Seating Dies Only

[clc58]

When reloading for pistol ( .45 acp, 9mm, .380 auto and 38 spl) I would like to only use a seating die that does not also apply a crimp. I want to apply the crimp with a separate die ( Lee Factory Crimp Die). Been online and can only fine dies that do both, any suggestions as to where I can fine some. I like doing each reloading step one at a time on my Lee single stage press. Thanks in advance for advice.
Respectfully,
clc58

 

[jmorris]

If you have a seat/crimp die, just adjust the die body up, so it won’t crimp, then adjust the seater down to where you want the bullet to be.

Most would like to have a die set vs having to adjust one for 4 different rounds, the seaters for those calibers are also not all going to be the same.

 

[243winxb]

No crimp seat die by Redding.https://www.redding-reloading.com/o...-for-handgun-a-straight-wall-rifle-cartridges

 

[EricBu]

This is what I do, though I generally use a redding profile crimp instead of the lee FCD. I am a firm believer in seating and crimping in two steps. Redding makes some seating only dies, as does Dillon. For calibers I can't find a seating die, I buy a second RCBS seat/crimp die, then back it out just past the crimp and lock it down, then adjust seating plug. The other positive for using the RCBS dies and just buying a second one is that RCBS makes it easy to have custom seating plugs made, which is nice if you're loading cast or coated cast RNFP or other bullet profiles that aren't covered by the generic included seating plugs with most dies.

 

[clc58]

Thanks gents

 

[CQB45ACP]

I have the Redding seating only die. Works fine.

 

[AJC1]

This is what I do, though I generally use a redding profile crimp instead of the lee FCD. I am a firm believer in seating and crimping in two steps. Redding makes some seating only dies, as does Dillon. For calibers I can't find a seating die, I buy a second RCBS seat/crimp die, then back it out just past the crimp and lock it down, then adjust seating plug. The other positive for using the RCBS dies and just buying a second one is that RCBS makes it easy to have custom seating plugs made, which is nice if you're loading cast or coated cast RNFP or other bullet profiles that aren't covered by the generic included seating plugs with most dies.

I also like rcbs dies because the seating plugs are universal and if your running the same bullet in 9mm and 380 you can just swap the seating stem. I sometimes steal the swc plug from my 38/357 to seat rmr match winners in 9mm.

 

[ParallelCode]

If you have a seat/crimp die, just adjust the die body up, so it won’t crimp, then adjust the seater down to where you want the bullet to be.

Most would like to have a die set vs having to adjust one for 4 different rounds, the seaters for those calibers are also not all going to be the same.

What @jmorris said is what I've read in die instruction manuals. Worked great for me.

 

[CQB45ACP]

So to be clear, the RCBS dies DO include a crimp function you just have to adjust it to avoid crimping. Not a big deal but the Redding competition (for example) has NO crimp function regardless of how it’s adjusted. Just good to know before you buy.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Also I see you’re using a Lee single stage. If it has the breech lock bushings (I have one and I think that’s the name) once you adjust an RCBS (or other brand) for no crimp you’ll never be the wiser each time you use it—it’ll just be a no crimping seater.

 

[rfwobbly]

To add to the Jmorris description...
At the heart of your question seems to be the fact that you simply don't understand how your dies work. If you'll take to time to study this, then many parts of reloading become much, much simpler...
Each die is composed of multiple parts, which are each independently adjustable. Typically this adjustment range goes all the way from Zero to 100%.



In the example above, the dark gray die body controls the case crimp, with the light gray center adjuster being what seats the bullet. The 2 actions are completely separate. If you don't want crimp, then loosen the lock ring and raise the die body 3/4 turn. Then lower the central stem to regain the original OAL setting. There's nothing to buy at all. It's all in the adjustments.

 

[clc58]

To add to the Jmorris description...
At the heart of your question seems to be the fact that you simply don't understand how your dies work. If you'll take to time to study this, then many parts of reloading become much, much simpler...
Each die is composed of multiple parts, which are each independently adjustable. Typically this adjustment range goes all the way from Zero to 100%.

View attachment 1116337

In the example above, the dark gray die body controls the case crimp, with the light gray center adjuster being what seats the bullet. The 2 actions are completely separate. If you don't want crimp, then loosen the lock ring and raise the die body 3/4 turn. Then lower the central stem to regain the original OAL setting. There's nothing to buy at all. It's all in the adjustments.

I understand how the dies work and the set up. I just want to use one die for one individual step. I guess you can say it’s my comfort zone at the reloading bench. Cool graphic.

 

[CQB45ACP]

I understand how the dies work and the set up. I just want to use one die for one individual step. I guess you can say it’s my comfort zone at the reloading bench. Cool graphic.

Speaking of cool

nothing’s cooler than the Redding seating die—center of pic

others perform as well I’m sure but again it’s cool

 

[Skgreen]

I just want to use one die for one individual step.

I often use Hornady to seat/RCBS to crimp. Both are capable of seating/crimping in one step but each is adjusted to where it performs one individual step.

 

[LiveLife]

[Lee] seating die that does not also apply a crimp. I want to apply the crimp with a separate die ( Lee Factory Crimp Die) ... like doing each reloading step one at a time on my Lee single stage press.

If you have a seat/crimp die, just adjust the die body up, so it won’t crimp, then adjust the seater down to where you want the bullet to be.

+1 to jmorris' post.

Here are Lee die options:

• Bullet seat/crimp dies (Combo seat and crimp) - https://leeprecision.com/pistol-bullet-seating-die-only/
• Taper/Roll crimp dies (Crimp only) - https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/taper-crimp-die/
• Factory Crimp Dies (Taper/roll crimp die with carbide sizer ring) - https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/lee-carbide-factory-crimp-die/

I understand how the dies work and the set up. I just want to use one die for one individual step.

I have multiple sets of Lee dies for each caliber and when I want to perform seat and crimp in separate steps (Like for 45ACP 200 gr Lead SWC), I will use on combo die for bullet seating and another for taper crimp.

 

[jmorris]

I just want to use one die for one individual step. I guess you can say it’s my comfort zone at the reloading bench.

You are not alone, lots of us enjoy being able to make a change and it is only A change not one that effects two different things. Why separate seating and crimp operations is nice, especially on progressives where it doesn’t add another handle stroke for each round.

 

[Varminterror]

I understand how the dies work and the set up. I just want to use one die for one individual step.

I feel like we’re not communicating well here, because we’re saying the same thing - most experienced reloaders “use one die for one individual step,” especially those using Lee dies, by setting up their seat and crimp die to only seat, then setting up a 4th die to apply crimp independently.

Is there something we’re missing which is unique to your specific situation? How is seating independently from crimping unique to you, rather than the rest of us which do so?

 

[mdi]

Most of my revolver rounds; bullets are seated with Lee dies, cases crimped with Profile Crimp or collet crimp dies. Semi-auto rounds; bullets seated with dedicated seating dies, cases deflared with deflaring dies (aka taper crimp dies). One die, one step. My seating dies are those included in a die set and adjusted so the crimp on the seating die is not used. I normally get dedicated crimp and deflaring dies to use separately from seating. I am using one Lee FCD, it's for my newly acquired 32 H&R Mag revolver. I've used it for less than 100 rounds and I plan on punching the sizing ring out of the die (I lightly flare my brass, but the sizing ring thinks my flare is too much and closes it slightly). No big deal, I just don't like the feel of it...

 

[SingleActionAndrew]

What seater is best for you may depend what type of projectiles

I use the Redding comp seater on my 45s when loading jacketed and it's great. But the shape of the seating plug isn't ideal for loading semi wad cutters where I want to seat off the bullets' shoulder. For those I use a special insert from uniquetek in my Dillon bullet seat die that doesn't touch the cone of the bullets, vs the Redding 45 and both ends of the factory Dillon insert.

 

[clc58]

Thanks again gents

 

[LiveLife]

Thanks again gents

I love happy endings.