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Lost Sheep · March 22, 2013, 01:24 AM

Very astute observation. (Note that the Lee FCD for pistol is TOTALLY different from the Lee FCD for bottlecked rifle cases and I am assuming you are talking about straight-walled pistol/revolver cartridges. If that assumption is not correct, stop reading right here because none of what follows applies to the collet-type FCD for bottlenecked rifle cases.)

Separating the crimping from the seating is worth it, in my opinion, unless you are using a single-stage press. Then it is a toss-up. The cleaner crimp and simpler adjustment procedure makes it so. The extra step in a single-stage press detracts somewhat.

Much is made of the uses of the Lee FCD, which, unlike other crimp dies performs two functions. Applying a crimp and sizing the finished round (post-sizing).

The post-sizing is the controversial part. The question of whether it helps, hurts, is indifferent or is a crutch for the lazy generates a lot of heated argument.

I infer from your question that you have read Lee's FAQ section explaining the Lee FCD.

I tired of the contentios nature of threads wherein the Lee FCD was castigated as a tool for loaders who did not adjust their dies properly, used improperly chosed (sized) components or as a "crutch" and started four threads on forums I haunt. The best single contributor (in my opinion) is Iowegan on this thread

http://rugerforum.net/reloading/6586...tml#post814465

and then there are the other three

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=509934
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=691050
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/vie...?f=11&t=168362

In summary, the Lee FCD is not necessary most of the time, but convenient.

Lee Precision's thoughts on the matter can be found in these threads:

One thread contains a lively discussion of the FCD and the function of the post-sizing carbide ring in the FCD. The phrase "9mm" is in the thread title, but don't let that dissuade you. It contains responses direct from Lee Precision, too. Read the whole thing. It is worth it.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=465091

this thread contains a poll

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=465603

Lost Sheep

March 22, 2013, 01:24 AM	#2
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	Very astute observation. (Note that the Lee FCD for pistol is TOTALLY different from the Lee FCD for bottlecked rifle cases and I am assuming you are talking about straight-walled pistol/revolver cartridges. If that assumption is not correct, stop reading right here because none of what follows applies to the collet-type FCD for bottlenecked rifle cases.) Separating the crimping from the seating is worth it, in my opinion, unless you are using a single-stage press. Then it is a toss-up. The cleaner crimp and simpler adjustment procedure makes it so. The extra step in a single-stage press detracts somewhat. Much is made of the uses of the Lee FCD, which, unlike other crimp dies performs two functions. Applying a crimp and sizing the finished round (post-sizing). The post-sizing is the controversial part. The question of whether it helps, hurts, is indifferent or is a crutch for the lazy generates a lot of heated argument. I infer from your question that you have read Lee's FAQ section explaining the Lee FCD. I tired of the contentios nature of threads wherein the Lee FCD was castigated as a tool for loaders who did not adjust their dies properly, used improperly chosed (sized) components or as a "crutch" and started four threads on forums I haunt. The best single contributor (in my opinion) is Iowegan on this thread http://rugerforum.net/reloading/6586...tml#post814465 and then there are the other three http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=509934 http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=691050 http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/vie...?f=11&t=168362 In summary, the Lee FCD is not necessary most of the time, but convenient. Lee Precision's thoughts on the matter can be found in these threads: One thread contains a lively discussion of the FCD and the function of the post-sizing carbide ring in the FCD. The phrase "9mm" is in the thread title, but don't let that dissuade you. It contains responses direct from Lee Precision, too. Read the whole thing. It is worth it. http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=465091 this thread contains a poll http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=465603 Lost Sheep