Cast Bullets

Vince

Handloader
May 26, 2012
4,448
868
Howdy all.

Got a quick question, as I'm cornfuzzled here, about the Lee Factory Crimp Die.

I picked up a Lee Factory Crimp Die for my .41 Magnum. I used it when I loaded some JHP rounds with no issues and I'll continue to use it when loading JHP rounds.

My question has to do with cast bullets. I've read so much for and against the Lee Factory Crimp Die in regards to cast bullets that I don't know if I want to use it or not.

I could set my die to crimp while seating but I prefer to do that as a separate step. I'm not looking forward to using my seating die to crimp in a separate step as that means I have to readjust my die each time.

My concern is with leading using cast bullets. Some say the Lee Factory Crimp Die causes leading and inaccuracy while others swear by it.

What do you all say and thank you for your help.

Vince

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I guess it depends on what level of power you plan with the cast bullets. I only shoot cast in my .44 Magnums so I just go with a solid roll crimp regardless of the power level.
The only factory crimp die I have came with a die set for the .243 that came in a box full of reloading stuff and I really haven't messed with it.
Regarding leading though, bullet size, cylinder throats and groove diameter are what go a long way toward preventing leading. I'll use what I do for my .357 Mag. as an example. Groove diameter is .358". Cylinder throats are .359" (good) I size my bullets to .359" and sometimes .360" depending on the bullet used. Sizing the bullet to just groove diameter will usually lead every time. You can probably guess that I cast my own bullets and yes I do. Most commercial bullets are too damn hard in my opinion.
If there is a problem with a factory crimp die, it may be that it alters the sizing of the bullet. I don't know as I don't use one other than that .243 and that was just to try it out.
If your bullet lead the barrel using the FCD,get some Chore Boy scouring pads, wrap some around a tight brush and it'll get the lead out fairly fast without a lot of work. That's Chore Boy, not Chore girl which has soap in the pads.
I do believe proper bullet size will go a long way toward reducing any lead problems regardless of the way you crimp the bullet.
Paul B.
 
In reloading pistol bullets I use a tapper crimp on everything whether it's lead or jacket. the less intrusion on the bullet the less leading and better accuracy. But bullet alloy also has a great effect on leading and I'm guessing your loading for a revolver so you also need the barrel forcing cone opened up to cut down on leading and it will also increase accuracy with both jacket or lead since it eases the transition from cylinder to barrel and allows the bullet to set up into the barrel lands properly. JMO
 
With the Lee FCD there is a sizing ring at the bottom of the die which will size down oversized cast bullets which defeats the purpose of oversized cast bullets. My 44 and 357 FCD had such a ring until I unscrewed the seater stem, took my punch and BFH and knocked the ring out. Problem solved
 
I use a FCD with cast in the 444 Marlin, 45-70, 10 mm, and 44 Rem Mag. No issues. Use it without fear. Mine works like a champ and shoots very well in all cases with hard cast Bullets.
 
truck driver":3viaaqa5 said:
In reloading pistol bullets I use a tapper crimp on everything whether it's lead or jacket. the less intrusion on the bullet the less leading and better accuracy. But bullet alloy also has a great effect on leading and I'm guessing your loading for a revolver so you also need the barrel forcing cone opened up to cut down on leading and it will also increase accuracy with both jacket or lead since it eases the transition from cylinder to barrel and allows the bullet to set up into the barrel lands properly. JMO
> always use a taper crimp. fine w/ full throttle loads in the .44 mag. mostly cast keith style bullets in 210 grain lyman mold, hornady gas checks. use fairly hard alloy according to the brinell scale. great terminal performance on deer and boar. if you have any more questions please ask!
 
Thank you all.
I'm going to work up a load for my 6" model 57 and 4" model 58 using cast bullets. I found my load using the Hornady 210 grain XTP bullet.

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