What Dies for Pistol?

Farmhand · November 20, 2009, 08:06 PM

I am getting set to start loading - got the press, scale, powder measure. But I don't have any dies. I have been looking on the forums and and reading catalogs trying to determine what I really need - I believe I will want a carbide sizing die so I don't have to lube the cases. I believe that is in most 3 die pistol sets - I know that Lee makes the factory crimp dies which I think is not included in the sets. I plan to start with 38 Super, but also will load if all goes as planned for 38 Special, 357 Mag, 10mm and 41 mag.

I see mixed opinions on Lee dies - with some negative posts.

What dies do I actually need - is the factory crimp die really a helpful/worthwhile die? I want to get good long lasting stuff that will work well and minimize the frustration that sometimes occurs when one tries a new venture.

Foxbat · November 20, 2009, 08:14 PM

Nothing wrong with Lee dies, most people are happy with them. Factory crimp die - absolutely... get it... for its price it is a wonderful tool to have.

tom234 · November 20, 2009, 08:21 PM

+1 for Lee dies. I was a RCBS fan for decades but recently swiched to Lee and have had no problems. Lee's 4 die Deluxe Pistol Set includes a FCD.

CrustyFN · November 20, 2009, 08:27 PM

I have four sets of Lee dies and they work great for me. If you buy the four dies pistol set it will include the FCD. I use the FCD for all the calibers I load but you can load good ammo without it. One suggestion is if you use the FCD don't use it to fix ammo that you could otherwise fix by adjusting the dies right. I use the FCD as a crimp die and a final case gage. I figure if the FCD doesn't post size the finished round then it is in spec and should function fine in my guns. I haven't had any problems yet. Also if you are loading on a single stage press you might want to crimp in the seating die to save a little time, one less die change and step. Welcome to reloading.

Rusty

LHB1 · November 20, 2009, 08:55 PM

OK, just to state the other side of question, I don't use Lee dies. Have used mostly RCBS and some Redding dies. Have never needed the Lee Factory Crimp die. My reloads have worked fine in revolvers, semi-auto pistols, bolt action rifles, and O/U shotguns for over 45 years without it. Use it if you prefer or skip it if you don't. Same thing with seating bullets and crimping case with single die vs using separate dies and steps. Reloads can be made to work fine using both methods. It's your choice.

BigJakeJ1s · November 21, 2009, 10:11 PM

For pistol cartridges, I like Hornady seating dies. They have a sliding alignment sleeve for easier bullet alignment to the case, easy disassembly for cleaning without affecting the settings, and they are the only sliding sleeve seater die that can crimp while seating. They come with great cross-bolt lock rings that stay put without buggering the die threads. Hornady has an optional micrometer adjustment screw for their seating dies to.

I also use Lyman expander dies and Redding crimp dies for pistol cartridges. Most carbide or TiN sizing dies work fine no matter who made them, but Hornady has the best stock lock rings of any pistol die.

I have not had good luck with Lee seating dies or their Carbide FCD die, and their lock rings are practically useless. But their collet-style FCDs for bottleneck pistol cartridges are absolutely great (after I put a real lock ring on them).

Andy

Inspector3711 · November 21, 2009, 10:30 PM

Lee works for me. I use some Redding for rifles but Lee for pistol.

oneounceload · November 21, 2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

OK, just to state the other side of question, I don't use Lee dies. Have used mostly RCBS and some Redding dies. Have never needed the Lee Factory Crimp die. My reloads have worked fine in revolvers, semi-auto pistols, bolt action rifles, and O/U shotguns for over 45 years without it. Use it if you prefer or skip it if you don't. Same thing with seating bullets and crimping case with single die vs using separate dies and steps. Reloads can be made to work fine using both methods. It's your choice.

Another vote for other brands - been using RCBS, Redding and Forester for over 30 years - no issues, no need for anything other than the three dies that came with the set. My 9mm, 38, 357, 32, 380, 45 all work - all the time, every time. My shotgun reloads do the same.

Have a set of Lee dies - never locked down well enough for me to eep them from moving...YMMV

IllinoisCoyoteHunter · November 21, 2009, 10:43 PM

All my dies are Lee (9mm, 38 spl, 357 mag, 45 auto, 45 colt, 460 mag, 223 rem, 243 win) except 44 mag....those are RCBS...not really by choice....

(just kidding...so RCBS snobs don't get your panties in a bunch... LOL!)

All the dies on the market will work. Some are more fancy and have a better finish, some are cheaper (way cheaper) and load ammo just as good as the expensive ones.

Good luck!

ftlewismp · November 21, 2009, 10:44 PM

I too have Lee loading dies in .38 special, 40 SW and .223 Rem. I love them. They have worked great. I have not had any problems shooting my cast reloads out of my weapons. As for the Lee Factory Crimp Die its shooter preference as it increases the pressure in the bullet. Happy shooting !!!!!!

CrustyFN · November 21, 2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

As for the Lee Factory Crimp Die its shooter preference as it increases the pressure in the bullet.

ftlewismp I was just wondering how the FCD does that?

NWPilgrim · November 21, 2009, 11:21 PM

I started with mostly RCBS and one Hornady die. But for handgun cartridges I have mostly switched to all Lee dies. First I added the FCD so I can crimp in a separate step and lee FCd is pretty cheap for an add-on. Then I replaced the expander dies with Lee so I could use the Lee auto disk measure on them. Now when I buy a new set I just buy the Lee 4-die set.

Lee dies are inexpensive and do everything that needs to be done. There is a lot more differences in rifle dies, but handgun not so much. Any brand will do it, Lee is just a lot less expensive. In fact the only die set I am disappointed in is the Hornady set for .38/.357/.357 Max. The seat/crimp die is too long for .38 Special and I can barely get them crimped enough to take out the bell but not enough to roll crimp. Eventually I will replace that set with another Lee set.

Get whatever floats your boat. Lee is less expensive. Otherwise I would just get the same brand as you press.

Rusty W · November 21, 2009, 11:38 PM

I mostly use Lee dies for reloading. I load for 380, 9mm, 38/357, 44mag, 45acp & colt. All use Lee dies. I use RCBS X dies for my .223 & .308 and soon for my .243, right now though I'm using the Lee RGB dies. I load for 30/30, 30/06, .270, & 45/70 with Lee dies. Their FCD for the bottleneck ctg is great but when I started casting my own bullets and needed a fatter than standard bullet their FCD for pistol just sets in the drawer now. When you get some brass that is a little thicker than usual and a lead bullet that is a little fatter than usual the FCD does just what it's designed to do. Size the whole works to factory specs. If you use jacketed bullets the FCD is fine and dandy and I use them alot in the 9mm and .45acp. My lead bullets are a different story. I have a Redhawk that needs a .432 lead bullet in order to fit the bore. If I run that loaded ctg through a FCD and the brass happens to be a little thick, it sizes the bullet to a .430 and I get a leaded bore. So I seat and crimp in seperate stages, no more leading.

The only downside to Lee I've had is the length of the die. On my LNLAP their's not enough thread on the Lee die in some calibers to get the adjustment I need.

Alleykat · November 21, 2009, 11:45 PM

First time you get a stuck case in an RCBS die (usually rifle), you'll wish you had been using a Lee die.

I use Lee dies, exclusively, for all my handgun reloading. Love my Dillon 650; don't use Dillon dies. Do have a Redding .40 Super set, but probably would have gone Lee, had they made .40 Super dies at the time.

freakshow10mm · November 22, 2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrustyFN

ftlewismp I was just wondering how the FCD does that?

This again?

CraigC · November 22, 2009, 01:50 AM

I've never really been impressed with the quality of Lee dies. Returned the only set I ever bought and ordered a set of RCBS dies. Used them exclusively ever since but Hornady dies are also very well reputed. Yes, lots of folks use Lee and probably many will be put-off by this post but there it is. Never had a need for an FCD or crimping in a separate step.

freakshow10mm · November 22, 2009, 01:51 AM

Crimping in a separate step allows more control over bullet seating and crimping operations. Simple fact.

CraigC · November 22, 2009, 02:45 AM

Like I said, never had the need or thought I could justify adding another step to the process. Simple fact.

lll Otto lll · November 22, 2009, 03:00 AM

To properly seat and crimp in the same step requires that all brass casings be trimmed to the same length. Not worth the hassle IMO.

Alleykat · November 22, 2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

've never really been impressed with the quality of Lee dies. Returned the only set I ever bought and ordered a set of RCBS dies. Used them exclusively ever since but Hornady dies are also very well reputed. Yes, lots of folks use Lee and probably many will be put-off by this post but there it is. Never had a need for an FCD or crimping in a separate step.

I can't imagine why any experienced reloader would be put off by the above quote. Not the way I load, nor is it the way Dillon recommends, but what do we know??

MADISON · November 22, 2009, 09:37 AM

In my 39 years of reloading...
I know RCBS, Hornady are the dies I buy.

The last Lyman dies I bought had a FLOATING DECAPPING PIN.

Slamfire · November 22, 2009, 10:19 AM

Most of the pistol dies I own are Lee carbide. I bought by price, and Lee are cheap. I use them in my Dillion 550B. I like the decapping pin on the Lee, it does not come loose. The brands with decapping pins that are threaded into the die body, the threaded joints will loosen up.

Lee dies are a bit short for my Dillion. I have to play around with different locking rings to get them to touch the shell holder.

Of the pistol dies that I have used, Dillion are the best. I really like the Dillion spring loaded decapper, it positively flings the primer out of the pocket. There are other little features that Dillion has built into their dies, all nice.

As for crimping dies, I use taper crimp dies for the autoloading cartridges. I use roll crimp on the revolver. I can't say one brand is any better than any other.

Mike40-11 · November 22, 2009, 10:31 AM

I also like the Hornady seaters with the alignment sleeve. But I use several Lee sets as well. Neither gives me any problems.

CraigC · November 22, 2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

To properly seat and crimp in the same step requires that all brass casings be trimmed to the same length. Not worth the hassle IMO.

I have used my case trimmer one time in the last ten years. Seating and crimping in separate steps is "not worth the hassle, IMO".

Alleykat · November 22, 2009, 12:50 PM

IF you're using a press with enough stations, what are you adding to the mix, by seating and crimping in separate stations? No hassle for me!

November 20, 2009, 08:06 PM	#1
Farmhand Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Posts: 68	What Dies for Pistol? I am getting set to start loading - got the press, scale, powder measure. But I don't have any dies. I have been looking on the forums and and reading catalogs trying to determine what I really need - I believe I will want a carbide sizing die so I don't have to lube the cases. I believe that is in most 3 die pistol sets - I know that Lee makes the factory crimp dies which I think is not included in the sets. I plan to start with 38 Super, but also will load if all goes as planned for 38 Special, 357 Mag, 10mm and 41 mag. I see mixed opinions on Lee dies - with some negative posts. What dies do I actually need - is the factory crimp die really a helpful/worthwhile die? I want to get good long lasting stuff that will work well and minimize the frustration that sometimes occurs when one tries a new venture.

November 20, 2009, 08:27 PM	#4
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	I have four sets of Lee dies and they work great for me. If you buy the four dies pistol set it will include the FCD. I use the FCD for all the calibers I load but you can load good ammo without it. One suggestion is if you use the FCD don't use it to fix ammo that you could otherwise fix by adjusting the dies right. I use the FCD as a crimp die and a final case gage. I figure if the FCD doesn't post size the finished round then it is in spec and should function fine in my guns. I haven't had any problems yet. Also if you are loading on a single stage press you might want to crimp in the seating die to save a little time, one less die change and step. Welcome to reloading. Rusty __________________ I don't ever remember being absent minded.

November 20, 2009, 08:55 PM	#5
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	OK, just to state the other side of question, I don't use Lee dies. Have used mostly RCBS and some Redding dies. Have never needed the Lee Factory Crimp die. My reloads have worked fine in revolvers, semi-auto pistols, bolt action rifles, and O/U shotguns for over 45 years without it. Use it if you prefer or skip it if you don't. Same thing with seating bullets and crimping case with single die vs using separate dies and steps. Reloads can be made to work fine using both methods. It's your choice. __________________ Good shooting and be safe. LB

November 21, 2009, 10:30 PM	#7
Inspector3711 Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2008 Location: Puget Sound Washington Posts: 1,553	Lee works for me. I use some Redding for rifles but Lee for pistol. __________________ "If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun." The Dalai Llama (5/15/01, The Seattle Times) "That rifle on the wall of the labourer's cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." George Orwell

November 21, 2009, 10:43 PM	#9
IllinoisCoyoteHunter Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 1,527	All my dies are Lee (9mm, 38 spl, 357 mag, 45 auto, 45 colt, 460 mag, 223 rem, 243 win) except 44 mag....those are RCBS...not really by choice.... (just kidding...so RCBS snobs don't get your panties in a bunch... LOL!) All the dies on the market will work. Some are more fancy and have a better finish, some are cheaper (way cheaper) and load ammo just as good as the expensive ones. Good luck! __________________ ~~IllinoisCoyoteHunter~~ ~NRA LIFE MEMBER~ ~NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR~

November 20, 2009, 08:14 PM	#2
Foxbat Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2008 Posts: 367	Nothing wrong with Lee dies, most people are happy with them. Factory crimp die - absolutely... get it... for its price it is a wonderful tool to have.

November 20, 2009, 08:21 PM	#3
tom234 Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 753	+1 for Lee dies. I was a RCBS fan for decades but recently swiched to Lee and have had no problems. Lee's 4 die Deluxe Pistol Set includes a FCD.

November 21, 2009, 10:11 PM	#6
BigJakeJ1s Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2005 Location: Arlington TX Posts: 663	For pistol cartridges, I like Hornady seating dies. They have a sliding alignment sleeve for easier bullet alignment to the case, easy disassembly for cleaning without affecting the settings, and they are the only sliding sleeve seater die that can crimp while seating. They come with great cross-bolt lock rings that stay put without buggering the die threads. Hornady has an optional micrometer adjustment screw for their seating dies to. I also use Lyman expander dies and Redding crimp dies for pistol cartridges. Most carbide or TiN sizing dies work fine no matter who made them, but Hornady has the best stock lock rings of any pistol die. I have not had good luck with Lee seating dies or their Carbide FCD die, and their lock rings are practically useless. But their collet-style FCDs for bottleneck pistol cartridges are absolutely great (after I put a real lock ring on them). Andy

November 21, 2009, 10:44 PM	#10
ftlewismp Junior Member Join Date: November 21, 2009 Location: Olympia,WA Posts: 8	Reloading Dies I too have Lee loading dies in .38 special, 40 SW and .223 Rem. I love them. They have worked great. I have not had any problems shooting my cast reloads out of my weapons. As for the Lee Factory Crimp Die its shooter preference as it increases the pressure in the bullet. Happy shooting !!!!!!

November 21, 2009, 11:21 PM	#12
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	I started with mostly RCBS and one Hornady die. But for handgun cartridges I have mostly switched to all Lee dies. First I added the FCD so I can crimp in a separate step and lee FCd is pretty cheap for an add-on. Then I replaced the expander dies with Lee so I could use the Lee auto disk measure on them. Now when I buy a new set I just buy the Lee 4-die set. Lee dies are inexpensive and do everything that needs to be done. There is a lot more differences in rifle dies, but handgun not so much. Any brand will do it, Lee is just a lot less expensive. In fact the only die set I am disappointed in is the Hornady set for .38/.357/.357 Max. The seat/crimp die is too long for .38 Special and I can barely get them crimped enough to take out the bell but not enough to roll crimp. Eventually I will replace that set with another Lee set. Get whatever floats your boat. Lee is less expensive. Otherwise I would just get the same brand as you press. __________________ "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition." - James Madison

November 21, 2009, 11:38 PM	#13
Rusty W Member Join Date: January 27, 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 84	I mostly use Lee dies for reloading. I load for 380, 9mm, 38/357, 44mag, 45acp & colt. All use Lee dies. I use RCBS X dies for my .223 & .308 and soon for my .243, right now though I'm using the Lee RGB dies. I load for 30/30, 30/06, .270, & 45/70 with Lee dies. Their FCD for the bottleneck ctg is great but when I started casting my own bullets and needed a fatter than standard bullet their FCD for pistol just sets in the drawer now. When you get some brass that is a little thicker than usual and a lead bullet that is a little fatter than usual the FCD does just what it's designed to do. Size the whole works to factory specs. If you use jacketed bullets the FCD is fine and dandy and I use them alot in the 9mm and .45acp. My lead bullets are a different story. I have a Redhawk that needs a .432 lead bullet in order to fit the bore. If I run that loaded ctg through a FCD and the brass happens to be a little thick, it sizes the bullet to a .430 and I get a leaded bore. So I seat and crimp in seperate stages, no more leading. The only downside to Lee I've had is the length of the die. On my LNLAP their's not enough thread on the Lee die in some calibers to get the adjustment I need.

November 21, 2009, 11:45 PM	#14
Alleykat Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2007 Posts: 3,668	First time you get a stuck case in an RCBS die (usually rifle), you'll wish you had been using a Lee die. I use Lee dies, exclusively, for all my handgun reloading. Love my Dillon 650; don't use Dillon dies. Do have a Redding .40 Super set, but probably would have gone Lee, had they made .40 Super dies at the time.

November 22, 2009, 01:50 AM	#16
CraigC Junior member Join Date: November 28, 2001 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 4,300	I've never really been impressed with the quality of Lee dies. Returned the only set I ever bought and ordered a set of RCBS dies. Used them exclusively ever since but Hornady dies are also very well reputed. Yes, lots of folks use Lee and probably many will be put-off by this post but there it is. Never had a need for an FCD or crimping in a separate step.

November 22, 2009, 01:51 AM	#17
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398	Crimping in a separate step allows more control over bullet seating and crimping operations. Simple fact.

November 22, 2009, 02:45 AM	#18
CraigC Junior member Join Date: November 28, 2001 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 4,300	Like I said, never had the need or thought I could justify adding another step to the process. Simple fact.

November 22, 2009, 03:00 AM	#19
lll Otto lll Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2008 Location: Lone Star State Posts: 295	To properly seat and crimp in the same step requires that all brass casings be trimmed to the same length. Not worth the hassle IMO.

November 22, 2009, 09:37 AM	#21
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Which pistol dies? In my 39 years of reloading... I know RCBS, Hornady are the dies I buy. The last Lyman dies I bought had a FLOATING DECAPPING PIN.

November 22, 2009, 10:19 AM	#22
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	Most of the pistol dies I own are Lee carbide. I bought by price, and Lee are cheap. I use them in my Dillion 550B. I like the decapping pin on the Lee, it does not come loose. The brands with decapping pins that are threaded into the die body, the threaded joints will loosen up. Lee dies are a bit short for my Dillion. I have to play around with different locking rings to get them to touch the shell holder. Of the pistol dies that I have used, Dillion are the best. I really like the Dillion spring loaded decapper, it positively flings the primer out of the pocket. There are other little features that Dillion has built into their dies, all nice. As for crimping dies, I use taper crimp dies for the autoloading cartridges. I use roll crimp on the revolver. I can't say one brand is any better than any other.

November 22, 2009, 10:31 AM	#23
Mike40-11 Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 842	I also like the Hornady seaters with the alignment sleeve. But I use several Lee sets as well. Neither gives me any problems.

November 22, 2009, 12:50 PM	#25
Alleykat Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2007 Posts: 3,668	IF you're using a press with enough stations, what are you adding to the mix, by seating and crimping in separate stations? No hassle for me!