One of the only things I actually like about Lee.
They work just as described.
They work just as described.
Lee Factory Crimp Die
- Thread starter Tailhunter
- Start date
- Replies 31
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I like them too. I replace all my Dillon pistol crimp dies with the Lee FCDs. They work for me for sure. In theory they shouldn't be needed, but I have fixed some issues with particular pistols with them.
I don't think it's a better crimp necessarily (although that seems fine), but the carbide sizing ring that runs down to the base again as you crimp. Any minor sins that occur during earlier steps are returned to within spec - maybe a lead bullet is a hair to large and expands the case a bit. So it can be a bandaid for imperfect loading or components.
thrillhill
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Love em. They suit my particular version of OCD. Plus, if you are cranking out rounds to stockpile instead of shoot (blasphemy I know) then the factory crimp certainly makes me feel better in that vein also.
OP
Well don't keep me guessing, I couldn't even think of one.Catfish said:
OP
They seem to work.thrillhill said:
I haven't needed them for pistol rounds, and don't like the look of the crimp it puts on 45-70. On the plus side, super cheap for what they do.
FlatFender
Well-Known Member
I use range pickup brass, so every round goes through a FCD, every time.
OP
Funny, thats why I bought my first one.JimB said:
I bought it before loading a single round just based on internet research, but ended up really liking the roll crimp from the RCBS cowboy dies.JimB said:
FlatFender
Well-Known Member
JimB;n18858 said:
Putting the loaded cartridge through another sizing ring helps make sure everything fits in the chamber check.
I'm not really crimping with the FCD, just enough to make sure everything is uniform and the flare is completely removed.
DaveTNC
Happy to be here
OK, I'm new at this, but I thought that the FCD shouldn't be used with cast bullets, since they are a larger diameter than jacketed and it will resize them down too small, leading to problems. True or not?
I use the Lee FC on all my 1000yd ammunition..
The accuracy improvement can be seen and measured. In one year I improved groups at all distances by .40 moa @600yds to .18 moa at 1000yds
Most long range bench rest shooters see better results then I do.
The accuracy improvement can be seen and measured. In one year I improved groups at all distances by .40 moa @600yds to .18 moa at 1000yds
Most long range bench rest shooters see better results then I do.
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OP
Alright what's a gcd?JBoyette said:
Ikarus1
Avtomat Krishna-kov
Lee FCD is the only thing that makes my mild .40 reloads safe, imo. 15 out of 50 wouldn't chamber using mixed range brass without glock bulge after going thru the resize die. Bought the FCD and never looked back. The bulge buster kit isn't needed IMO. FCD is 90% of the kit anyhow.
T
The Green Heron
Guest
34 years reloading. I own one. I used it till I found I didn't need one. For accuracy I anneal the case, it provides more consistent bullet pull than ANY crimp.
No winning bench rest shooter I've ever known used one.
If I owned a revolver, or a lever action, I would absolutely use one, and it would be a Lee FCD.
No winning bench rest shooter I've ever known used one.
If I owned a revolver, or a lever action, I would absolutely use one, and it would be a Lee FCD.
DaveTNC;n18871 said:
This is definitely true, sometimes. Not always. Most likely to happen if you're using oversized bullets. Swaging a bullet inside a brass case will ruin neck tension. The FCD is harmless unless this is happening so just be sure to check for it when setting up your dies. Do a push test before and after the FCD. Also pull a few with an impact hammer and see how many whacks it takes before and after the FCD. Also measure diameter of the pullled bullets. If the bullet is smaller, has a crimp ring or is noticeably easier to remove after crimping then your FCD is not helping you.
I have had situations come up where after running a round through the FCD - without applying any crimp at all - just the resizing ring swaging my bullet left me with a cartridge that I could push the bullet down into the case with my fingers.
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You guys are super short on WHY you use the thing. So far the only answer is that it sizes down closer to the rim, which is a fine answer, but I don't see how it comes into play with revolvers or lever guns since neither get glock buldge.
Ikarus1
Avtomat Krishna-kov
you want to crimp all rounds for revolvers and lever guns is the point being made I believe. But honestly, it's all about consistency for me whether it be semi auto pistol or rifle. I crimp rounds for my AR because annealing brass is an expensive time consuming process for brass that flies out into the ether.JimB said:
OP
Ok that's two things: G19 and the rifle FCD are both great.Catfish said:
I somehow assumed you were talking about the pistol die and I'm not a huge fan.
OP
How many here are actual bench rest shooters?The Green Heron said:
There are no benches in the woods, tree limbs maybe.
T
The Green Heron
Guest
I used to be, it is a lab coat sport, but results cannot be poopood.The Green Heron said:
Sorry, I failed to consider John's comment as I assumed he was being sarcastic. Seemed unlikely to me that his improvement over the course of a year was attributed entirely to the FCD, but apparently he was being sincere.JimB said:
I wonder why FCD would be more accurate than neck sizing brass from that rifle.
Not in my experience. I use the FCD for a tight crimp on LSWC in .41Mag. Clocking 1350+ fps & no leading. Puts just the right taper crimp on .45ACP, as well.DaveTNC said:
Several "magnum" pistol cartridges need a very firm crimp for optimum powder burn & velocity AND to prevent bullet jump under recoil.