Agree totally. I like the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Do what works for you. Everyone has an opinion, sometimes you just don't have to listen.
3 or 4 die set
- Thread starter nagant
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Agree totally. I like the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Do what works for you. Everyone has an opinion, sometimes you just don't have to listen.
fredj338
Member
I managed to load for 35+ yrs w/o the magical LFCD. So I bought one to try for myself. Results, worse accuracy with certain bullet types, mostly soft lead & plated. This target was shot off a rest @ 50ft. Done twice on the same day with a buddy handing me a mag so I could remove bias. This was proof enough, no LFCD for me, 1911/45acp. To each bs own, just know the facts.
A lot of us oldsters on here - good to see! I'll be doing the same test from a rest at 20 yards. I cannot fathom WHY accuracy would change - crimp is crimp - if applied to the same depth. The only difference is when the crimp is applied. One is sliding in slightly while crimp is applied and the other is static during the operation.
I do know my plated bullet tips (RMR 115 RN) were getting smooshed some (HP's never did of course) and I won't be changing bullets soon (read - have a few LOL). If anyone can explain why a crimp applied AFTER bullet seating is complete is bad - I'd love to know it.
One possible reason - the LEE FCD also resizes the entire case as well as crimps (strange). I've read where that saved some reloaders butts where the RCBS or whoever dies could not resize their brass to chamber completely (range pick-up brass). Interesting thread.
I do know my plated bullet tips (RMR 115 RN) were getting smooshed some (HP's never did of course) and I won't be changing bullets soon (read - have a few LOL). If anyone can explain why a crimp applied AFTER bullet seating is complete is bad - I'd love to know it.
One possible reason - the LEE FCD also resizes the entire case as well as crimps (strange). I've read where that saved some reloaders butts where the RCBS or whoever dies could not resize their brass to chamber completely (range pick-up brass). Interesting thread.
That's the reason webfarmer. The idea has been around long before Lee made their FCD's, the reason the other manufacturers never made one is because the idea isn't that great. The biggest problem encountered is that during a combined seat and crimp operation the case bulges near the mouth because it is being pushed back as the mouth is being closed tighter, that is why it is suggested to seat and crimp in separate operations. Good quality dies will align the bullet as it's being seated and the FCD doesn't have the ability to keep it aligned as its' squeezing the poop out of it. The normal seat/crimp dies don't affect the bullets that much, especially if you adjust the seating stem to hold the bullet at the time of the crimp.
By the way, nose damage during seating is usually caused by a poor fit between the seating stem and nose profile. I've heard Lee will make you one to fit your bullets, for a small fee, if you contact them.
By the way, nose damage during seating is usually caused by a poor fit between the seating stem and nose profile. I've heard Lee will make you one to fit your bullets, for a small fee, if you contact them.
I believe that with regard to the RCBS seating stem bullet profile - it ain't a good match LOL. Well, we'll have to see how this FCD works out for my particular situation - hoping for the best. If it creates more problems, it will be relegated to other stuff that doesn't work well 
My bad,
Then you'd need to contact RCBS to see what they have to offer for alternate seater plugs. They mostly cater to Speer bullets, because they are owned by the same company, but they used to make anything you'd want, which has changed somewhat since being owned by that same company.
Then you'd need to contact RCBS to see what they have to offer for alternate seater plugs. They mostly cater to Speer bullets, because they are owned by the same company, but they used to make anything you'd want, which has changed somewhat since being owned by that same company.
ChiefStealth
US Veteran
The only press I have is the Lee Hand Press. I've used it for many years. Mines so old... (how old is it?) it was made before they thought up the breech lock thing. Still working fine. Just this winter I started thinking about getting a bench press. But, since I can't find any powder anyway, there's no rush to get a new press. Carbide dies really are a good thing for pistol rounds. I don't use the FCD for pistol. I seat in one step, then crimp in a separate step with the standard die. I do have a FCD for 30-30 rounds, but the rifle FCD works differently than the pistol FCD works. Needed for 30-30. Not needed for pistol, IMHO.
fredj338
Member
You can also custom make your own seating plug. Use some jb weld, clean the stem well, pack it with the epoxy then press your bullet into it. Let it dry, clean up the outside, done.
I hate to throw fuel on a fire but I've never seen this mentioned. Many of us are picky about the diameter of our cast bullets matching our cylinder throats. So if run all your reloaded ammo through a full length factory crimp/size die ( 4th die ) doesn't this negate any advantage to correctly sized slugs? And not to sound rude but if you don't have the patience or skill to set up a Lee seating/crimp die (3rd die ) then maybe you need some supervision when reloading.
Thought i would update. I bought a hand press and the carbide 3 die set. I can't believe how easy it resizes 45 colt cases. I use it by the batch, resize then prime, next expand and seat and crimp. I'm keeping an eye on local auctions for reloading gear so will probably have a bench mounted press but the hand press is more then adequate for now. It's nice to take along when i work out of town to use at night while watching tv. So i have ammo when i get home, nice!
The hand press is a good way for people to determine if they are interested in reloading pistols and revolvers without investing a lot of money. I much prefer it over the Lee Loader "Whack-A-Mole" (hammer not included).
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