Reloading 9mm...need advice

[telecaster1981]

I'm looking to pick up a set of Lee dies (I've had great luck with Lee equipment) for 9mm and I'm trying to decide if I need the 4-die Carbide set which includes the Factory Crimp die or if the 3-die Carbide set with the included seater/taper crimp die will suffice. Any advice?

 

[Ditchtiger]

3 die set will be fine

 

[armoredman]

Get the 4 die set, the FCD is a great help. I have been using the Lee 4 die deluxe set in 9mm for a few years now, great dies!

 

[layusn1]

+1 on the 4 die set!!!!!

 

[Steve C]

For semi auto cartridges the Lee FC die is great. I have RCBS die sets in .9mm and .45 but I bought the Lee FC dies for the other after trying one. Get the 4 die set, you really won't appreciate the Lee FC die by starting out with it but it will help avoid crimping and set back problems you can get using the standard die set.

 

[RustyFN]

I use the four die set because I like to crimp seperate. If you have a four hole press you may as well use a four die set.
Rusty

 

[nitesite]

Having a turret press, I prefer to use the FCD as a separate operation from bullet seating. This is especially useful when I load plated lead bullets.

Using the fourth die adds about 1-2 seconds to every round I make and it's well worth it.

My vote is spend the six bucks and get the 4-die set.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Getting the four die set for 9mm X 19 isn't necessary as the Lee bullet seating die has an excellent crimping capibility built in. If you set the seating die up correctly you really don't even need to crimp the case mouth. If you do want to crimp the case mouth just remove the bell (flare) that the through powder die put in the case mouth. Be very careful not to over crimp the case mouth on 9mm and any other straight wall auto case. I've been using the Lee three die sets for 9mm X 19 and .45 ACP for around 15 years with absolutely no problems...

 

[okeybug]

I would go for the 4 die set. Seating and crimping seperately is not only easier to adjust, it puts less stress on the brass. This is a small investment for years of reloading.

 

[P0832177]

Get the four die set! Seating is one step crimping is another seperate step.

 

[strat81]

I'm new to reloading and to 9mm so take this with a grain of salt. I use the 4-die set in my cast turret press and use the FCD to remove the bell and apply a light crimp (1/2 turn in after contact). Haven't blown myself or my guns up yet. That being said, I do not explore the limits of myself, my guns, or my cartridges. I do not enjoy shooting very heavy loads and go into reloading to save some money and learn more about my hobby.

So, yeah, get the 4 die set.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Geezz guys...I didn't say not get the four die set...I just said it wasn't necessary...

 

[Walkalong]

I tried it and I don't care for the FCD die myself. I do like to taper crimp in a seperate operation though. My taper crimp die for 9MM is a CH in the 5th hole of my Hornady Projector.