Problem with Lee Factory Crimp Die

[g_gunter]

Man...I'm mad as **** because I've just wasted 23 rounds of premium handloads (cast perf bullets and stuff) for my .45 Colt because my Lee Factory Crimp Die is seating the bullets an additional .020 of an inch deeper when I use a heavy crimp (one full turn of adjustment knob). It'll seat the bullet an additional .005" when only turned 1/2 turn (still unacceptable). Its not supposed to push the bullet in at all when using the LFCD. The rounds are supposed to be finished out at 1.680" OAL (which is what it is when coming out of the seating die) but when I finish with the LFCD it is reduced to 1.660" OAL.

I don't know what is going wrong here but I've cleaned out the die just to make sure there were no foreign objects inside.

I've loaded over 1200 rounds with my Lee dies and I've checked and rechecked my setup procedures (I've even watched the Lee video for a sanity check). Can anyone tell me, assuming I'm doing everything right, what could cause this to happen? I'm really bummed out because I was getting ready to test my new Clements .45 Bisley and dangit!!! I can't even use my own handloads until I get this sorted out.

I'm all ears?

g_gunter

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I am not a huge fan for the factory crimp especially in a revolver round like the 45 colt. I personally use Redding profile crimpers in revolver rounds.

Anyway, I would diagnose your problem like this if it happened to me. First back the seater stem for lack of a better word completely out of the die. If I remember right you can take it completely out by screwing it up out. Then try crimping the round and see if it gets shorter. If it does, then something is wrong with the die or your procedures. I vote the die so send it back to lee for a replacement.

Second, if that is fine and the cartridge is still the right length, then barely reassemble the die and run the same cartridge into the die. Is the length correct? if so do this a bit at a time, say 1/2 turn at most till you start setting the length back or you get the correct crimp. If you start setting the length back before you get the correct crimp, then its the die, send it back. If not, use it as is.

Seriously, consider a Redding profile crimper. Some of the best advice I ever got on the boards. I credit Weshoot2 completely for the suggestion.

 

[Nortonics]

g_gunter,
I run the exact same dies for that caliber too. I've loaded maybe close to 700 .45 Colts with them without the problem you mention, but I understand completely what you're having a problem with.

I wonder if the lead you're loading is different that past sessions? I'm not sure what you mean when you write 'cast perf bullets' - did you cast these yourself, or store bought?

What I'm getting at is I wonder if your bullets aren't sized quite correctly to begin with? A little larger diameter than desired might be causing the FCD to push it into the case? Have you checked the bullet diameter with a caliper? What the diameter? Just a thought...

Okay, another toss-out: Any case lube left on the brass at seating time by chance?

And another toss-out: Any chance you're belling the cases too much, and the seating die can't iron it back enough before the FCD tries to crimp it?

Finally, I wonder if you shouldn't also dismantle the seating die and clean it out, then reassemble to your specs again and just give it a try?

Since you've not had the problem in the past I'm just trying to think of some things I might check if I was running into the same problem...

 

[g_gunter]

I think I've found it...

Hi guys...thanks for your response. I'm much better now.

I was talking with some guys at Handloads.com and they seem to think that the 325 gr. Cast Performance Bullets that I've just started using has a crimp groove/shoulder angled so as to cause the Lee crimp die to slightly pull the bullet into the case a bit further during heavy crimp. Remember, this .020" change in length occurs only when using heavy crimp. Since I've checked the die and cleaned it out as well as cleaned off any excess lube I think that that is the reason for what is going on. Having said that, I think I am definitely in the market for a Redding Profile Crimping die. I've heard nothing but good things about it...that is...so long as the cases and cartridge OAL are consistent.

Since I am on the low side of the loading manual I will go ahead and try these rounds and watch closely for pressure signs as well as watch the chrony and see what the velocities are so that I can see if I'm in the ballpark.

Thanks for the help guys.

All the best,

g_gunter