Goodbye Lee FCD - Redding Profile Crimp?

[Tex1001]

See comment #17 in the below link:

Lee Factory Crimp Die - Swaged bullets
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I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.

 

[38SPL HV]

Rule3 - I didn't notice in my original thread above where I stated that I don't know how to use the die - you did confirm by quoting my previous posting that I resolved problems which I encountered with the FCD. I'm just not getting the accuracy from it as I had with my other crimp dies.

Isn't life too short to have needless and irrelevant debate?

 

[Rule3]

Rule3 - I didn't notice in my original thread above where I stated that I don't know how to use the die - you did confirm by quoting my previous posting that I resolved problems which I encountered with the FCD. I'm just not getting the accuracy from it as I had with my other crimp dies.

Isn't life too short to have needless and irrelevant debate?

Well Sir, I so not see what is "needless and irrelevant" and it is not a debate. I am not recommending or condemning ANY brand of die here. Use whatever you find to work for you.

You have around one hundred (100) threads, not posts on or about the 38/357 cartridge, with how ever many different powders, bullets etc. So it is very relevant.

How have you managed to crimp all those, let alone determine "accuracy" based on crimp? (that is rhetorical if you wish)
If you have loaded all those and other calibers, seems you be well versed on what crimp method worked to your specifications.??

Whatever crimps your bullet.

 

[38SPL HV]

Rule3 - as always, you're entitled to your opinion. "Don't sweat the small stuff"

Yes, I do have reloading manuals as well.

 

[H Richard]

I started reloading over 35 years ago, and set my own dies for seating and crimp for each bullet type individually. I learned early on the value of a proper crimp, and have never had a problem. I have never used a factory crimp die, never seen one.

 

[at_liberty]

I started reloading over 35 years ago, and set my own dies for seating and crimp for each bullet type individually. I learned early on the value of a proper crimp, and have never had a problem. I have never used a factory crimp die, never seen one.

Difficult to have a "proper crimp", when the bullet is oversize for the dies. Dies that do the roll without pressing the neck should work okay. That is what rules out the FCD for lead bullets. It works great on jacketed, standard diameter bullets and consistent case thickness.

The FCD should work fine on lead with Remington (RP) brass, because the cases are thinner and compensate for fatter bullets.

 

[apollo99]

I had some issues in .45 Auto with an older set of Lee dies. It was a known problem with the dies, they were a little out of spec. I used them for years reloading for my HK .45 and my Glock 21. They had a more forgiving chamber and the minor over size wasn't an issue. When I started loading for my tight chambered 1911s. it became an issue. I had over 2000 loaded rounds that wouldn't chamber correctly in the 1911s. I bought a Lee FCD and that worked for the 2000 rounds. I since have been using Dillon .45 dies in my XL650, no size or taper crimp issues since.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Sorry to hear that all you new guys are having all those problems.

My 1968 three piece old RCBS works..................

GREAT !!

 

[GB]

I know several people that believe a separate crimp die is essential to the reloading process. I have not found that to be the case but that doesn't make them wrong. Reloading equipment is sort of like underwear, everyone wears them a little different. If you feel that you get a better reload with a certain set or brand of dies or by using a certain technique, and it works for you, you are right.

I helped my next door neighbor set up his reloading room and found him a RCBS RC Jr. to load his 7mm Rem Mag. because he was having trouble with his Lee press. Nothing wrong with the Lee (if you like them) it just wasn't up to the task on the 7. I also encouraged him to get together with several of his hunting/work buddies, that reload, and spend some time watching them reload. As I explained, everyone loads a little different and you will take what you have observed and modify it and come up with your own techniques that work best for you. (As we have all done)

I have been reloading for 50+ years and still use most of the same gear that I started out with. Is there better gear today? Maybe so but what I have works for my style.

I am Not an expert but my system works for me. Any system that produces good, safe reloads, within the standards of the reloader is the right way, at least for him/her. And method of crimp certainly falls into that scenario.