigger (.001") then the Jacketed factory loads.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

And if the post sizing ring in that puppy is undersized at all, your feeling more than that. Your gut is trying to tell you something.

 

[dave from mesa]

Agree with rcmodel.
Jacketed bullets are .451. Lead are .452. (or at least should be)

 

[redbandit98]

Yes, I am aware of the different sizes of the two bullets, I was just making sure that everything was koser on the FCD. Seems that some people love it and some people hate it.