What's your favorite roll crimp die?

[SLT223]

And why? I've noticed a good amount of people use Redding. I'm using Dillon die sets right now. There's nothing wrong with them, just curious what some of the more seasoned folks prefer and why.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

For single shot and bolt action rifles, I have gone exclusively to Redding collet sizing dies. With the collets you adjust the neck tension and need no crimping die at all. For semi auto and lever action rifles as well as handgun loads, I have used the die that came with the set. ALTHOUGH, on some high recoil straight wall cases, I have used a light roll crimp into the groove, then set that deep with a taper crimp die. YOUR LOADS MUST BE DEVELOPED FROM THE START WITH THIS METHOD!!! or thing can get a little nasty!. Over the years I've loaded a little over 100K rounds on my 450/550b and never noticed a need for a crimp die other than the die in the set I'm using at the time (Mostly RCBS with some of just about everybody else thrown in). Ivan

 

[Fishinfool]

I have used most of the major manufacturers roll / taper crimp dies, and have noticed no real difference between them.

Some guys like the Lee factory crimp die, as it basically re-sizes the entire loaded cartridge for reliable feeding. But, if you ensure your dies are properly set up, and your ammo is within spec, the Lee die is not needed.

When roll crimping, more important than the die brand is ensuring the cases are all trimmed to the same length for consistency of crimp.

Larry

 

[gregintenn]

I like the Lee FCD. I am a tightwad. They are inexpensive and get the job done.

 

[mikld]

I have been reloading revolvers since 1969 and can't see much difference in roll crimps by any manufacturer's dies. I have been using the Redding Profile Crimp die for quite a few years now and I get even, consistent crimps without having to apply too much pressure. I can use a light crimp (38 special, .44 Special) or a heavy crimp (.357 Magnum, .44 Magnum) without any variation or case distortion.

My rifle rounds that I crimp (not needed on most of my guns) are the Lee Collet style crimp die. Very even, easily adjusted and consistent. But the OP asked about roll crimps...

 

[Collo Rosso]

The first cartridge with a roll crimp I started loading was 38spl/357mag. I ordered a RCBS die set and had no problems. When I started loading 44 magnum I ordered a RCBS die set and again no problems. All my die sets are now RCBS except for 1 lone Lyman set in 45acp and I have nothing bad to say about that Lyman set. Well...I did manage to first order the Lyman set by part# with the roll instead of taper crimp die. You can picture the head scratching the first time I roll crimped a 45acp round! I ordered a separate Lyman taper crimp die so it's the only caliber I do that way.

 

[arjay]

I have pistol die sets from RCBS and Lee,they both work just fine,but the Lees are cheaper,so they are my faves [emoji1]

 

[pete950]

I love the LEE factory crimp die!!!

 

[at_liberty]

And why? I've noticed a good amount of people use Redding. I'm using Dillon die sets right now. There's nothing wrong with them, just curious what some of the more seasoned folks prefer and why.

There aren't that many choices for dies that do nothing but roll crimp. Roll crimp die sets (revolvers) usually include only a combination seat/crimp. That is an advantage because lead bullets seem to require an extra station for expanding larger than any standard PTX.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

Lee Factory crimp die here.

 

[Nemo288]

I usually use a separate crimp die.
Most of my loads are in straight wall cases and sometimes a larger than standard bullet is called for.
The Lee carbide crimp dies are no good for this application but I do use the
FC die in 444 which is just the collet crimper.
Some bullets for 80's S&W and Ruger are so large the rounds won't fit into
Redding dies so I use the RCBS combo seat/crimp die for those.
Far all others I use the Redding profile and taper crimp dies.

===
Nemo

 

[Moe Mentum]

Lee factory crimp die as well.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

What I like about the LFCD is that getting a repeatable crimp is easier than running a standard die up and down for each crimp. I just put a index mark on top of the adjustment shaft and after the crimp collet contacts the case mouth I can dial in a half or 3/4 or full turn. I note this on the ammo data card and if it works well or not I know what to do with that particular load and bullet next time.

 

[drummer007]

Jacketed bullets - Lee Factory Crimp. Lead bullets - Redding Profile Crimp

 

[Calliope]

I like the Redding profile crimp die. Set light it makes a nice taper crimp for light loads. Set heavy it makes an excellent roll crimp.

 

[Vortec MAX]

I use the LEE FCD. I typically load Berry's plated bullets in 38 SPL and 45 Colt and use contact +3/4 turn as my adjustment. The roll crimps all look beautiful and hold tight under fire. I like the FCD because it is so easy to adjust, which is important because I am too lazy to trim my brass to length. I just keep my brass separated by lot and adjust the die to each lot. It only takes a few seconds.

Mike

 

[zeke]

Have mostly switched over from LFC to Redding profile crimp die for pistol rounds. For rifles needing crimp into a flat bottomed cannelure, stuck with the LFC (25-20 through 45-70). For rifles where I want to crimp into a deep angular cannelure, the standard crimp that came with set of dies.

Both the LFC and the Redding profile crimp facilitate a light roll crimp to a much heavier crimp where the leading edge is flattened parallel to the bullet (standard pistol rounds).

 

[Maximumbob54]

Lee FCD, FCD with carbide sizer punched out, or the custom order collet sizers you can order from Lee for the major revolver calibers. I guess I've also bought a couple of extra seater dies that I remove the seater stem so all it does is roll crimp. I've tried most everything Lee has to offer and feel they each have a place depending on what I'm looking to do.

 

[johngalt]

I started out with lee dies, eventually replaced them with Hornady dies. I use the old lee seater die with the stem backed out for a crimp die. I also have the infamous lee FCD, but don't like the sizing ring so I don't use them any more.

 

[Nemo288]

FCD with carbide sizer punched out

How easy is this to do and what is the technique?

Thanks!

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Nemo