An in-depth comparison, the information You give here is not found Anywhere else except Manuals and passed on information from our Predecessors! Great Stuff F.C.,Thank You
I find that I return to your videos when I have a specific question about reloading. You do a great job explaining why we need to do what needs to be done. Thanks for your excellent instructions.
Nice vid....explains what I needed to understand on the rifle side. Just sold me on the Lee factory crimp for rifle. Thank you from Australia. Stay well during these crazy times!
Once again Cookie, great job of explaining a complicated and confusing subject. Gotta love Lee products. They have a solution for every budget and every problem. Always a great value.
Hey Mr Cookie... Nice job on the Lee crimp die descriptions and rudimentary set up. In one video you were able to answer all my concerns for 38spcl, 9mm, 45acp,and my 223/5.56 rounds! Nicely done!
This is what a good video represents; explaining/clarifying a topic which has some confusion associated to it, with clear precise information along with instructional demonstrations. Good work FC
Hello FortuneCookie45LC. I know that this video was posted several years ago but I just started using the Lee Hand Press today. Your directions were exactly what I needed to help me get started with the reloading. I was not sure if I had a crimp die or how to use one until I found this instructional video. I do indeed have the correct crimp die with the Lee die set that I received today. I used it to load 50 rounds of 300 Savage. Thank you for your great instructions. Dale
Great little primer. I only buy Lee 4 die sets now when I know I will need crimped rounds. They are just so much easier to use and a great buy. Thank you for taking the time to post the video.
+Michael McNamara - And the free shell holder is a nice touch. Seems other reloading companies recently went with that - all about market share...Have a great day, FC
Thanks. This helped me out a lot. I began reloading 9mm with a Lee hand press about 6 months ago and upgraded to a Dillon 550b. I kept the Lee dies but began having problems with the cartridges feeding into my G19. When I inserted a magazine and racked a round into the chamber the slide would not go fully forward. I adjusted the Lee factory crimp die the way you suggested and the rounds are now going into battery just fine. The fact that resizing was taking place at this 4th stage was news to me. It’s easy to visualize de-capping, re-priming, belling, seating-but the resizing is harder to grasp. Thanks again for the help.
FortuneCookie, first off, I gotta say... I love your videos. They are a fantastic resource for reloaders of all skill levels. OK, now that that's over with, I gotta add... I also am a big fan of the Lee FCD in the various flavors. I see soooooo very much hate on the various reloading forums about the FCD, most of which is completely unjustified. There is one argument against it, though, that I do think has some merit *under certain specific circumstances*. If you are reloading for a semi-auto pistol, and you are using a slightly oversized bullet that is also slightly soft, some guys argue that the carbide sizing insert will squeeze the bullet, reducing its diameter. The brass has some spring-back to it, so now you have a bullet with a slightly reduced diameter sitting in the case. This (according to "them") can cause reduced neck tension, causing various problems. I have never used a bullet that would put me in this situation, so I don't know if it's a valid argument or not, but it is at least something for guys that use the FCD for semi-auto pistols to be aware of. But as I mentioned, I am a *huge* fan of the FCD. Thanks again for another fantastic video, FC.
floorpizza - Thanks for your comment. For whatever reason, the haters of the FCD do not fully regard the concept of the FCD. The problem is as follows: Everyone is right. But users of the Lee CFCDs have to understand that the die is not intended to run 45ACP rounds through so that they will chamber in a 40 cal (of course this is an overstatement only to make a point). If there is any wholesale resizing of the final rounds happening, what those shooters point out will come to pass. The FCD was designed to iron out irregularities that would impede functioning, not size down oversized rounds. And it's really simple to determine - all according to Richard Lee's design when you see his instructions - 1) The TL bullets are cast and prepared for reloading with no sizing of the bullets required 2) The ammo is loaded, remove the mouth flare 3) Drop the rounds into the chamber and if they chamber easily or with slight finger pressure and readily extractable, they are OK to proceed 4) Run the rounds through the FCD to apply the final taper or roll crimp. If 3) the rounds require much pressure to seat, the bullets need to be sized. And 4) when the round goes through the FCD, only intermittent bulges being ironed out should be felt - If instead, bigger "zones" of resizing equal to the entire bearing surface of the bullet, are felt, or if any "bullet pull out" is experienced, neck tension is being lost for exactly the reasons you mention. The bullets need to be sized. ( Note, Lee FCDs are obviously useful for but not necessary for loading jacketed bullets.) And when those sized bullets are loaded, the FCD feel of bulges being corrected will assure smooth functioning and revolver feeding with that "drop in snick" that shooter love. When other brands of seater / crimpers are used, occasional rounds hang up on feeding requiring digital assurance of round seating - you see this all the time (of course, this needs to be differentiated from fouled cylinders or chambers causing same). Best to ya, FC
Two thumbs up!!! Nice video. I bought my first Lee set on 7.62 x 25 tokarev for my CZ52,following your opinion on this product, and it is an awesome value. Thanks FC.
I set my Factory Crimp Die for .30-30 a little differently. I screwed the die down to touch the shell holder as you said, and stopped right there. I put the prepared cartridge in the shell holder and raised the ram all the way, lowered it, and checked the crimp. There was none, so I turned the die in a little and ran the cartridge again. I repeated that until I got the crimp I wanted. It was only one more step, as I recall, less than 1/4 turn total. The crimps are beautifully consistent.
Great video. I also like the Lee crimp dies. Sure, it's one extra step but worth it. I use mine with my Lee 160 gn cast bullet mold for the 7.62 x 39 cartridges. Very consistent and, (in my opinion), more accurate than the other crimps. You are the encyclopedia of gun info. I always love to see your videos pop-up so I can watch and learn. Thanks again!
therealrg Wow, that's very kind of you to post this comment. It is greatly appreciated. I have a Lyman Loverin bullet for the 7.62x39 and a nice lighter load that shoots accurately from my SKS rifles. The rifles though, have a bad habit of losing brass, so I just shoot my surplus ammo as a rule. 7.62 x 39 ammo is starting to become available again, and it's still fairly cheap (not as cheap as before when the Chinese stuff was available). Someday I'll whip out that Lyman mold again, but I sure like my Lee 6 cavity jobs...Best Regards to you
The collet type dies for bottleneck cases are great especially for autoloaders. A must have. The carbide type for straight wall cases, less so, but they do function as a maximum cartridge dimension check, which is something. I buckled a couple of new 10mm cases using the standard LEE crimp die. I then switched to the carbide die and it ironed the bulge out mostly.
I really enjoy your videos very informational I have only been reloading for about two and a half years recently loading for 44 mag 44 spl and 357 Magnum and 38spl but your information helps me most when I am thinking about cast bullets thanks for all information!!
This video was well make and explains the concept of the Lee Factory Crimp Die offerings. I have the dies and they work very well in my reloading. Again very good job!!!!
Hey, Fortune Cookie! I had a .38/357 Magnum Lee FCD, and gave up on using it several years ago. I thought I had sold it, but found it! Covid boredom...I watched your FCD video, and, I figure I just didn't know how to use it. Thank you! I will re think my bias against the FCD, and probably live happily ever after!
Anytime i need to know something or have some problem this channel is the first place i look. I have most of the reloading manuals ( Lee is the worst. Very confusing way of writing - maybe its just me) but Cookie knows how to explain things better, buy far! Thank you, sir
Another excellent and well explained video I wish I'd seen before I made my last purchase, lol. I got a 4 die set for 9mm and thought I knew what I was doing, but I now know I just got lucky! I've since bought 3 die sets for .45acp and .38/.357 but haven't started loading them. I guess I'm taking the walk of shame (maybe I can disguise it by looking for powder too!) back into the store to buy the FCD now that I truly understand the BSFD and FCD. I really enjoy watching your videos. I learn so much from you because you take the time to show and explain how and why things are done. Well done sir!
fisoxlt Thank you for your valuable comment...the first time I used a Lee FCD and felt the die hesitate and grab a portion of a loaded round going into the die, it was an eye opening event. You can load good ammo without the FCD, but when it is used, you just don't give chambering issues any mind at all. Of course seating depth remains a consideration for auto pistols, but the FCD sure does a great job...Best Regards to you
Ya there's quite a few but a lot don't go into great detail like you do. When I started doing 9mm and 223 I just bought Hornady thinking they were all basically the same. Now I'm paying more attention and I'm trying to figure out if I want to do seat and crimp in the same step. My 9mm turn out ok with the Hornady dies, but I think for 357 and 10mm I'm going to do the crimp in a separate step with the Lee dies (at least for the hotter loads). Now it's just a question of figuring out which sets do taper and which do rolled...looking on Amazon they don't say, and checking Lee's site it doesn't say for the 4 die sets which crimp it does. Guess I'll just order and hope the 357 is rolled and the 10mm is tapered.
Thanks for explaining this. I am a pretty green reloader whose gathering the tools necessary to to load for my .35 rem Marlin 336 and it’ll be the first round I’ll have loaded that’ll require crimping. My other dies are all RCBS, but I am most likely going to go with a lee pacesetter set simply due to it coming with the factory crimp die which seems fool-proof comparatively to other die sets way of crimping
Novice reloader here. I now have a better understanding of the final crimping process thanks to you. The crimping process is a delicate one I thought, but this took a bit of the mystery out of it for me. If I understand correctly, this final die will not only crimp but also give a "final" calibration to your cartridge dimensions, beyond the original resizing.
Walter Palmer - Right you are...some think that the Lee FCD sizes the final round, but if you use it, you will find that it really takes out minor bulges and imperfections that would cause problems in function and chambering. There is no wholesale sizing being done, nor should it be done... I have other videos on these dies that will add more information. Have a great day, FC
I had the same problem with a set of 9mm Lee dies. The carbide sizing die didn’t always size the bottom portion of some cases. This resulted in some cartridges getting stuck and not fully chambering in my automatics. I switched to a set of RCBS 9mm dies with a carbide sizing die and this solved the problem.
Bloody awesome video from a very knowledgeable bloke!!!! Thanks very much mate, this has explained heaps to me and I will be sure to put that info to good use. Happy shooting !!!!!!
After reloading 45 LCD with this crimp die the round fit better in my vequaro better then most factory loads lee are the only crimp dies I will use for all my different calibers good stuff brother
jayboney el toro - Thanks for posting comment..!! One thing though, bro is that if the bullet is a cast bullet and way oversized, the factory crimp die will squeeze it down (you can feel this excessive pressure when you run the press) and you will actually lose tension of the bullet in the round...But if this happens, it simply means that the bullets need to be sized to the correct diameter for your gun. The FCD was not designed to size cartridges, but only to remove bulges and irregularities that may impede chambering. When thus used, they are mighty fine indeed...Good reloadin' to ya, FC
Great Job. I've been using them for pistol rounds and they are almost required for my semi-autos. To a certain degree they ensure the bullet cases are uniform as well. Looks like the rifle design is a little different, but simple nonetheless.
I bought Lee equipment to save money thinking I would upgrade later. I've never upgraded. I have loaded great ammo with my Lee reloading equipment. I've been very happy with all of the ammo I've loaded both rifle and handgun. Love the crimp die for 30 30. All I've ever loaded is better than than any factory with the exception of federal gold medal match which is equal to hand loaded ammo.
It's nice to see (or hear) my Chinese brothers getting way into shooting and handloading! I have just got my FOB father in law hooked up with his first rifle, and he loves it!
I have lee dies on all my auto reloads. Really something I couldn't do without after using. Cheap and effective. I'm surprised nobody else has one from some of the other big company's.
Michael John - Have you noticed some shooters do an extra finger push to make sure their rounds are in their revolver cylinders? It is because 1) they don't use the LFCD or 2) they've already shot 200 rounds and their chambers are fouled a bit with powder residue. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays..!! FC
I have only been reloading for the last five years but in that time i have reloaded for my auto loaders both in pistol and rifle , bolt action rifles and my auto loader pistols. Are used to just use the regular dies with their taper crimp until I started reloading my Glock . Everything changed after that as I'm sure you well know the peculiarities of Glocked brass and their unsupported feed ramps... bulge city 😐. After that I looked up the best remedy for said brass and LFCD,s were the suggestion , I bought one and was very happy with the results. I even ran old rounds made only with normal 3 taper dies and found out that they corrected these problem rounds. I'm a convert now and have bought one for every caliber that I use. I highly suggest anyone that is getting into or anyone that reloads to try these you won't be disappointed. Thanks for posting your video and have a Merry Christmas. All the best to you and your family.. PS everyone please support your local gun range and NRA !
Michael John - Thanks for your posting... You will find that the LFCDs work as advertised, but there will be the rare instance of bullet pull out from their use...happens when the bullets are way oversize and the LFCD does major squeezing correction of the big size of the bullet in the seated case = case spring back and loss of bullet tension = the bullet pulls out with taper crimp LFCDs. Does not happen when the LFCD is used as intended - for minor corrections of bulges that might impair feeding. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ya..!! FC
@@FortuneCookie45LC I already have all of the the die sets that I need. Unfortunately, they all have the old style crimp dies. But it IS nice to know that if/when I can afford to upgrade, I can still buy the factory crimp die separate. I DO have them for my rifle dies, but not for pistol. That might need to be my next upgrade...🤔
Thanks for your time in making this video. Also, I'd like to add that part of my interest in starting reloading in the 9 mm is to get comfortable with the process, and eventually purchase a 45.70 where the reloading skill will be of a greater savings benefit.
Walter Palmer - Sounds like a good policy - Google did not post your comment in my inbox, and when that happens, I don't see 'em for months... Best to ya, FC
David DeBlois Ah, the 7mm Rem Magnum!! I remember that rascal when it was first introduced, and a noted gun writer took a M700 ADL in that caliber and went after big game... I was just in high school and my priorities at the time were the 3 Gs - grades, guns and girls - Mr. Lovisone called us all "the punk kids".
Do you have a video on bullet seating? I'm an avid handloader myself and love to learn as much as I can about the art. Currently reloading 7 mm mag, 44 mag, 357 mag, and 38 spl.
David DeBlois Since you are an experienced reloader, not much that you don't already know...Unless you are dealing with long nose Keith bullet's, reloaders can generally use the crimping grooves and cannelures to set seating depth. And with our bolt guns, we want the bullets back of the rifling by .006-.009" for a good rule of thumb. Yes, there are multiple videos uploaded featuring the bullets seating... Have a great day
New to your site and You tube, in general. Love your work. Been loading for years but quit for a while. Have trouble with all the hate from the dillon people. I don't have the money for a dillon set up. As I did without for years, I wouldn't likely spend that much. My Lee stuff works fine, no problems. I stay within my finances.
robert shinenne - Thanks for your comment, and congrats on getting the FCD... Note, the FCD carbide rings do not resize the entire case like the full length size die does...what the FCD does is resize the whole case in terms of removing bulges that would cause feeding issues...Squeezing down the whole loaded round is not happening unless a cast bullet was really on the huge side. If so, those bullets should be sized before loading... Good reloadin' to ya... FC
Wow, thanks for taking your time to explain this to me, it's much needed as me a noob here :d. anyway. It helped me fix some of my 9mm reloads with powder coated lead bullets that have a little belly where the case openning is. But now, every one is easily fitted into my gauge. Thanks again!
W Tom - Lee makes good stuff (with some rare exceptions) at high value. My first carbide die was a Lyman, but when Lee came along with their carbide dies for 1/2 the price - it was almost too good to be true...Been using Lee stuff ever since, along with RCBS and Lyman with some Hornady. Got my first item from Redding (after all these years of reloading) recently. Have a great day, FC Steve
holdengr Ahhh - the 222 Rem. - one of the sweet shooters that gets very little mention nowadays...That and the 222 Rem Mag led to the development of the 223. Thanks for posting on your 222 Rem and crimps... Best to ya....
Thanks for this video. The have explained the crimp die better than any one else. I have just upgraded my reloading press to a load master, and was wondering if I should get a factory crimp die for the fifth station. And I wasnt sure about it, until now. Thanks again.
SamLFisher The LFCD will serve you well in that station. The carbide sizer assures good functioning in your firearm of choice, and works very well for cast bullets. If you load jacketed or plated bullets for autoloaders, the plain taper crimp dies will do very well for you as you will not encounter bullets that are a bit oversize. Please let me know how the FCD does for you. Best Regards
Eric Laird - Thanks, Eric for your enthusiasm...!! A crimp really helps for ammo we are running through our semi-auto 223 / 5.56 rifles. And the Lee factory crimp die really serves us well. Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve
Very comprehensive -- well done. There is a back story to the creation of Lee Factory Crimp dies. The story is told by Richard Lee himself in his second edition Modern Reloading Manual ( all reloaders should own a copy) . I won't spoil the story but I will just leave you with a teaser that many big reloading companies were very upset with Lee when he came out with his Factory Crimp dies to the point of trying to put him out of business.
+Vengenace Early -- I am so sorry to have missed this great comment - when Google does not post a comment in my inbox - I will miss it every time...The other companies first started getting really upset with Lee when he came out with his carbide sizing dies, just as good at half the price of the competition. We all wanted the carbide to save the hassle of lubing handgun brass, that any reasonable price would be paid. How glad we were when Lee's definition of reasonable was a lot lower than the other companies idea of reasonable!! Same thing happened again with Lee bullet molds. Thanks to you, we know the reaction to Lee Factory Crimp Dies... Have a great day, FC
Hi FC-- Yes Lee is the best in many areas. As you know many well known companies were bought out by very large conglomerates about 10 plus years ago. That is why there is very little innovation from them. They should have been able to beat Lee a long time ago in price and quality. But IMHO they are too top heavy and just don't have the drive of Lee.
+Vengenace Early -- Lee is still a family run business - Andy Lee is the great grandson of Richard Lee and heads up the casting division. Have a great day, FC
I wish that this presenter included the following statement in his presentation: “Note, Lee FCDs are obviously useful for but not necessary for loading jacketed bullets.” He did say exactly that in a parenthetical statement in a response to another comment here. I did not realize that the *carbide* FCD was specifically designed for use with potentially oversized (albeit very slightly) cast bullets. Now I understand the origin and functionality of the FCD. For un-sized cast lead bullets the FCD makes complete sense (at last). I have a question for FCD users: does the crimp adjustment ever drift while you are reloading? There doesn’t appear to be a way to lock in the stem that sets the location of the crimping sleeve. (My first press is a single-stage Hornady LNL with their nifty die bushings for quick changes. Every once in a while I have a bushing that drifts loose and causes problems.) I started using a separate crimp die long ago. If the crimp is applied by the seater die, the bullet is moving downward while the crimp is being applied. I prefer to seat the bullet completely, then apply a crimp to a stationary bullet. I also think it’s much easier to adjust a separate crimp die than it is to add a crimp adjustment to the very important seating die adjustments. However, I have never had a need to re-size a case *after* seating a bullet. Yes, sometimes there are very small, unsightly bulges where the base of a bullet sits inside the case but I have never had a malfunction or failure to load because of one. If I see too big a bulge, I stop and figure out what is going wrong with my seating process.
I think the LFC die provides the best crimp I've ever seen and the uniformity in neck tension over conventional roll crimping does result in tighter groups. When I use the LFC dies I apply the crimp 3 times and rotate the case approx 120 degrees each time for an absolutely smooth homogeneous crimp each & every time. No more bulges & tight spots when running new reloads through the case checking gauge because of roll crimping over length cases.
bushed274 - Lee doesn't provide enough in their instruction sheets, though. The LFCD works well when there isn't severe sizing happening with its use. If so, the neck tension is actually being lost as the bullet swages down and the case springs back off of it. The detractors of the LFCDs make a big point of this, but when the die just produces momentary bulge corrections = that's the way the die was designed to work. If so, it indeed, is the best crimp in the business... Best to ya, FC Steve
I've just been using my Lee factory crimp dies on cartridge cases with cannelures so the only displacement has been the ring of crimped brass into the cannelure groove.
LT - They do work well as long as we aren't so big with our rounds that the die is actually sizing the whole case - if that happens, the Lee FCDs cause loss of neck tension. But then again, we wouldn't be using the dies as they were intended. Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve
Hi FourtuneCookie , I run a Hornady AP Press and mostly Lee Carbide dies -thanks to your excellent videos on Lee. I am current using the Hornady powder case activated dispenser that comes with AP press and had to get the PTX add-on to expand brass & through powder on one station. It works but not optimum solution. Is there a way to use the Lee Carbide expanding die (9mm) with the Hornady case activate powder dispenser ?
I don’t know what the odds are that you will see this comment per the age of this vid but I am trying to find some info. I just picked up a box of Hornady 230gn in .451” to load for a .45 Colt Henry lever rifle. I didn’t realize the 230gn was for 45 acp. I’m trying to figure out how to taper crimp these for use in the 45 Colt. Just use the 45 acp crimp die maybe? Appreciate all your content from the east coast!
Fantastically informative video. Would like a discussion - for the auto rounds - how much crimp is enough ? I'm sure you've discussed this -- link please ?
I have a Thompson center 460 encore. My brother has a smith car revolver will we need two different crimp does or will the collet style work for both? Thanks
I just purchased the Carbide, Lee Factory Crimp die for 9mm. I've been using an RCBS 2 die set for reloading in a Dillon XL 650. It's odd, only using 2 dies, and in my opinion, the RCBS carbide die set actually undersizes the brass. That's ok, it flares it back out and it's fine. I'm an old salt reloader.. I have zero problems with all other calibers, but the 9mm die set, I've been crimping at the same time as seating, and you have to get it just exactly right, or it'll crimp too early as it's seating, causing the round to compress and you end up with a slightly buckled or squished case. I just got the crimp die in the mail today... I haven't used it yet and I'm use to the rifle factory crimp dies sold by Lee. They make some amazing stuff, and I have even replaced some of my RCBS with the Lee die sets. I love their 4-piece 45ACP die set.. Amazing quality and I love the fact that you can simply re-adjust the dies with your fingers and they stay locked in place and do not move. Never used the Lee pistol die set before. You put out a good quality video on it, and I'm going to sub. Thank you! I reload 2-3 thousand rounds of pistol every month. Lots of 9mm, lots of 45, and bucket loads of 10mm. (yes, I'm a tremendous fan of the 10mm caliber.. god's gift to pistol hunters like myself) I will likely get this factory crimp die for all caliber pistols. I already use the Lee Factory Crimp die in 308 and 5.56, as well as a few other calibers.. I was just shocked to open the container and find the pistol caliber crimp did not have the compression collet .. that's what I was expecting. Thanks Fortune Cookie! You're great!
+Poppa Bear --As you have found, the Lee pistol carbide factory crimp dies do not have the collets; In addition, the Lee rifle factory crimp dies have the collets but do not have the carbide. There are good reasons for this as the crimping requirements of the calibers they crimp are different. Suffice to say that all the Lee Factory Crimp Dies provide the "Best Crimp in the Business" This is FC45LC language and Lee should use that in their advertising - the many users of these dies, including you and I, would agree wholeheartedly and without equivocation. Sure, Lee reloading dies lack the all steel and finer finished "quality". That winds up in the eye of the beholder only. I do not fault those fans of RCBS, Lyman, Hornady or Redding at all as those are also fine die sets (and I have some of those as well). Lee does not provide some of the more featured bullet seater dies, nor the fine neck sizing dies that other manufacturers produce. However, the Lee Neck Collet Sizing Dies have some brilliant performance...I have videos up on all these issues. Plus, the Lee dies deliver outstanding performance and the highest value in the industry for reloading dies. Each reloader is free to agree or disagree with any of this. But Lee is the market share leader in reloading. Good reloadin' to ya, FC
FortuneCookie45LC thanks for reply! The only issue I've ever had with Lee dies, is reloading 45ACP.. When I flare the cartridge on the Dillon XL650, the flare can be a bit much... I really have to watch what I'm doing, because that flare will cut into the seating die.. I hear and can feel it, and little tiny bits of aluminum scrape off and I'm sure it gets between the brass and the bullet. No failures yet, but it's a concern.. The aluminum on the outside of the die just simply scrapes off.. I just decrease the size of the flare, and most of the problem goes away. Thanks again for the response! Cheers!
+Poppa Bear --It's possible to flare the case mouth so excessively that the expanded mouth will not even enter the crimping die. As I recall, some of my older dies from Herter's, Lyman, and RCBS did have some kind of plating on them that would come off as little specks when seating bullets. But those old dies have been replaced and the newer ones including Lee don't lose any material from the die bodies. I'm almost sure those old platings were not aluminum. Best Regards to ya, FC
I paid for RBCS $ 59 for LEE $ 79 But I have a problem with Crimping when using RBCS Die, there is always a harmonica, which is a wave on the neck. Now I'll start using Lee
An in-depth comparison, the information You give here is not found Anywhere else except Manuals and passed on information from our Predecessors! Great Stuff F.C.,Thank You
I find that I return to your videos when I have a specific question about reloading. You do a great job explaining why we need to do what needs to be done. Thanks for your excellent instructions.
You make the confusing choice of die brands and sets so easy. Thank you.
Nice vid....explains what I needed to understand on the rifle side. Just sold me on the Lee factory crimp for rifle. Thank you from Australia. Stay well during these crazy times!
Once again Cookie, great job of explaining a complicated and confusing subject. Gotta love Lee products. They have a solution for every budget and every problem. Always a great value.
Hey Mr Cookie... Nice job on the Lee crimp die descriptions and rudimentary set up. In one video you were able to answer all my concerns for 38spcl, 9mm, 45acp,and my 223/5.56 rounds! Nicely done!
This is what a good video represents; explaining/clarifying a topic which has some confusion associated to it, with clear precise information along with instructional demonstrations.
Good work FC
Logjam5 And thank you for taking the time to post this comment... much appreciated. Best Regards
Your videos rock. I've learned a lot by watching all your videos. Keep up the good work.
I'm reloading .44 Magnum/.38spl/9mm & .380ACP. Your videos & time shared to assist is really appreciated, thank you
Hello FortuneCookie45LC.
I know that this video was posted several years ago but I just started using the Lee Hand Press today.
Your directions were exactly what I needed to help me get started with the reloading.
I was not sure if I had a crimp die or how to use one until I found this instructional video.
I do indeed have the correct crimp die with the Lee die set that I received today. I used it to load 50 rounds of 300 Savage.
Thank you for your great instructions.
Dale
Have been battling the crimp on my RCBS 9mm dye for a while now. Lee Factory Carbide Dye sets for sure. Thank you for the advice.
Great little primer. I only buy Lee 4 die sets now when I know I will need crimped rounds. They are just so much easier to use and a great buy. Thank you for taking the time to post the video.
+Michael McNamara - And the free shell holder is a nice touch. Seems other reloading companies recently went with that - all about market share...Have a great day, FC
Love the channel! He really breaks it down ! Thanks again for taking the time to make this video
Thank you for this information, I was looking to see how to use the Lee Rifle Crimp die and now I know how all of them work!
Thanks. This helped me out a lot. I began reloading 9mm with a Lee hand press about 6 months ago and upgraded to a Dillon 550b. I kept the Lee dies but began having problems with the cartridges feeding into my G19. When I inserted a magazine and racked a round into the chamber the slide would not go fully forward. I adjusted the Lee factory crimp die the way you suggested and the rounds are now going into battery just fine.
The fact that resizing was taking place at this 4th stage was news to me. It’s easy to visualize de-capping, re-priming, belling, seating-but the resizing is harder to grasp. Thanks again for the help.
FortuneCookie, first off, I gotta say... I love your videos. They are a fantastic resource for reloaders of all skill levels. OK, now that that's over with, I gotta add... I also am a big fan of the Lee FCD in the various flavors. I see soooooo very much hate on the various reloading forums about the FCD, most of which is completely unjustified. There is one argument against it, though, that I do think has some merit *under certain specific circumstances*. If you are reloading for a semi-auto pistol, and you are using a slightly oversized bullet that is also slightly soft, some guys argue that the carbide sizing insert will squeeze the bullet, reducing its diameter. The brass has some spring-back to it, so now you have a bullet with a slightly reduced diameter sitting in the case. This (according to "them") can cause reduced neck tension, causing various problems. I have never used a bullet that would put me in this situation, so I don't know if it's a valid argument or not, but it is at least something for guys that use the FCD for semi-auto pistols to be aware of. But as I mentioned, I am a *huge* fan of the FCD. Thanks again for another fantastic video, FC.
floorpizza - Thanks for your comment. For whatever reason, the haters of the FCD do not fully regard the concept of the FCD. The problem is as follows: Everyone is right. But users of the Lee CFCDs have to understand that the die is not intended to run 45ACP rounds through so that they will chamber in a 40 cal (of course this is an overstatement only to make a point). If there is any wholesale resizing of the final rounds happening, what those shooters point out will come to pass. The FCD was designed to iron out irregularities that would impede functioning, not size down oversized rounds. And it's really simple to determine - all according to Richard Lee's design when you see his instructions - 1) The TL bullets are cast and prepared for reloading with no sizing of the bullets required 2) The ammo is loaded, remove the mouth flare 3) Drop the rounds into the chamber and if they chamber easily or with slight finger pressure and readily extractable, they are OK to proceed 4) Run the rounds through the FCD to apply the final taper or roll crimp. If 3) the rounds require much pressure to seat, the bullets need to be sized. And 4) when the round goes through the FCD, only intermittent bulges being ironed out should be felt - If instead, bigger "zones" of resizing equal to the entire bearing surface of the bullet, are felt, or if any "bullet pull out" is experienced, neck tension is being lost for exactly the reasons you mention. The bullets need to be sized. ( Note, Lee FCDs are obviously useful for but not necessary for loading jacketed bullets.) And when those sized bullets are loaded, the FCD feel of bulges being corrected will assure smooth functioning and revolver feeding with that "drop in snick" that shooter love. When other brands of seater / crimpers are used, occasional rounds hang up on feeding requiring digital assurance of round seating - you see this all the time (of course, this needs to be differentiated from fouled cylinders or chambers causing same). Best to ya, FC
Two thumbs up!!! Nice video. I bought my first Lee set on 7.62 x 25 tokarev for my CZ52,following your opinion on this product, and it is an awesome value. Thanks FC.
Hey steve... Long time loader, caster and fellow powder coater here. Love your videos! Be well my brother...
Checking this out in 2021. Thank you for clearly explaining the differences between the different styles of crimping dies.
I set my Factory Crimp Die for .30-30 a little differently. I screwed the die down to touch the shell holder as you said, and stopped right there. I put the prepared cartridge in the shell holder and raised the ram all the way, lowered it, and checked the crimp. There was none, so I turned the die in a little and ran the cartridge again. I repeated that until I got the crimp I wanted. It was only one more step, as I recall, less than 1/4 turn total. The crimps are beautifully consistent.
Great video. I also like the Lee crimp dies. Sure, it's one extra step but worth it. I use mine with my Lee 160 gn cast bullet mold for the 7.62 x 39 cartridges. Very consistent and, (in my opinion), more accurate than the other crimps. You are the encyclopedia of gun info. I always love to see your videos pop-up so I can watch and learn. Thanks again!
therealrg Wow, that's very kind of you to post this comment. It is greatly appreciated. I have a Lyman Loverin bullet for the 7.62x39 and a nice lighter load that shoots accurately from my SKS rifles. The rifles though, have a bad habit of losing brass, so I just shoot my surplus ammo as a rule. 7.62 x 39 ammo is starting to become available again, and it's still fairly cheap (not as cheap as before when the Chinese stuff was available). Someday I'll whip out that Lyman mold again, but I sure like my Lee 6 cavity jobs...Best Regards to you
Exactly what I was looking for. Once again another outstanding video. Thank you sir.
The collet type dies for bottleneck cases are great especially for autoloaders. A must have.
The carbide type for straight wall cases, less so, but they do function as a maximum cartridge dimension check, which is something. I buckled a couple of new 10mm cases using the standard LEE crimp die. I then switched to the carbide die and it ironed the bulge out mostly.
I really enjoy your videos very informational I have only been reloading for about two and a half years recently loading for 44 mag 44 spl and 357 Magnum and 38spl but your information helps me most when I am thinking about cast bullets thanks for all information!!
Congrats for the great video and thanks for time you spent putting this helpful and clarifying information together!
--Leandro Ruas - And thank you for taking the time to post comment...Now, where did I put my Lee Universal Decapping Die? Hmmm.... Best to ya, FC
Thanks for a clear and easy to understand explanation.
This video was well make and explains the concept of the Lee Factory Crimp Die offerings. I have the dies and they work very well in my reloading. Again very good job!!!!
+Majeskty -- And thanks for taking the time to post this... Best Regards, FC
Thanks for taking the time to explain this.
Hey, Fortune Cookie! I had a .38/357 Magnum Lee FCD, and gave up on using it several years ago. I thought I had sold it, but found it! Covid boredom...I watched your FCD video, and, I figure I just didn't know how to use it. Thank you! I will re think my bias against the FCD, and probably live happily ever after!
Anytime i need to know something or have some problem this channel is the first place i look. I have most of the reloading manuals ( Lee is the worst. Very confusing way of writing - maybe its just me) but Cookie knows how to explain things better, buy far! Thank you, sir
very good information. thank you for explaining the function of the crimp die. can't wait to use mine!
Thanks for doing these videos you have been alot of help for someone like me just starting out reloading well done sir
Another excellent and well explained video I wish I'd seen before I made my last purchase, lol. I got a 4 die set for 9mm and thought I knew what I was doing, but I now know I just got lucky! I've since bought 3 die sets for .45acp and .38/.357 but haven't started loading them. I guess I'm taking the walk of shame (maybe I can disguise it by looking for powder too!) back into the store to buy the FCD now that I truly understand the BSFD and FCD. I really enjoy watching your videos. I learn so much from you because you take the time to show and explain how and why things are done. Well done sir!
fisoxlt Thank you for your valuable comment...the first time I used a Lee FCD and felt the die hesitate and grab a portion of a loaded round going into the die, it was an eye opening event. You can load good ammo without the FCD, but when it is used, you just don't give chambering issues any mind at all. Of course seating depth remains a consideration for auto pistols, but the FCD sure does a great job...Best Regards to you
I didn’t know Christopher walked had a reloading channel, I’m subscribing!
Great video, this clears up a lot of confusion I had about which dies to buy for 10mm and 357
Rob A. - At the time, there wasn't any video on YT that brought this out. I haven't checked on this since though. Best to ya, FC Steve
Ya there's quite a few but a lot don't go into great detail like you do. When I started doing 9mm and 223 I just bought Hornady thinking they were all basically the same. Now I'm paying more attention and I'm trying to figure out if I want to do seat and crimp in the same step. My 9mm turn out ok with the Hornady dies, but I think for 357 and 10mm I'm going to do the crimp in a separate step with the Lee dies (at least for the hotter loads). Now it's just a question of figuring out which sets do taper and which do rolled...looking on Amazon they don't say, and checking Lee's site it doesn't say for the 4 die sets which crimp it does. Guess I'll just order and hope the 357 is rolled and the 10mm is tapered.
Nice job, FC45LC...well thought out and delivered with finesse!
LMO MechTech Thanks Larry for being a fantastic denizen of the HLZ!!
Thanks for explaining this. I am a pretty green reloader whose gathering the tools necessary to to load for my .35 rem Marlin 336 and it’ll be the first round I’ll have loaded that’ll require crimping. My other dies are all RCBS, but I am most likely going to go with a lee pacesetter set simply due to it coming with the factory crimp die which seems fool-proof comparatively to other die sets way of crimping
Novice reloader here. I now have a better understanding of the final crimping process thanks to you. The crimping process is a delicate one I thought, but this took a bit of the mystery out of it for me. If I understand correctly, this final die will not only crimp but also give a "final" calibration to your cartridge dimensions, beyond the original resizing.
Walter Palmer - Right you are...some think that the Lee FCD sizes the final round, but if you use it, you will find that it really takes out minor bulges and imperfections that would cause problems in function and chambering. There is no wholesale sizing being done, nor should it be done... I have other videos on these dies that will add more information. Have a great day, FC
Great video and cleared some things up. I like the Lee dies, great quality and value.
fatmantolly Thanks for the comment...and have a great day...
I had the same problem with a set of 9mm Lee dies. The carbide sizing die didn’t always size the bottom portion of some cases. This resulted in some cartridges getting stuck and not fully chambering in my automatics. I switched to a set of RCBS 9mm dies with a carbide sizing die and this solved the problem.
Bloody awesome video from a very knowledgeable bloke!!!! Thanks very much mate, this has explained heaps to me and I will be sure to put that info to good use. Happy shooting !!!!!!
I use the Lee FCD in all my auto loading cartridges. Love them!
ipdjbt That's a great affirmation for the Lee FCDs... Have a great day.
After reloading 45 LCD with this crimp die the round fit better in my vequaro better then most factory loads lee are the only crimp dies I will use for all my different calibers good stuff brother
jayboney el toro - Thanks for posting comment..!! One thing though, bro is that if the bullet is a cast bullet and way oversized, the factory crimp die will squeeze it down (you can feel this excessive pressure when you run the press) and you will actually lose tension of the bullet in the round...But if this happens, it simply means that the bullets need to be sized to the correct diameter for your gun. The FCD was not designed to size cartridges, but only to remove bulges and irregularities that may impede chambering. When thus used, they are mighty fine indeed...Good reloadin' to ya, FC
Great Job. I've been using them for pistol rounds and they are almost required for my semi-autos. To a certain degree they ensure the bullet cases are uniform as well. Looks like the rifle design is a little different, but simple nonetheless.
I bought Lee equipment to save money thinking I would upgrade later. I've never upgraded. I have loaded great ammo with my Lee reloading equipment. I've been very happy with all of the ammo I've loaded both rifle and handgun. Love the crimp die for 30 30. All I've ever loaded is better than than any factory with the exception of federal gold medal match which is equal to hand loaded ammo.
It's nice to see (or hear) my Chinese brothers getting way into shooting and handloading! I have just got my FOB father in law hooked up with his first rifle, and he loves it!
chouyi007 What rifle did you help him get? The first rifle is always an interesting process...Have a great day
I have lee dies on all my auto reloads. Really something I couldn't do without after using. Cheap and effective. I'm surprised nobody else has one from some of the other big company's.
Michael John - Have you noticed some shooters do an extra finger push to make sure their rounds are in their revolver cylinders? It is because 1) they don't use the LFCD or 2) they've already shot 200 rounds and their chambers are fouled a bit with powder residue. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays..!! FC
I have only been reloading for the last five years but in that time i have reloaded for my auto loaders both in pistol and rifle , bolt action rifles and my auto loader pistols. Are used to just use the regular dies with their taper crimp until I started reloading my Glock . Everything changed after that as I'm sure you well know the peculiarities of Glocked brass and their unsupported feed ramps... bulge city 😐.
After that I looked up the best remedy for said brass and LFCD,s were the suggestion , I bought one and was very happy with the results. I even ran old rounds made only with normal 3 taper dies and found out that they corrected these problem rounds. I'm a convert now and have bought one for every caliber that I use. I highly suggest anyone that is getting into or anyone that reloads to try these you won't be disappointed. Thanks for posting your video and have a Merry Christmas. All the best to you and your family..
PS everyone please support your local gun range and NRA !
Michael John - Thanks for your posting... You will find that the LFCDs work as advertised, but there will be the rare instance of bullet pull out from their use...happens when the bullets are way oversize and the LFCD does major squeezing correction of the big size of the bullet in the seated case = case spring back and loss of bullet tension = the bullet pulls out with taper crimp LFCDs. Does not happen when the LFCD is used as intended - for minor corrections of bulges that might impair feeding. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ya..!! FC
@@FortuneCookie45LC I already have all of the the die sets that I need.
Unfortunately, they all have the old style crimp dies.
But it IS nice to know that if/when I can afford to upgrade, I can still buy the factory crimp die separate.
I DO have them for my rifle dies, but not for pistol.
That might need to be my next upgrade...🤔
Thanks for your time in making this video. Also, I'd like to add that part of my interest in starting reloading in the 9 mm is to get comfortable with the process, and eventually purchase a 45.70 where the reloading skill will be of a greater savings benefit.
Walter Palmer - Sounds like a good policy - Google did not post your comment in my inbox, and when that happens, I don't see 'em for months... Best to ya, FC
You're the best- FC.
Thanks for your videos. New loader here, you have helped me a ton.
obie wan - And congrats on reloading - it's the best way to really enjoy your shooting... Best to ya, FC Steve
Great video and great information
Excellent video. Very informative. Thanks!
Kurt Jeffery - Thanks to you for taking the time to post comment...and Good reloadin' to ya, FC
Great explanation of the working of the Lee Crimp Die. I own one and use exclusively on my 7mm mag.
David DeBlois Ah, the 7mm Rem Magnum!! I remember that rascal when it was first introduced, and a noted gun writer took a M700 ADL in that caliber and went after big game... I was just in high school and my priorities at the time were the 3 Gs - grades, guns and girls - Mr. Lovisone called us all "the punk kids".
Do you have a video on bullet seating? I'm an avid handloader myself and love to learn as much as I can about the art. Currently reloading 7 mm mag, 44 mag, 357 mag, and 38 spl.
David DeBlois Since you are an experienced reloader, not much that you don't already know...Unless you are dealing with long nose Keith bullet's, reloaders can generally use the crimping grooves and cannelures to set seating depth. And with our bolt guns, we want the bullets back of the rifling by .006-.009" for a good rule of thumb. Yes, there are multiple videos uploaded featuring the bullets seating... Have a great day
New to your site and You tube, in general. Love your work. Been loading for years but quit for a while. Have trouble with all the hate from the dillon people. I don't have the money for a dillon set up. As I did without for years, I wouldn't likely spend that much. My Lee stuff works fine, no problems. I stay within my finances.
I am new reloader, and just bought this after watched this video. Thanks!!!
robert shinenne - Thanks for your comment, and congrats on getting the FCD... Note, the FCD carbide rings do not resize the entire case like the full length size die does...what the FCD does is resize the whole case in terms of removing bulges that would cause feeding issues...Squeezing down the whole loaded round is not happening unless a cast bullet was really on the huge side. If so, those bullets should be sized before loading... Good reloadin' to ya... FC
Wow, thanks for taking your time to explain this to me, it's much needed as me a noob here :d. anyway. It helped me fix some of my 9mm reloads with powder coated lead bullets that have a little belly where the case openning is. But now, every one is easily fitted into my gauge. Thanks again!
These work great! Thanks for this info.
I've been using Lee Dies and presses since I started reloading. I also use Hornady and RCBS, but the Lee equipment is by far my favorite.
W Tom - Lee makes good stuff (with some rare exceptions) at high value. My first carbide die was a Lyman, but when Lee came along with their carbide dies for 1/2 the price - it was almost too good to be true...Been using Lee stuff ever since, along with RCBS and Lyman with some Hornady. Got my first item from Redding (after all these years of reloading) recently. Have a great day, FC Steve
Hey Steve, I see by some of your other videos, we shoot at the same range. I live nearby. Let me know if you'd like to shoot together some time.
Excellent video!
great information!! Easy to understand
Love the crimp dies. I think it helps with more consistent velocities too.
I have one rifle in .222rem that shoots quite a bit better with crimps.
holdengr Ahhh - the 222 Rem. - one of the sweet shooters that gets very little mention nowadays...That and the 222 Rem Mag led to the development of the 223. Thanks for posting on your 222 Rem and crimps... Best to ya....
Thanks for this video. The have explained the crimp die better than any one else. I have just upgraded my reloading press to a load master, and was wondering if I should get a factory crimp die for the fifth station. And I wasnt sure about it, until now. Thanks again.
SamLFisher The LFCD will serve you well in that station. The carbide sizer assures good functioning in your firearm of choice, and works very well for cast bullets. If you load jacketed or plated bullets for autoloaders, the plain taper crimp dies will do very well for you as you will not encounter bullets that are a bit oversize. Please let me know how the FCD does for you. Best Regards
Once again you have delivered a great sermon on Lee factory crimp die's,and I want one for my .223/5.56 reloading! YOU ROCK FC45LC!!!...
Eric Laird - Thanks, Eric for your enthusiasm...!! A crimp really helps for ammo we are running through our semi-auto 223 / 5.56 rifles. And the Lee factory crimp die really serves us well. Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve
Great information. I have Lee crimp dies and won’t do it any other way after ruining too many 30-30 cases, lol.
That is very good information, thank you sir!!! Take care and stay dry out there!!
dave althoff There is a wind storm and rain as we speak - but all OK as we need the water. Best to you
Very comprehensive -- well done.
There is a back story to the creation of Lee Factory Crimp dies. The story is told by Richard Lee himself in his second edition Modern Reloading Manual ( all reloaders should own a copy) . I won't spoil the story but I will just leave you with a teaser that many big reloading companies were very upset with Lee when he came out with his Factory Crimp dies to the point of trying to put him out of business.
+Vengenace Early -- I am so sorry to have missed this great comment - when Google does not post a comment in my inbox - I will miss it every time...The other companies first started getting really upset with Lee when he came out with his carbide sizing dies, just as good at half the price of the competition. We all wanted the carbide to save the hassle of lubing handgun brass, that any reasonable price would be paid. How glad we were when Lee's definition of reasonable was a lot lower than the other companies idea of reasonable!! Same thing happened again with Lee bullet molds. Thanks to you, we know the reaction to Lee Factory Crimp Dies... Have a great day, FC
Hi FC-- Yes Lee is the best in many areas.
As you know many well known companies were bought out by very large conglomerates about 10 plus years ago. That is why there is very little innovation from them. They should have been able to beat Lee a long time ago in price and quality. But IMHO they are too top heavy and just don't have the drive of Lee.
+Vengenace Early -- Lee is still a family run business - Andy Lee is the great grandson of Richard Lee and heads up the casting division. Have a great day, FC
Just learned something new. Thanks.
GREAT Video!
I wish that this presenter included the following statement in his presentation: “Note, Lee FCDs are obviously useful for but not necessary for loading jacketed bullets.” He did say exactly that in a parenthetical statement in a response to another comment here. I did not realize that the *carbide* FCD was specifically designed for use with potentially oversized (albeit very slightly) cast bullets. Now I understand the origin and functionality of the FCD. For un-sized cast lead bullets the FCD makes complete sense (at last).
I have a question for FCD users: does the crimp adjustment ever drift while you are reloading? There doesn’t appear to be a way to lock in the stem that sets the location of the crimping sleeve. (My first press is a single-stage Hornady LNL with their nifty die bushings for quick changes. Every once in a while I have a bushing that drifts loose and causes problems.)
I started using a separate crimp die long ago. If the crimp is applied by the seater die, the bullet is moving downward while the crimp is being applied. I prefer to seat the bullet completely, then apply a crimp to a stationary bullet. I also think it’s much easier to adjust a separate crimp die than it is to add a crimp adjustment to the very important seating die adjustments. However, I have never had a need to re-size a case *after* seating a bullet. Yes, sometimes there are very small, unsightly bulges where the base of a bullet sits inside the case but I have never had a malfunction or failure to load because of one. If I see too big a bulge, I stop and figure out what is going wrong with my seating process.
Great video thanks for the knowledge transfer
Another good one, thanks.
Great video FC
Willie Young - And hello to ya out there in the Central Valley, Willie..!! Best Regards, FC Steve
Great vid, thanks for the info.
+Nigero Vargas -- And thank you for taking the time to post - Best to ya, FC
Cool! very informative. Thanks for sharing.
Jack Torrance And thanks to you for taking the time to post - much appreciated. Best to ya...
Thank you sir for another great review. Tons of info for beginners like me!!
Thanks! Nice educational video
I think the LFC die provides the best crimp I've ever seen and the uniformity in neck tension over conventional roll crimping does result in tighter groups. When I use the LFC dies I apply the crimp 3 times and rotate the case approx 120 degrees each time for an absolutely smooth homogeneous crimp each & every time. No more bulges & tight spots when running new reloads through the case checking gauge because of roll crimping over length cases.
bushed274 - Lee doesn't provide enough in their instruction sheets, though. The LFCD works well when there isn't severe sizing happening with its use. If so, the neck tension is actually being lost as the bullet swages down and the case springs back off of it. The detractors of the LFCDs make a big point of this, but when the die just produces momentary bulge corrections = that's the way the die was designed to work. If so, it indeed, is the best crimp in the business... Best to ya, FC Steve
I've just been using my Lee factory crimp dies on cartridge cases with cannelures so the only displacement has been the ring of crimped brass into the cannelure groove.
Another great video :)
Nick Musuraca Thanks for taking the time to comment - the good word is much appreciated. Have a great day
Good explanation .
Excellent video my brotha! Thank you! :-)
jiujitsu2000 And thanks to you, friend jiujitsu2000!!
Thanks! Great info!
Great information. Thank you
Robert Davis Good reloadin' to ya...
Thank you very good info.
great video works fantastic thank you for a great video
LT - They do work well as long as we aren't so big with our rounds that the die is actually sizing the whole case - if that happens, the Lee FCDs cause loss of neck tension. But then again, we wouldn't be using the dies as they were intended. Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve
Hi FourtuneCookie ,
I run a Hornady AP Press and mostly Lee Carbide dies -thanks to your excellent videos on Lee.
I am current using the Hornady powder case activated dispenser that comes with AP press and had to get the PTX add-on to expand brass & through powder on one station. It works but not optimum solution.
Is there a way to use the Lee Carbide expanding die (9mm) with the Hornady case activate powder dispenser ?
Hi FortuneCookie,
Thanks for another clear video.
Will the 45-70 die strip down into separate parts like the 357 die, or is it just one part?
Great vid by the way.
Michael John - And thanks for taking part in these comment sections... Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, FC
Good video!!
Lee dies are amazing
I don’t know what the odds are that you will see this comment per the age of this vid but I am trying to find some info. I just picked up a box of Hornady 230gn in .451” to load for a .45 Colt Henry lever rifle. I didn’t realize the 230gn was for 45 acp. I’m trying to figure out how to taper crimp these for use in the 45 Colt. Just use the 45 acp crimp die maybe?
Appreciate all your content from the east coast!
Fantastically informative video. Would like a discussion - for the auto rounds - how much crimp is enough ? I'm sure you've discussed this -- link please ?
Very Well Done FortuneCookie45LC, Thanks for your great info!
The Lee Factory crimp makes a huge difference in the consistency of my practice rounds. :)
SurgeonWithAGun - We definitely like that and like those dies as well...Have a great day, FC Steve
You are a scholar and a gentleman. :)
Agree, Lee die sets are the best.
old man.... your videos kick ass
+Vanilla Gorilla -- There will come the day that I'm glad to be kicking anything... But that day is still a fur ways off...Have a great day..!! FC
Youve helped me quite a bit.
Thank you
i know i sure love my lee press's and dies!
heavylead1961 They can really sing, can't they?! Good reloadin' to ya...
Yep the Lee factory crimp die is the best on the market. lee makes quality products for a great price.
TRprepper - I really like my Lee FCDs...Good reloadin' to ya
I have a Thompson center 460 encore. My brother has a smith car revolver will we need two different crimp does or will the collet style work for both? Thanks
For crimping 45 colt on the Dillon 550 which die would work the best, the lee or Dillon dies, thanks
I just purchased the Carbide, Lee Factory Crimp die for 9mm. I've been using an RCBS 2 die set for reloading in a Dillon XL 650. It's odd, only using 2 dies, and in my opinion, the RCBS carbide die set actually undersizes the brass. That's ok, it flares it back out and it's fine.
I'm an old salt reloader.. I have zero problems with all other calibers, but the 9mm die set, I've been crimping at the same time as seating, and you have to get it just exactly right, or it'll crimp too early as it's seating, causing the round to compress and you end up with a slightly buckled or squished case.
I just got the crimp die in the mail today... I haven't used it yet and I'm use to the rifle factory crimp dies sold by Lee. They make some amazing stuff, and I have even replaced some of my RCBS with the Lee die sets. I love their 4-piece 45ACP die set.. Amazing quality and I love the fact that you can simply re-adjust the dies with your fingers and they stay locked in place and do not move.
Never used the Lee pistol die set before. You put out a good quality video on it, and I'm going to sub. Thank you! I reload 2-3 thousand rounds of pistol every month. Lots of 9mm, lots of 45, and bucket loads of 10mm. (yes, I'm a tremendous fan of the 10mm caliber.. god's gift to pistol hunters like myself) I will likely get this factory crimp die for all caliber pistols. I already use the Lee Factory Crimp die in 308 and 5.56, as well as a few other calibers.. I was just shocked to open the container and find the pistol caliber crimp did not have the compression collet .. that's what I was expecting.
Thanks Fortune Cookie! You're great!
+Poppa Bear --As you have found, the Lee pistol carbide factory crimp dies do not have the collets; In addition, the Lee rifle factory crimp dies have the collets but do not have the carbide. There are good reasons for this as the crimping requirements of the calibers they crimp are different. Suffice to say that all the Lee Factory Crimp Dies provide the "Best Crimp in the Business" This is FC45LC language and Lee should use that in their advertising - the many users of these dies, including you and I, would agree wholeheartedly and without equivocation. Sure, Lee reloading dies lack the all steel and finer finished "quality". That winds up in the eye of the beholder only. I do not fault those fans of RCBS, Lyman, Hornady or Redding at all as those are also fine die sets (and I have some of those as well). Lee does not provide some of the more featured bullet seater dies, nor the fine neck sizing dies that other manufacturers produce. However, the Lee Neck Collet Sizing Dies have some brilliant performance...I have videos up on all these issues. Plus, the Lee dies deliver outstanding performance and the highest value in the industry for reloading dies. Each reloader is free to agree or disagree with any of this. But Lee is the market share leader in reloading. Good reloadin' to ya, FC
FortuneCookie45LC thanks for reply!
The only issue I've ever had with Lee dies, is reloading 45ACP.. When I flare the cartridge on the Dillon XL650, the flare can be a bit much... I really have to watch what I'm doing, because that flare will cut into the seating die.. I hear and can feel it, and little tiny bits of aluminum scrape off and I'm sure it gets between the brass and the bullet. No failures yet, but it's a concern.. The aluminum on the outside of the die just simply scrapes off.. I just decrease the size of the flare, and most of the problem goes away.
Thanks again for the response! Cheers!
+Poppa Bear --It's possible to flare the case mouth so excessively that the expanded mouth will not even enter the crimping die. As I recall, some of my older dies from Herter's, Lyman, and RCBS did have some kind of plating on them that would come off as little specks when seating bullets. But those old dies have been replaced and the newer ones including Lee don't lose any material from the die bodies. I'm almost sure those old platings were not aluminum. Best Regards to ya, FC
I paid for RBCS $ 59 for LEE $ 79 But I have a problem with Crimping when using RBCS Die, there is always a harmonica, which is a wave on the neck.
Now I'll start using Lee