Seating and crimping at the same time with the 550?

[Damon555]

I did the initial setup on my press to load 9mm. I've only got a 3 die set. Will it cause a problem if I seat and crimp on the same step? I have always done it that way on my single stage and never had a problem. It doesn't seem like it would be a problem in this case either.

 

[rcmodel]

No.
Not with an auto-pistol taper crimp.

It is more of a problem sometimes with lead bullets and a revolver roll-crimp.

rc

 

[Damon555]

Thanks for the quick reply rc....I've been loading for 15 years on a single stage and just wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to ruin something.

 

[rfwobbly]

I agree. Concentrate on using slow, smooth strokes, not a herky-jerky "see how fast you can go" style and you'll do great.

► If you'd like to convert over to a 4-die system, it's simple and cheap. Simply raise your existing seating die about 1/2 turn to stop crimping, and install a $10 Lee taper crimp die (Lee 90780) in the 4th die position.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/274765/lee-taper-crimp-die-9mm-luger

Midway and others put these on sale for $8 about twice a year.

 

[billybob44]

You can--BUT---

To me, you're missing out on the joy of using a Dillon RL550!! Save your change and buy a Dillon Die set.
Dillon Dies are fully radiused(sp?), they have a bevel on the bottom side for VERY easy entry of the case ito the die.
Dillon Dies, on the seater die and crimp die have pins you can pull for easy cleaning without loosing your die adjustment--This REALLY comes in handy if you are loading cast bullets.
I like Dillon Dies well enough that I have bought duplicate sets in .38Spl./.357Mag. and .40 S&W/10MM, so that I can just change die blocks and not have to re-adjust my dies.
Trust me, once you go Dillon Dies, you will NOT go back!!! Bill.

 

[Walkalong]

I have a Dillon taper crimp die for .38 Super. It's nice, but won't do anything a polished Lee taper crimp die won't do. No, they do not come as polished as the Dillon. You have to do it yourself.

For auto calibers there is so little movement while applying a light taper crimp, that it is no problem seating and crimping at the same time.

For revolver rounds using lead bullets with a good crimp groove, seating and crimping in the same step works great.

For revolver rounds using jacketed bullets with a proper cannelure (A groove for the brass to crimp down in to), seating and crimping in the same step works just fine. With poor cannelures (No indention, just marks), seating and crimping in the same step can be problematic.