Lee Factory Crimp Carbide Die

[Rifletom]

Just curious, how many here use those for handgun loading? I use them in four applictions. I get along with 'em just fine. But, on another forum, those guys either like them or some absolutley hate 'em. I don't mind the extra step, don't seem to have this "sizing/swagging" down cast bullets that some complain about. What do you handloaders think? There was some serious belly aching going on over there.

[BigAl52]

I use redding taper crimp dies and have always liked them.

[Headhog]

I'm a big fan boy of the Lee Factory Crimp dies. I've been using them for years. I started with 40 S&W when I was shooting USPSA. I found that a lot of brass would not chamber in my custom SVI pistol. Using the lee Factory Crimp Die cured that real fast. I also use them for 45 ACP and 9 mm Luger because for a similar problem. In my opinion any cartridge that has uses a taper crimp will benefit from the Lee die.

Paul

[Rifletom]

How about .45 Colt?

[CT_Shooter]

I only reload 38/357 JSPs and JHPs and have used the Lee FCD for the last ten years. The result is a perfectly sized and securely crimped round. No failures. Never had a problem in my levers or revolvers.

[Rifletom]

I only reload 38/357 JSPs and JHPs and have used the Lee FCD for the last ten years. The result is a perfectly sized and securely crimped round. No failures. Never had a problem in my levers or revolvers.

This is what I have found also CT. Whether.38/357, .45 auto or .45 Colt. No issues. Wouldn't think Lee would make something to "damage" a round while crimping.

[Headhog]

The big benefit I see from using the Lee die is that you separate the crimp step from the bullet seating. That means little or no distortion on the side of the bullet when you crimp. I've pulled bullets from 357 Mag loads that I roll crimped and they all had a small ring of shaved lead just before the crimp groove. This happens as the die does the roll crimp on the last 1/16" of upward movement. I also pulled bullets from 45 ACP that used the Lee die and there was no shaving of lead.

Paul

[CT_Shooter]

I only use jacketed bullets. No problems ever with the FCD.

However, lead bullets that are intentionally cast a bit oversized ( .001 to .002 inches larger ) will be modified; the lead will be squeezed to conform to jacketed bullet dimensions by the LCD.

[DsGrouse]

Yep, I have the FCD for all my die sets. I run it on my pro 4000 as my last step. It takes very little time to set up. I found that if you don't put enough expansion on your pistol cases you can shave plate, coating or lead in that final step. I would bet that is actually their problem not, the crimp die.

Like others i separate the seating step from the crimping step.

[Vaquero]

Tom I have several of them, Lee even custom made one for my 308 MX.
All 4 of the lever action pistol calibers, 357, 41, 44, and of course the 45 colt.

RP

[Hatchdog]

Use them for all semi auto pistols and .223 rifle. I roll crimp my revolver loads and I only load jacketed bullets.

Endorse the FCD wholly.

[NHshtr]

I have them for several calibers. I like the flexibility to adjust the crimp to the way I like it for each bullet I'm using at the time. Haven't had a problem. if they're setting them properly, I can't see why they would have many complaints.

[JVogler]

I use 4 factory crimp dies. 38special, 357 magnum, 380 acp and 9mm. After seating bullet for 380 and 9mm I give a every so light crimp at last station of turret press.

[Travlin]

I use one on any pistol cartridge that will headspace on the case mouth like .45 A.C.P. For the rimmed revolver cartridges I put a good roll crimp on them so under recoil the bullet won't move and tie up the cylinder and with loads using 2400 powder , I want a good burn with no unburned flakes left in the barrel.

[Slugnut]

I use the Lee FC with all my pistol reloadings, except the 45 acp. I let the seating die do the taper crimp-with good results. I also use the LFC on most of my rifle loadings. I think they're very good, like you, I don't mind the extra step.

[Shakey Jake]

I use them for pistol ammo but not for rifle.
Jake

[Vaquero]

I use then on all of the lever gun calibers, because of the tube magazine.
Don't worry about it with bolt & SA's.

RP

[Pitchman1968]

I, too, use Lee Factory Crimp Dies for both straight wall and bottle neck cartridges for both jacketed and cast bullets - .44 Mag, .45-70, .40 S&W, .30-06 M1 Garard, .303 Savage, and .30-40 Krag. Never have had a problem.

[Rifletom]

I have them for several calibers. I like the flexibility to adjust the crimp to the way I like it for each bullet I'm using at the time. Haven't had a problem. if they're setting them properly, I can't see why they would have many complaints.

Yeah, that is how I looked at it also. Set them up properly, they work as advertised. No issues. Thanks everyone for the replies.