Three or Four dies?

[MGRAY]

I have been loading 357 on my Lee turret useing Lee 3 piece die set. Been very happy with the results. Now thinking of loading 9mm and was gonna order an other 4 hole turret and die set. What would be best for the 9mm? 3 or 4 die set?
Thanks.....Marty

 

[Steve2md]

Either is fine, but the 4 hole "may" be a little more consistent. The 4th die is the Factory Crimp Die, and puts a taper crimp on the bullet, rather than a roll crimp on the bullet seating die. you'll need to back out the die body of the bullet seating die so it doesn't induce crimp, then adjust the seating pin as normal.

 

[GLOOB]

I'd get the 4 die set, just because you have a 4 hole turret. Seating and crimping in separate steps comes in handy with HP's and cast bullets. Just keep in mind that cast bullets may be undersized by the FCD.

 

[Mike 27]

I have one for the 45acp and use it sometime and sometimes I don't. Really doesn't matter as long as you do the plunk test and your rounds chamber properly. I have considered getting the FCD for my 10mm with the lone wolf bbl. The tolerances are so close that the re-size of the finished round I think may help with feeding a bit.

 

[warnerwh]

Being as I barely push the brass mouth to the bullet I just use 3 dies for 9mm. There can't be much damage to the bullet as you don't need more than a snug grip to keep the bullet in place while firing. With revolver rounds I use 4 dies.

 

[Blue68f100]

I would suggest the 3 die and maybe add a Taper Crimp die for a separate step. It's best to learn how to adj your dies properly and correct any problems instead of using the FCD to reform what you did. Like already said if you using lead stay away from the FCD. I have no need for a FCD but some like them.

 

[ranger335v]

"What would be best for the 9mm? 3 or 4 die set?"

There is no automatic effective difference, that's why both are sold. What each of us think is best is what suits our tastes for working.

 

[SSN Vet]

You're going to have to crank the handle through station #4 anyways, so you might as well use the FCD...

I find it easier to set up and tweak the FCD, as I can make small adjustments to the crimp with just a turn of the knob, and not have it affect my COAL. I especially find this handy when I use mixed brass for .45 acp, as the Federal brass is noticibly thicker. So I seprate the brass by head stamp and lighten up on the crimp when I run the Federal brass through.

 

[1KPerDay]

I run 4 dies in .40 and .45 but only have a 3-die set in 9mm and it's been fine for 3000 rounds now. No issues. A bit faster, too, as you can short-stroke the 4th station.

 

[mdi]

I would suggest the 3 die and maybe add a Taper Crimp die for a separate step. It's best to learn how to adj your dies properly and correct any problems instead of using the FCD to reform what you did. Like already said if you using lead stay away from the FCD. I have no need for a FCD but some like them.

I feel the same way. I have my 3 die set with a Redding (?) taper crimp die in the 4th hole. My Lee FCD lives in a landfill somewhere in Southern Oregon...