re: LEE FCD's

[STORMINORMAN]

re: LEE FCD's

Any reason one could not successfully also use the LEE 9mm FCD in crimping 380acp cases? They seem to be easier to fine tune than the combination seating/taper crimp die. I usually try to expand as little as possible to maximize case tension, and as such don't really need to put a lot of crimp on my 380acp's.

They all chamber and cycle fine as I typically use the actual barrels of my 380acp pistols to check for COL and typically use plated or jacketed bullets.

Just wondering as I really don't see what the physical difference would be between the 9mm and 380acp FCD's.

Cheers!

 

[Engineer1911]

380 case is shorter than 9 mm. 357 or 44 mag crimp die can't crimp 38 spl or 44 spl.

 

[LeeMax]

380 case is shorter than 9 mm. 357 or 44 mag crimp die can't crimp 38 spl or 44 spl.

Lee 38 and 44 spl dies are also used for 357 and 44 magnum.

 

[2152hq]

The 380 is a straight case,,the 9mmL tapers about .009/.010 over it's length.
The 380 outside neck dia is smaller than the 9mmL.

If they (the die mfg) is selling a true 'factory crimp' die for the two,,I'd guess they'd be made to the slightly different specs.

The 44sp/44mag, 38sp/357 they get passed because the one is the parent case of the other and no change in neck dia. They can make the die do the double duty crimp mode by simply reducing the depth of the die.

 

[Rule3]

Lee 38 and 44 spl dies are also used for 357 and 44 magnum.

Yes, BUT not the other way around.

The shorter dies will work for the longer cases

For the OP. spend the $20

Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die 380 ACP

 

[fredj338]

In a word, no. As noted,not the same case at all, they just share the same bullet dia. Just like you cant use a 45colt die on a 45acp.

 

[mikld]

Sounds like a lot of guys are confusing Lees handgun HCD with the rifle FCD.

OP, research "crimping" semi-auto ammo, how and why in your reloading manuals and texts, and google "Lee Factory Crimp Dies" and you'll find many, many of the hundreds of threads discussing this...