Anyone use the Lyman dies, the taper crimp die?

Rule3 · Dec 1, 2009

They have a carbide taper crimp die and wondered how it compares to the Lee factory crimp die?

Same, better, worse, good not so good??

My main reason for asking is if I get some 9x18 Makarov dies, Lee does not have a FCD for that caliber.

HAWKEYE10 · Dec 1, 2009

I am a believer in the Lee Factory Crimp die. If I did
not have the Lee die yes I would use the Lyman taper
die. I like to taper crimp on a separate station. Don

cjw3 · Dec 1, 2009

I use the Lyman taper crimp die on .40 S&W with excellent results.

It is different from the FCD: the taper crimp die reduces the entire circumference of the case, squeezing it tightly against the bullet for a good distance back from the case mouth. It is ideal for use with semiauto pistol cartridges, but I also use one in .38 Special with flush-seated wadcutters. I also find it best, as Hawkeye stated, to handle as a separate operation.

The FCD uses a collet that crimps the case mouth against the bullet in a 4-segment style, ideally into a crimping groove/cannelure. The FCD can be used on a bullet with no provision for a crimp, but can damage the bullet, case or maybe even the die itself if overdone. I have used it in this way when loading 7.62x39mm pulled bullets that had no cannelure. When the FCD is used on cast bullets, it almost invariably deforms them and usually causes leading problems.

I think you will be very pleased with the taper crimp die for your Mak.

Skip Sackett · Dec 2, 2009

Lee makes both a taper crimp die and a FCD for a lot of calibers.

I know that there is one for the 9mm and 40S&W as well as the 45ACP.

Never used the Lyman. If it is a taper crimp it should work well. Like has been said above, it just doesn't resize the rest of the case to factory spec's. The taper crimp die only works at the point of the mouth of the case. If you have to have a bigger bullet to keep from leading a taper crimp die is the ticket. That way the oversize bullet doesn't get squished down when the case is resized like with a LFCD. Both have their place.

Noah Zark · Dec 2, 2009

Not sure if the Lee 9mm FCD could be adjusted for the 9x18 Makarov, because the Mak round is actually .363" case mouth ID, vs. the 9x19 being around .355"-.356" in ID. So it goes to reason that the OD of the Mak case mouth will be around 0.008" +/- larger than the OD of the 9x19. May not be enough adjustment.

That said, I have 9x18 Lyman dies and I am perfectly satisfied with the taper crimp. I seat the bullets without crimp, then back out the seater and adjust the die body to give the taper crimp and run the cartridges back through again.

Noah

ncbengal · Dec 2, 2009

Can't speak for Lyman or Lee dies, but have used only RCBS. Semi-auto loads (e.g. .40 s&w, .45 acp) head space on the front end of the case, and need to taper-crimp so as not to change the length of the case. Rimmed cartridges (.38 spl, etc.) head space on the rim and can be roll-crimped. At least that's my understanding. Am I wrong?

Rule3 · Dec 2, 2009

Thanks. I run all my calibers through the Lee FCD and never had a problem feeding in a semi auto. I am so used to having it it would be odd not being able to run a 9x18 through it.

I think the days of surplus Russian (Eastern Bloc) ammo are over also. Everything in 9x18 is new so it's at least $10 + a box of 50, even for metal no reloadable stuff.

Rule3 · Dec 2, 2009

ncbengal said:
Can't speak for Lyman or Lee dies, but have used only RCBS. Semi-auto loads (e.g. .40 s&w, .45 acp) head space on the front end of the case, and need to taper-crimp so as not to change the length of the case. Rimmed cartridges (.38 spl, etc.) head space on the rim and can be roll-crimped. At least that's my understanding. Am I wrong?

No, I believe that is correct other than I do not think rimmed cartridges "head space" on anything as they are not chambered in the barrel (except some odd ball 38 semi autos and Desert eagle type guns) So for revolvers, yes roll crimp if they have a cannelure. If they don't, I still run them through the LFD

But I am a Head Case so could be wrong

MWAG · Dec 2, 2009

in the simplest of terms........

a lyman taper crimp die does not resize the entire case, it only crimps the bullet in place......

a lee factory crimp die resizes the entire case to factory specs and crimps the bullet in place......

i use the lee fcd on all my pistol reloads, revolver and semi-auto, and.....i feel it is a must on semi-auto reloads used for self defense.........IMNOTSOHO

and yes i do use my own reloads for my carry weapon.......

Anyone use the Lyman dies, the taper crimp die?

Rule3

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HAWKEYE10

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cjw3

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Skip Sackett

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Noah Zark

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ncbengal

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Rule3

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Rule3

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MWAG

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