Lee FCD out of spec???

Tex S · September 13, 2009, 05:17 PM

I have been loading 45 auto exclusively on my LCTP using a Lee Deluxe die set. The load is 5.3gr of W231 under a 200gr LaserCast LSWC seated to 1.250". I have probably completed about 2000 rounds without a hitch, but I have noticed the FCD "touches" each finished cartridge. I am quite sure I have the dies set up correctly (I have checked and double checked), but I still seem to be having the same problem.

Well, I just got some bullets for my 380, so I started working up some loads for it. I am using 2.9gr of W231 under a 102gr Remington Golden Sabre seated to .965". When I run these through the FCD, the sizing ring doesn't even touch the case.

What gives? Why is the FCD post sizing the 45auto but not the 380auto? I have both seating dies adjusted to seat only... no crimp whatsoever. I am wondering if the 45auto FCD has a out of spec carbide insert. How could I check this? What could be going on?

I think I will try FL sizing a 45 case, but instead of expanding it, insert it straight into the FCD with no bullet seated. If the case then gets post sized, could I conclude that the FL die is not sizing the brass enough, or the FCD is sizing it too much?

Don H · September 13, 2009, 05:31 PM

Lead bullets run about 0.001" larger than jacketed bullets. It appears that's enough for the LFCD to either touch or not touch during the operation.

Edited to add: You may want to try a jacketed bullet in the .45ACP and see if the die "touches".

Tex S · September 13, 2009, 05:36 PM

I was wondering if the LSWC might have something to do with it.

Mtn Biker · September 13, 2009, 06:32 PM

Mine does the same thing. It usually touches almost every 45ACP I load regardless of bullet used but only touches a couple per batch of 9mm.
I always figured it was normal as the 45ACP case sides are close to parallel from end to end and the 9mm is actually tapered around .010" thicker at the rear. Not sure about the 380 case though.
I think you are good to go. I've loaded thousands of rounds with my 45 Lee FCD without any issues.

VL

wncchester · September 14, 2009, 08:07 AM

The Lee "post seating sizer ring" in the FCD is only intended to insure the loaded round isn't larger than it's supposed to be. If a round doesn't touch, it's not too big. ??

**Unclenick** · September 14, 2009, 08:25 AM

That's correct, and .45 ACP brass comes in a range of case wall thicknesses. The thicker stuff will touch more and the thinner stuff (R-P) will touch less with the same bullets.

September 13, 2009, 05:17 PM	#1
Tex S Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TEXAS Posts: 909	Lee FCD out of spec??? I have been loading 45 auto exclusively on my LCTP using a Lee Deluxe die set. The load is 5.3gr of W231 under a 200gr LaserCast LSWC seated to 1.250". I have probably completed about 2000 rounds without a hitch, but I have noticed the FCD "touches" each finished cartridge. I am quite sure I have the dies set up correctly (I have checked and double checked), but I still seem to be having the same problem. Well, I just got some bullets for my 380, so I started working up some loads for it. I am using 2.9gr of W231 under a 102gr Remington Golden Sabre seated to .965". When I run these through the FCD, the sizing ring doesn't even touch the case. What gives? Why is the FCD post sizing the 45auto but not the 380auto? I have both seating dies adjusted to seat only... no crimp whatsoever. I am wondering if the 45auto FCD has a out of spec carbide insert. How could I check this? What could be going on? I think I will try FL sizing a 45 case, but instead of expanding it, insert it straight into the FCD with no bullet seated. If the case then gets post sized, could I conclude that the FL die is not sizing the brass enough, or the FCD is sizing it too much?

September 13, 2009, 05:31 PM	#2
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,704	Lead bullets run about 0.001" larger than jacketed bullets. It appears that's enough for the LFCD to either touch or not touch during the operation. Edited to add: You may want to try a jacketed bullet in the .45ACP and see if the die "touches". __________________ Don http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/forum/

September 14, 2009, 08:25 AM	#6
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	That's correct, and .45 ACP brass comes in a range of case wall thicknesses. The thicker stuff will touch more and the thinner stuff (R-P) will touch less with the same bullets. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

September 13, 2009, 05:36 PM	#3
Tex S Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TEXAS Posts: 909	I was wondering if the LSWC might have something to do with it.

September 13, 2009, 06:32 PM	#4
Mtn Biker Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Posts: 122	Mine does the same thing. It usually touches almost every 45ACP I load regardless of bullet used but only touches a couple per batch of 9mm. I always figured it was normal as the 45ACP case sides are close to parallel from end to end and the 9mm is actually tapered around .010" thicker at the rear. Not sure about the 380 case though. I think you are good to go. I've loaded thousands of rounds with my 45 Lee FCD without any issues. VL

September 14, 2009, 08:07 AM	#5
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	The Lee "post seating sizer ring" in the FCD is only intended to insure the loaded round isn't larger than it's supposed to be. If a round doesn't touch, it's not too big. ??