Factory Crimp Dies

Nanaimo Barr · July 4, 2002, 09:46 PM

are they worth the money and space? I use a mix of dies (Lee carbides and RCBS), and have had a heck of a time getting crimps right (I suspect my M1 won't function right due to crimp problems)

jjmorgan64 · July 4, 2002, 10:09 PM

Yes they are worth the money, they are very nice, simple to use and very consistant.

Jamie Young · July 4, 2002, 10:43 PM

I ceased to have stuck cases, or malfunctions, in My Colt 1991A1 or Mini 14 since I got Lee Factory Crimp dies.

Gewehr98 · July 4, 2002, 11:04 PM

the Lee Factory Crimp may be the only solution. I handload for my AK-47 clone, and only the Lee die crimped well enough to prevent bullet setback. (Not a good thing.)

Nanaimo Barr · July 5, 2002, 01:44 AM

ok, if I understand the stuff from Lee's page, it's an extra die in addition to the seater/crimper die? just replacing he crimping part of the seater/crimper process (i'm running a lyman Mag-T II with 6 hole turrets.) is this correct?

jjmorgan64 · July 5, 2002, 06:05 AM

Yes, that's all there is to it.

Nanaimo Barr · July 5, 2002, 09:14 AM

much appreciated.. Lee the only one that makes these? (order going out this afternoon if they are)

renaissance7697 · July 5, 2002, 03:41 PM

Best thing since sliced bread.

Load as you normally do, just do not crimp
(For combination seating/crimping dies>>Back the crimping portion of your combination die out- just seat)
Then run the almost finished rounds through a {properly adjusted} LCD.

A perfectly sized and crimped; finished round- every time.

Even if you managed to screw up the case in seating or previous attempts at crimping (say crumple the case)
The Lee Straightens, Finish Sizes and crimps the completed round for a perfect fit.

I used to check gauge my finished rounds either in a gauge or the auto barrel.

I don't any more........

It takes me LESS time to run the finished round through the LCD than it did to "check" them,
and the LCD not only checks but also fixes any that might be out all at the same time.

It might sound as if I am a Lee fan;

I am not!

I don't care for most of their other products.
(Except for Lee's Reloading Manual.
It is GOOD, extensive as well as inexpensive)
>> {order their "Factory Imperfects"
They are just as good and practically a give away}

About the only thing the rest of their gear has going for them is a low price (in the case of die sets for calibers that you do not load a lot for.

BUT

The> "Lee Factory Crimp Die" is a MUST HAVE!

They got it right !
It is Inexpensive for what it does.........
and as far as I know
No one else has a comparable product.

A Happy camper............

TheEggman · July 5, 2002, 05:17 PM

I picked up an RCBS single stage 'RockChucker' at a show last year.

After a reload session, as part of the final inspection, all loads get a ride through the Lee. The Factory Sizing Die guarantees they are in spec. This is especially important with 9mm loads that have been through the Glock with its big chamber. They won't chamber in my Beretta until the take a trip through the Lee.

coonan357 · July 5, 2002, 08:27 PM

improved my accuracy and , the bullets don't walk out like they did with the rcbs dies and there easier to adjust the crimp

Jay Baker · July 5, 2002, 11:02 PM

Redding also makes one. Redding Profile Crimp Die.

They work well, too.

J.B.

Nanaimo Barr · July 6, 2002, 12:45 AM

Redding too? ARGH!!!!!! now I have to make a choice!

jtduncan · July 12, 2002, 05:22 PM

Yes, I use Lee FCDs for all of my straight walled pistol rounds.

maxwayne · July 12, 2002, 09:27 PM

Let me join the chorus. The Lee's are very good and cheap.

what, another gun? · July 12, 2002, 09:44 PM

Lee the Greatest...got it in 45 acp.
Tom

Andy Chadwick · July 14, 2002, 04:16 AM

I use the Lee FCD for my 30-30 and my 357 mag. They work great! Consistent and easy to adjust (after I replaced Lee's silly lock rings with rings from RCBS.) Definitely recommend the Lee FCD.

444 · July 14, 2002, 06:40 AM

I have used Lee Factory Crimp Dies in every caliber that I crimp a bullet for years. I wouldn't want to load without them. As was mentioned, crimping is only one thing they do. The other is to resize the case again as a final step. This greatly improved the reliablility of my handgun ammo.
Lee is a funny company. On the one hand they make stuff that is cheap junk and on the other hand they make a lot of stuff that I wouldn't want to be without.

Nanaimo Barr · July 14, 2002, 09:58 AM

I thank you gentlemen. now I just have to figure which caliber to start off with. (I think the .30 carbine has been giving me the most trouble)

(Andy, you can just swap the locking rings right across?? I got a couple of sets of RCBS dies I don't use)

Ray HP · July 14, 2002, 07:34 PM

I would like to jump in and ask how the Dillon crimp die compares to the Lee factory crimp?

Andy Chadwick · July 15, 2002, 02:26 AM

The RCBS locking rings are direct replacements for the Lee rings with the silly o-rings. Just unscrew the Lee and screw on the RCBS. Works like a champ!

saands · July 15, 2002, 06:31 PM

Someone mentioned ordering Lee's factory seconds ... while they are cheaper than the full priced models directly from Lee, I have found that either MidwayUSA or Midsouth Shooter's Supply often beat Lee's 2nd's prices with their prices on non-blemished goods.

Oh ... and I have a Lee FCD for every caliber that I load where they make one ... I don't think they make one in 7.62x25 ... all in all I must have a dozen of the FCD's!

Saands

Behrens170 · July 16, 2002, 02:14 AM

Saands,
I THINK when I got my die it had a flyer with it indicating that they would make one for ANY caliber for $25.00. I can't find it now, of course. This was about a year or so ago.

MB

BJordan71 · July 16, 2002, 10:04 AM

I started using FCD's when I was reloading on an RCBS Rockchucker. As someone previously said "best thing since sliced bread". I recently swapped to a Hornady LNL-AP and the Lee FCD's are a bit tricky there. Out of the box they're too short unless you turn the Lee lockring over or swap it for another one. Plus, they're too big in diameter, they hit the loaded round ejector wire. I fixed that with my lathe but I still can't get a full length resize but it hasn't been a problem yet.

Stay safe.

Ryan Meyering · July 17, 2002, 01:17 PM

I just received some factory crimp dies that I ordered after reading this thread, and I'm sure glad I did. I had no idea how to crimp with the RCBS dies, despite getting advice from numerous people online. With the Lee dies, it's ridiculously simple. At about $10 each (Midway's price), there's no reason not to get these dies.

Ryan

cracked butt · July 17, 2002, 10:24 PM

I bought my first set of Lee dies for 8x57 mauser. I already had RCBS die sets for a half dozen other calibers. I didn't use the FCD at first thinking it was a gimmick, but one day I tried it with my reloads to compare with uncrimped rounds, the increase in accuracy was amazing. I'm getting one of these for every caliber now.

July 4, 2002, 09:46 PM	#1
Nanaimo Barr Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Location: North Idaho Posts: 1,024	Factory Crimp Dies are they worth the money and space? I use a mix of dies (Lee carbides and RCBS), and have had a heck of a time getting crimps right (I suspect my M1 won't function right due to crimp problems) __________________ "Question that Regulation, you might be suprised to find out it's Illegal"

July 4, 2002, 10:09 PM	#2
jjmorgan64 Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2001 Posts: 519	Yes they are worth the money, they are very nice, simple to use and very consistant. __________________ The Forty-Four spoke and it sent lead and smoke And seventeen inches of flame. -Marty Robbins JM

July 4, 2002, 10:43 PM	#3
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	I ceased to have stuck cases, or malfunctions, in My Colt 1991A1 or Mini 14 since I got Lee Factory Crimp dies. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

July 4, 2002, 11:04 PM	#4
Gewehr98 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2000 Location: Token Creek, WI Posts: 4,067	Depending on the gun... the Lee Factory Crimp may be the only solution. I handload for my AK-47 clone, and only the Lee die crimped well enough to prevent bullet setback. (Not a good thing.) __________________ "Bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round... Neural Misfires

July 5, 2002, 01:44 AM	#5
Nanaimo Barr Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Location: North Idaho Posts: 1,024	ok, if I understand the stuff from Lee's page, it's an extra die in addition to the seater/crimper die? just replacing he crimping part of the seater/crimper process (i'm running a lyman Mag-T II with 6 hole turrets.) is this correct? __________________ "Question that Regulation, you might be suprised to find out it's Illegal"

July 5, 2002, 06:05 AM	#6
jjmorgan64 Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2001 Posts: 519	Yes, that's all there is to it. __________________ The Forty-Four spoke and it sent lead and smoke And seventeen inches of flame. -Marty Robbins JM

July 5, 2002, 09:14 AM	#7
Nanaimo Barr Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Location: North Idaho Posts: 1,024	much appreciated.. Lee the only one that makes these? (order going out this afternoon if they are) __________________ "Question that Regulation, you might be suprised to find out it's Illegal"

July 5, 2002, 03:41 PM	#8
renaissance7697 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2001 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 203	Lee Factory Crimp Die Best thing since sliced bread. Load as you normally do, just do not crimp (For combination seating/crimping dies>>Back the crimping portion of your combination die out- just seat) Then run the almost finished rounds through a {properly adjusted} LCD. A perfectly sized and crimped; finished round- every time. Even if you managed to screw up the case in seating or previous attempts at crimping (say crumple the case) The Lee Straightens, Finish Sizes and crimps the completed round for a perfect fit. I used to check gauge my finished rounds either in a gauge or the auto barrel. I don't any more........ It takes me LESS time to run the finished round through the LCD than it did to "check" them, and the LCD not only checks but also fixes any that might be out all at the same time. It might sound as if I am a Lee fan; I am not! I don't care for most of their other products. (Except for Lee's Reloading Manual. It is GOOD, extensive as well as inexpensive) >> {order their "Factory Imperfects" They are just as good and practically a give away} About the only thing the rest of their gear has going for them is a low price (in the case of die sets for calibers that you do not load a lot for. BUT The> "Lee Factory Crimp Die" is a MUST HAVE! They got it right ! It is Inexpensive for what it does......... and as far as I know No one else has a comparable product. A Happy camper............ __________________ An Armed Society, Is a Polite Society.

July 5, 2002, 05:17 PM	#9
TheEggman Member Join Date: March 25, 2002 Location: SOMEWHERE Inside the Beltway Posts: 35	Lee FD the last stage I picked up an RCBS single stage 'RockChucker' at a show last year. After a reload session, as part of the final inspection, all loads get a ride through the Lee. The Factory Sizing Die guarantees they are in spec. This is especially important with 9mm loads that have been through the Glock with its big chamber. They won't chamber in my Beretta until the take a trip through the Lee.

July 5, 2002, 08:27 PM	#10
coonan357 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2002 Location: in a state of confusion and disbelief ! Posts: 726	improved my accuracy and , the bullets don't walk out like they did with the rcbs dies and there easier to adjust the crimp __________________ N.R.A. Lifer and proud of it ! You can't argue with a .357 Mag. Well, you can try, but you'll end up bleeding an aweful lot. -GEORGE HILL 4-08-2002 My Coonan is Not For Sale please do not ask!

July 5, 2002, 11:02 PM	#11
Jay Baker Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2000 Location: S.W. Idaho Posts: 1,294	Redding also makes one. Redding Profile Crimp Die. They work well, too. J.B.

July 6, 2002, 12:45 AM	#12
Nanaimo Barr Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Location: North Idaho Posts: 1,024	Redding too? ARGH!!!!!! now I have to make a choice! __________________ "Question that Regulation, you might be suprised to find out it's Illegal"

July 12, 2002, 05:22 PM	#13
jtduncan Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 1999 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Posts: 1,686	Yes, I use Lee FCDs for all of my straight walled pistol rounds. __________________ The Seattle SharpShooter Reloaded .223 Rem, 9mm, 40SW, 357 SIG, 10mm, 44 Mag, 45 ACP Today?

July 12, 2002, 09:27 PM	#14
maxwayne Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2001 Posts: 402	Let me join the chorus. The Lee's are very good and cheap.

July 12, 2002, 09:44 PM	#15
what, another gun? Member Join Date: April 12, 2002 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 47	Lee the Greatest...got it in 45 acp. Tom __________________ "I wish to be an inspector of <canyons>, I want to study cloud formations and memorize the wind and learn by heart the habits of the Ponderosa Pine." "Earth Apples", Edward Abbey

July 14, 2002, 04:16 AM	#16
Andy Chadwick Member Join Date: March 2, 2002 Posts: 33	I use the Lee FCD for my 30-30 and my 357 mag. They work great! Consistent and easy to adjust (after I replaced Lee's silly lock rings with rings from RCBS.) Definitely recommend the Lee FCD.

July 14, 2002, 06:40 AM	#17
444 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,968	I have used Lee Factory Crimp Dies in every caliber that I crimp a bullet for years. I wouldn't want to load without them. As was mentioned, crimping is only one thing they do. The other is to resize the case again as a final step. This greatly improved the reliablility of my handgun ammo. Lee is a funny company. On the one hand they make stuff that is cheap junk and on the other hand they make a lot of stuff that I wouldn't want to be without. __________________ You know the rest. In the books you have read How the British Regulars fired and fled, How the farmers gave them ball for ball, From behind each fence and farmyard wall, Chasing the redcoats down the lane, Then crossing the fields to emerge again Under the trees at the turn of the road, And only pausing to fire and load.

July 14, 2002, 09:58 AM	#18
Nanaimo Barr Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Location: North Idaho Posts: 1,024	I thank you gentlemen. now I just have to figure which caliber to start off with. (I think the .30 carbine has been giving me the most trouble) (Andy, you can just swap the locking rings right across?? I got a couple of sets of RCBS dies I don't use) __________________ "Question that Regulation, you might be suprised to find out it's Illegal"

July 14, 2002, 07:34 PM	#19
Ray HP Member Join Date: July 7, 2000 Posts: 56	I would like to jump in and ask how the Dillon crimp die compares to the Lee factory crimp?

July 15, 2002, 02:26 AM	#20
Andy Chadwick Member Join Date: March 2, 2002 Posts: 33	The RCBS locking rings are direct replacements for the Lee rings with the silly o-rings. Just unscrew the Lee and screw on the RCBS. Works like a champ!

July 15, 2002, 06:31 PM	#21
saands Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1999 Posts: 1,573	Someone mentioned ordering Lee's factory seconds ... while they are cheaper than the full priced models directly from Lee, I have found that either MidwayUSA or Midsouth Shooter's Supply often beat Lee's 2nd's prices with their prices on non-blemished goods. Oh ... and I have a Lee FCD for every caliber that I load where they make one ... I don't think they make one in 7.62x25 ... all in all I must have a dozen of the FCD's! Saands

July 16, 2002, 02:14 AM	#22
Behrens170 Junior Member Join Date: May 21, 2002 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 2	Saands, I THINK when I got my die it had a flyer with it indicating that they would make one for ANY caliber for $25.00. I can't find it now, of course. This was about a year or so ago. MB __________________ You can't miss fast enough to win.

July 16, 2002, 10:04 AM	#23
BJordan71 Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2001 Location: Heart of Georgia Posts: 110	I started using FCD's when I was reloading on an RCBS Rockchucker. As someone previously said "best thing since sliced bread". I recently swapped to a Hornady LNL-AP and the Lee FCD's are a bit tricky there. Out of the box they're too short unless you turn the Lee lockring over or swap it for another one. Plus, they're too big in diameter, they hit the loaded round ejector wire. I fixed that with my lathe but I still can't get a full length resize but it hasn't been a problem yet. Stay safe. __________________ Boy, you're about as useful as a Glock revolver. TFL#12525

July 17, 2002, 01:17 PM	#24
Ryan Meyering Member Join Date: November 17, 1999 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Posts: 36	I just received some factory crimp dies that I ordered after reading this thread, and I'm sure glad I did. I had no idea how to crimp with the RCBS dies, despite getting advice from numerous people online. With the Lee dies, it's ridiculously simple. At about $10 each (Midway's price), there's no reason not to get these dies. Ryan

July 17, 2002, 10:24 PM	#25
cracked butt Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2001 Location: southeastern wisconsin Posts: 537	I bought my first set of Lee dies for 8x57 mauser. I already had RCBS die sets for a half dozen other calibers. I didn't use the FCD at first thinking it was a gimmick, but one day I tried it with my reloads to compare with uncrimped rounds, the increase in accuracy was amazing. I'm getting one of these for every caliber now.