Lee Factory Crimp Die

[Newysan]

Greetings A while back I began using the Lee factory crimp die on my larger caliber reloads, the 45-90 45-70 38-55 and the 44-40. Just recently started using on 223. I would like to hear others opinions on this die. I have had no problems with it. Some times I think the pressure may be going up a bit before release of the bullet but that's just a "felt" reaction on my part. Any and all opinions will be considered. Thanks. Newysan

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I use the die on my 35 Whelen and 444 Marlin and honestly just started working with these rounds. From what I read and understand the crimp is not needed, but it might not hurt your groups. Some of my readings suggest that a crimp from the Lee die might help create consistent neck tension on loaded rounds. I plan on trying it out on my 30-06 to see if I can make good groups better.

 

[SJB358]

I've not observed anything but great accuracy and SD from using the Lee FCD. It's a tool I slowly am acquiring for all of my rifle rounds. I used to only use it on lever gun and rifle rounds but it works well on all others as well.

 

[DrMike]

While not necessary on bottleneck cartridges, I like the Lee Factory Crimp Die. I have a good collection of these dies that I use on my hunting ammo. I find that I witness a more consistent product.

 

[truck driver]

While not necessary on bottleneck cartridges, I like the Lee Factory Crimp Die. I have a good collection of these dies that I use on my hunting ammo. I find that I witness a more consistent product.

Please explain more consistent product, velocity or accuracy?

 

[DrMike]

While not necessary on bottleneck cartridges, I like the Lee Factory Crimp Die. I have a good collection of these dies that I use on my hunting ammo. I find that I witness a more consistent product.

Please explain more consistent product, velocity or accuracy?

Both, Rodger. While observations indicate marginal improvement in standard deviations (and hence, accuracy), I believe the observations are nonetheless real. The difference is sufficient to convince me, though I likely wouldn't go to the mat to compel anyone else to adopt my view.

 

[MAinAR]

While not necessary on bottleneck cartridges, I like the Lee Factory Crimp Die. I have a good collection of these dies that I use on my hunting ammo. I find that I witness a more consistent product.

Please explain more consistent product, velocity or accuracy?

Both, Rodger. While observations indicate marginal improvement in standard deviations (and hence, accuracy), I believe the observations are nonetheless real. The difference is sufficient to convince me, though I likely wouldn't go to the mat to compel anyone else to adopt my view.

Good accurate response. I have found it "less" helpful if the powder burn rate closely matches bullet weight and charge weights for use. By less helpful I mean still has improvements in consistency just not enough to as you say "go to the mat".

If burn rate is marginal or a bit slow for application crimping can really increase consistency.

 

[truck driver]

Thanks for the responses, they are both very heplful.

 

[boomer68]

I use them with all my lever actions. Great product.

 

[Vince]

I use them in handgun rounds but haven't used them for my rifle rounds since trying it for my 25-06 and .300 Win Mag. Let's just say the results I got with one, as a new reloader, we're less than stellar and leave it at that.
MainAR's response makes sense and I may have to reconsider the FCD for some bullet / powder combinations. I love using them for my handgun rounds.

Vince


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[Divernhunter]

I do not use it or any crimp on bottleneck rifle rounds. My groups are excellent.

 

[FOTIS]

Only on lever actions and some handguns

 

[Thebear_78]

I especially like to use the FCD when loading TSX or TTSX bullets in short necked cartridges like the 308, 300 run, and 375 rum. I also use it in 358 and 35 whelen and all revolver or Levergun cartridges.

The Tsx bullets with their relief groves offer less bearing surface on the case neck and are much more prone to bullet setback during recoil or even pushing the bullet out in compressed loads.

I have one for each of these type cartridges I shoot and find it to be almost necessity in some


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[nvbroncrider]

How exactly do you set one up?

I got one for my 35 Rem and used it the other day and I crimped them by watching and feeling pressure on the press handle.

 

[ElmerThud]

I use the Lee FCD on all my cartridges. I see closer ES and more consistent MV and as a result rather improved accuracy. Assuming all other aspects of brass prep are consistent I'd recommend their use and see nothing lost by the additional process, but overall, some gain. Win win. ATB ET

 

[SJB358]

How exactly do you set one up?

I got one for my 35 Rem and used it the other day and I crimped them by watching and feeling pressure on the press handle.

Push the cartridge into the die, drop the cartridge and turn about an 1/8 turn down on the die. It crimps quite a lot even though you can't visually see a lot of crimp.

 

[Newysan]

Greetings Thanks for all the feedback on the Factory Crimp Die. Everything said here confirms all my findings. It is a step in the right direction. Thanks again, Newysan

 

[truck driver]

I especially like to use the FCD when loading TSX or TTSX bullets in short necked cartridges like the 308, 300 run, and 375 rum. I also use it in 358 and 35 whelen and all revolver or Levergun cartridges.

The Tsx bullets with their relief groves offer less bearing surface on the case neck and are much more prone to bullet setback during recoil or even pushing the bullet out in compressed loads.

I have one for each of these type cartridges I shoot and find it to be almost necessity in some


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Just wondering since you talk about less bearing surface if the if the ABs boat tail bullets would benefit from crimping with this die since both have less bearing surface?

 

[nvbroncrider]

I think he means bearing surface between the bullet and the case mouth.

 

[Thebear_78]

Just the general lack of bearing surface due to the relief grooves on the tsx bullets. The neck on some cartridges are barely a caliber long to begin with, take away the surface area of 3-4 relic grooves and you lose a lot of grip on the bullet.


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