zzzippper
Well-known member
I have never bought anything from Lee, mostly because I have not heard good things about them. Has anyone tried their factory crimp die?
Factory Crimp Die - Lee Precision
Factory Crimp Die - Lee Precision
Lee crimp die
- Thread starter zzzippper
- Start date
Lee factory crimp dies have a collet which moves with the cartridge into a tapered section, squeezing the mouth of the cartridge without vertical strain on the case. The crimp is similar to that imposed on factory loaded cartridges. Some have a resizing insert which reduces any bulging where the bullet fits into the case.
If I need an accessory crimping die, I prefer to use a Redding profile crimper, which forms a roll or taper crimp, depending on the specified cartridge. However, the Lee FCD is very popular.
If I need an accessory crimping die, I prefer to use a Redding profile crimper, which forms a roll or taper crimp, depending on the specified cartridge. However, the Lee FCD is very popular.
The rifle crimp die is totally different than the one for handguns,
You linked to the rifle one so is that the one you are thinking about.
It's a love/ hate relationship
Let the bashing begin
You linked to the rifle one so is that the one you are thinking about.
It's a love/ hate relationship
Let the bashing begin
Erich
Well-known member
I have Lee FCDs for many handgun calibers and for my 6.5 Swede. Very much like them. There's been a lot of discussion about this before, so I won't go into more detail.
pawpaw1967
Well-known member
i only use Lee Dies and have had good service out of them and made some pretty accurate loads with em. on my 270 when i first started loading for it i made 5 dummy rounds 1st to make sure they would cycle thru my action and noticed i could push the bullets in without to much effort. so i ordered a FCD for .270 after i got it in i remade my 5 dummy rounds. after making them i got to lookin at how the collet works, called sierra bullet smith and asked him about it. and found out what i was worried about was dead on when you crimp with those dies the amount of crimp is determined by your down pressure on you press, another words if you vary on your down stroke the crimp will vary. he advised me to turn down the mandril inside my sizing die with very fine sand paper and it worked. that FCD is still sitting on the shelf. just be careful with the decaping pin... by the way i took those 5 dummy rounds apart and each one was crimped differently it was very easy to see the differece 
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bedbugbilly
Well-known member
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- Nov 10, 2010
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I use the Lee FCD for in my loading for 38s and 9mm - like them very much.
I haven't used their rifle one but soon will as I'm getting ready to reload 8 X 57 Mauser.
Most of my reloading equipment is Lee - works just fine and I have no complaints. I don't know why so many folks bas Lee - I guess if you find it socially un-acceptable you could always re-paint it green or blue?
I haven't used their rifle one but soon will as I'm getting ready to reload 8 X 57 Mauser.
Most of my reloading equipment is Lee - works just fine and I have no complaints. I don't know why so many folks bas Lee - I guess if you find it socially un-acceptable you could always re-paint it green or blue?
Like em Danno!
Lee Handgun crimp die
Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die - Lee Precision
I own one for each hand gun caliber I load. Has saved me a lot of trouble. 
Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die - Lee Precision
I own one for each hand gun caliber I load. Has saved me a lot of trouble.
scooter123
Well-known member
I have the FCD for all of my handgun and rifle calibers. IMO the rifle version with it's collet based design is the best way to crimp rifle ammunition and it really does duplicate the crimp seen on many brands of commercial ammunition.
As for the handgun dies, some object to the secondary sizing ring that is part of these dies. The claim is that with a heavy walled case that second sizing could reduce the diameter of the bullet and having checked for that can state that this does happen. However the change in size that I've measured is only 0.0007 inch at most and in the 45 ACP the smallest bullet I've measured for size came in at 0.4512 inch. that diameter is still sized large enough that I have not been able to detect any loss in accuracy. Yeah, the bullet may be a bit smaller but does it matter if it has no observable effect on accuracy? So, I think this is a concern that in actual shooting is meaningless.
As for the benefits of that second sizing stage, it resizes the assembled round to the SAAMI maximum diameter for the caliber. This means that if your barrel or revolver cylinder was manufactured towards the minimum allowable size that round will chamber properly. If you are shooting in competition or in self defense not having a jam can mean you score better or get to go home safe and sound. In addition in some calibers the handgun FCD's can be converted to a "Bulge Buster" by removing the crimp ring and installing a push through post on the ram of your press. As a 40 caliber shooter who sometimes manages to pick up someone else' brass at the range I appreciate the ability to correct any "glocked" brass that happens to get mixed into mine.
As for the handgun dies, some object to the secondary sizing ring that is part of these dies. The claim is that with a heavy walled case that second sizing could reduce the diameter of the bullet and having checked for that can state that this does happen. However the change in size that I've measured is only 0.0007 inch at most and in the 45 ACP the smallest bullet I've measured for size came in at 0.4512 inch. that diameter is still sized large enough that I have not been able to detect any loss in accuracy. Yeah, the bullet may be a bit smaller but does it matter if it has no observable effect on accuracy? So, I think this is a concern that in actual shooting is meaningless.
As for the benefits of that second sizing stage, it resizes the assembled round to the SAAMI maximum diameter for the caliber. This means that if your barrel or revolver cylinder was manufactured towards the minimum allowable size that round will chamber properly. If you are shooting in competition or in self defense not having a jam can mean you score better or get to go home safe and sound. In addition in some calibers the handgun FCD's can be converted to a "Bulge Buster" by removing the crimp ring and installing a push through post on the ram of your press. As a 40 caliber shooter who sometimes manages to pick up someone else' brass at the range I appreciate the ability to correct any "glocked" brass that happens to get mixed into mine.
racknrider
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I have a couple of guns that choked on ammo loaded with other dies. Those same guns have been 100% reliable with the same components loaded with Lee dies using the FCD. Works for me.
ChiefStealth
US Veteran
I have a rifle FCD for 30-30. That cartridge uses bullets with a cannelure, and therefore requires a crimp. The Lee FCD does a good job with that. For .45ACP pistol cartridges, I do not have a FCD. I use the stardard seating/crimping die to apply a light crimp. My pistol is not sensitive to cartridge diameter.
Jboutfishn
Well-known member
I use RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, and CH4D Dies. All have performed as advertised. In addition, I use LEE Factory Crimp die for .223/5.56 because it offers total crimp control without worrying about exact AOL. Before the flames start, I resize and trim all hunting loads but plinking loads get trimmed and annealed every 4th reloading.
I use a LEE Carbide sizer for 9MM because the 9MM is not a straight walled case and does not require lubing for smooth operation, outperforming other dies for the 9MM. I find the seat/crimp dies work well by themselves for all my semi auto cartridges.
I use a LEE Carbide sizer for 9MM because the 9MM is not a straight walled case and does not require lubing for smooth operation, outperforming other dies for the 9MM. I find the seat/crimp dies work well by themselves for all my semi auto cartridges.
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Tex1001
Well-known member
Lee makes collet style FCDs for many bottle neck rifle and pistol calibers. The crimps are not sensitive to case length and so are very uniform. This has been discussed here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/382787-who-reloads-357-sig-here.html
Start at post #14
_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/382787-who-reloads-357-sig-here.html
Start at post #14
_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.
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dickttx
Well-known member
Some folks don't like Lee because they fall into the category of "Why pay $3 for a tool when you can get one that works ALMOST as well for $18."
And they know for a fact that they are no good, because someone posted it on the internet.
And they know for a fact that they are no good, because someone posted it on the internet.
Vulcan Bob
Well-known member
I do use the LFC die for most of my straight wall revolver cases and the 45-70 Gov. I prefer to seat and crimp in separate steps so adding a die such as the LFC die is no additional work. What I do like about them that its easy to make small adjustments and are repeatable for the next batch such as 1/2 turn, 3/4 turn and such. As far as the swageing thing the only one that gives me a bit of concern is using .454"/.455" diameter bullets in the .45 Colt so I use the standard seat/crimp die for those.
