why use Lee factory crimp lock die?

[Wee Hooker]

Crimping arguments aside, I use them ( on most handgun calibers) because they do a final sizing/sizing check on the last stage. Since I started using the FCD's, I have hand no more frustrating/embarrassing instances where a deformed cartridge won't chamber during a match.

 

[fredj338]

Crimping arguments aside, I use them ( on most handgun calibers) because they do a final sizing/sizing check on the last stage. Since I started using the FCD's, I have hand no more frustrating/embarrassing instances where a deformed cartridge won't chamber during a match.

That is the issue with the lfcd. It rsizes your bullet inside the case. Never good for accuracy. I have managed to load reliable ammo for 40y without one.
I did buy one in 45acp to run an accuracy test. I loaded ammo & shot it off the bench in my best 1911. Accuracy with plated bullets run thru a lfcd was measurably worse than taper crimped ammo. Not horrible, but measurable. Learn to adjust the dies correctly, 95% of your ammo problems go away.

 

[Autonomous]

My FCD crimps my lead .452" .45ACP bullets down to .451".
.451" is fine for jacketed .45ACP, not so much for lead.
If I decide to load jacketed ammo it possibly may be pressed into service... or not.

 

[dannyabear]

That is the issue with the lfcd. It rsizes your bullet inside the case. Never good for accuracy. I have managed to load reliable ammo for 40y without one.
I did buy one in 45acp to run an accuracy test. I loaded ammo & shot it off the bench in my best 1911. Accuracy with plated bullets run thru a lfcd was measurably worse than taper crimped ammo. Not horrible, but measurable. Learn to adjust the dies correctly, 95% of your ammo problems go away.

Exactly what I experienced, the brass will spring back, the lead doesn't, leaving the bullet with less neck tension than before

 

[mikld]

Crimping arguments aside, I use them ( on most handgun calibers) because they do a final sizing/sizing check on the last stage. Since I started using the FCD's, I have hand no more frustrating/embarrassing instances where a deformed cartridge won't chamber during a match.

I'm sure it works for you, but I found out many years ago that it is better to find out why a round is too big in diameter and fix it rather than just hiding it. I have 5 semi-auto pistols I reload for and 6 revolvers and never really had any need to "post seating and crimping sizing" of any handload. Even my cast bullet loads with oversize bullets chamber properly without using an FCD. My "unsized" ammo so consistently chambers I would have no need for any other methods if I were competing...

 

[lougotzzz]

I use the four die sets on everything ... avoids all the problems detailed in the original post (shaved brass, crunched cases, finished rounds not chambering). I feel that I save time in set-up as it is much easier to adjust the seating die without having to set crimp, and I also save time by not worrying about mixed headstamps and varying case lengths (within reason). I load on a single stage, and find the final crimping operation with the FCD goes very fast, probably less than three minutes for a 50 round batch.

100% agreed. I do the same. It works very well.

 

[kbm6893]

100% agreed. I do the same. It works very well.

Me too. I just reloaded 100 .38 rounds today. I can crimp 50 rounds in less than 90 seconds. And I have no plans to change my method.

 

[Walkingwolf]

100% agreed. I do the same. It works very well.

That is all that matters, I tend to tune out those that demand it does not work. I do not waste time trying to convince them things work. For them it may not.

 

[dogdoc]

For us USPSA competitors, the carbide lee factory crimp die virtually eliminates rounds that will not chamber. I will not load competition ammo without it.

 

[mikld]

For us USPSA competitors, the carbide lee factory crimp die virtually eliminates rounds that will not chamber. I will not load competition ammo without it.

Just wondering; Are USPSA shooters concerned with accuracy? Or is it like other competition where 4"-5" @ 25 is fine?

 

[oink]

I have the factory crimp dies but for revolvers I've loaded thousands of rounds with the 3 die set and the combined seat/crimp. It's worked fine.