Lee Carbide 9mm 3 die or 4 die set?

[p5200]

Which of these is the best option as far as the best crimp or, does the 3 die kit even have a taper crimp built into the seater die? I'm new to pistol reloading I would buy Forster dies to match the rest of my rifle dies and press but, Forster doesn't make 9mm dies. Thanks for all replies!

 

[charliek]

I have a number of Lee dies from .380 to .454 Casull to .270 Win. I use the factory crimp die with all of them, gives great results. My .270 bullets were a little loose after seating them, but the FCD solved that problem. They also ensure that the case will flawlessly feed into the action.

 

[Lost Lake]

For a straight walled 9mm? 2 dies.
One punches primer and sizes the shell, one sets the bullet and crimps.

 

[Titegroups]

Own a bunch of 4 die sets, never any crimping problems.

 

[mkflyfisherman]

I've never seen 2 die pistol sets

Don't you need at least a 3rd die to slightly bell the case mouth to prepare for seating the bullet? Neither the decaper/sizer or seated/crimper could do the belling.

 

[Arizona5906]

The 4 die set with the Lee Factory Crimp die is the best combination I have found. It does take an extra step though unless you have a progressive press with at least four die holes. For me it's well worth the extra step because the Factory Crimp die does a final sizing of the completed cartridge to guarantee a proper fit in the chamber. The 3 die set will work fine on 9mm but you do need at least 3 dies, one to size and decap, one to expand and bell the case mouth for the bullet, and one to set the bullet (and crimp if you don't use the 4th die). I would recommend you buy the 4 die set because you can use just 3 of the dies when you want to work faster and use the 4th when you want to be sure your cartridges are perfectly sized.

 

[venomballistics]

depends on the gun your feeding.
if your seat/crimp die of a 3 die set gives you fits from feeding problems, the fourth step is well worth the trouble.

 

[tlen]

I've found the 4 die set with FCD is great, especially if you load lead bullets. The FCD removes those occasional lead burrs that may cause a chambering problem.

 

[Rule3]

All mine are the 4 die set. I like crimping as a separate step. The 3 die set, yes will taper crimp as well as seat, but every time you change to a different bullet you need to fiddle with getting the seating and crimp set correctly.

There are those around here somewhere that dislike the LFCD and feel if you use it then you know nothing about reloading.

I use the FCD on everything and my ammo works just fine.

Get the 4 die set, as mentioned you do not have to use it if you do not want to, but it's there if you do.

 

[GJH77]

depends on the gun your feeding.
if your seat/crimp die of a 3 die set gives you fits from feeding problems, the fourth step is well worth the trouble.

I would echo this, as I just started reloading this summer, and ordered a .45 ACP lee press which I did not realize only came with the 3 die set. The first bullets I reloaded almost all had problems with feeding them in my M&P 45, and some even in my 4566 and 4516. After some consultation here on the forum, I figured out the problem was the crimp, found a new FC die on EBAY, and since then not one round has had a problem. I ordered my 9mm as a 4 die set, and did not have any problems.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I happen to like the Lee FCD whereas some reloaders don't. If you want to crimp in a separate operation buy the 4 die set. If you feel seating the bullet and crimping in the same step is fine buy the 3 die set. Yes, the Lee seating die will also crimp.

 

[SMSgt]

I've always used 3-die sets and the only firearm that had problems feeding them was my--dare I say--Glock 30. Turns out it was a bullet issue--the G30 just doesn't like 200 grain SWCs. Switched to LRNs and all issues went away. Bought a FC die in hopes of solving the SWC problem, but no help and now it collects dust. You just have to make sure you adjust the seat/crimp die correctly.

 

[p5200]

I guess I'll go with the 4 die set right now, I'm waiting on my 30-06 dies so I can develop a load for deer season next weekend hope it shows up Tuesday and the weather permits. Thanks everyone, for helping me with my decision.

 

[AZ Desertrat]

I use Lee 4-die sets for all my reloading.....crimps are very good and never a problem with them.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I’m going to give my view on the Lee Carbide FCD (handgun). For making auto loader ammo, I think it’s great. And I say that as long as we are talking about either jacketed or plated bullets. If you are going to use it with lead bullets then you need to be sure you know about the carbide post sizing ring that will start to swage down your over sized lead bullets. I say oversized since some people find that lead bullets sized wider than the bore will shoot better. I cast my 9mm bullets and size them to .356 and the carbide doesn’t normally touch them. But some case walls run a little thick and you will feel when the carbide starts to squeeze the case. It’s pretty rare to find a modern made seating and crimping die that isn’t a taper crimp if the die is made for auto loader ammo. I don’t use the Carbide FCD for revolver ammo. But I’m going to order the Ranch Dog FCD’s that are the rifle version for my revolver ammo as soon as I have the cash set aside for them. I don’t see why Lee doesn’t just make them a standard factory offering. But Ranch Dog has Lee special make them for him and I think the idea is genius.

 

[Rule3]

I use it on revolver/lead and have no problem. You can feel it "snag" some and just by pass the others. I have to pull the handle the fourth time (turret press) so it might as well do something. I have no leading problems and my M 67 and PC 327 R8 are tack drivers.

The LFCD dissenting voters have not inputted, so I am safe for now.

 

[mtgianni]

The FCD will reduce the diameter of oversized cast bullets. If you don't use them in a nine you are probably OK. If you do you are out of the "beginning reloader" stage.