Author Topic: Need help with Lee Rifle Factory Crimp die (Read 723 times)

HoCoMDHunter · « **on:** April 17, 2003, 01:31:27 PM »

This @#$% thing doesn't work :x . I adjusted it according o the directions (down until it touches holder, then 1/2 turn more) and it doesn't even touch the shell. I am using the right die and brass (30-06) but when the ram is at the top I can wiggle the tip of the bullet around with my finger. I have adjusted it until there is no adjustment left with the same result. This is my first experience with reloading rifle. I have reloaded several different pistol caliber and used the Lee Crimp die wih excellent results. I am not sure if I am doing something wrong or what. Thanks in advance for your help.

redial · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2003, 03:28:51 PM »

Whew! Either your brass is trimmed 1/8" too short or your die ain't right!

Lemme ask if you don't mind, why is it necessary to crimp your '06 ammo? After prolly 50,000 .30 cal rounds I loaded for service rifle (M1's and M14's), I've never yet crimped a loaded rifle round. If your neck tension's right, it shouldn't be necessary IMO.

BTW, where does one hunt in The Land of Rouse anymore? :wink:

Redial
Former Pee-Gee Canny Merlinder

HoCoMDHunter · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2003, 04:27:41 PM »

Ha! The hunting spots around here are few and far between. There are always several houses within view. In the right neighborhoods it isn't hard to find people willing to let you hunt. The deer are murder on folks gardens. There are so many here that it almost takes the sport out of it. Almost. Rouse is gone and Columbia went downhill long before I moved to the area. I be darned before I ever move there. It reminds me more and more of the bad areas of D.C.
Man, you may be right. These cases have just been trimmed. This is also my first time trimming cases and this has me scratching my head also. The cases trim to a length that is exactly 1/8 of an inch less than the max case length. Life was simple when I just reloaded pistol. There are many more variables to reloading rifle. I figured on trimming every time just to keep things consistent. I guess I got sold on the "factory crimp" idea. I have my bullet seating die backed out 1/2 turn so that it doesn't crimp. Maybe I'll toss the crimp die and just use the seating die.

new snake owner · « **Reply #3 on:** April 17, 2003, 07:25:59 PM »

I have found that I don't trim unless I have to. I use the factory crimp die and have had no problems but I also dont trim to as short as it will go. As for if the set up it works. It just warmed up enough here to go shooting and I ripped a ragged hole w/ my 06 180 grain sst and 4350 all loaded with factory crimp die.

HoCoMDHunter · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2003, 04:18:38 AM »

I may have found the problem. Can someone with this setup please confirm. I ordered the Lee cutter w/ ball grip from Midway. This does not come with a lock stud. Lacking the stud I simply chucked the brass directly into a drill and cut until the pin bottomed out. In the Lee FAQ section it says that the pin bottoms out on the lock stud. I don't remember the length that the cases were trimmed to but it was exactly .125" under max case length. I think that these were over-trimmed.
Next question: Is there a MINIMUM case length?? :oops:

richp41 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2003, 06:46:59 AM »

Min case length using regular dies is 2.484" and using RCBS dies they recommend trimming to 2.474". If you are 1/8" too short hat's the reason your crimper isn't crimping...

Flint · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2003, 08:07:47 AM »

I agree, there's no case made that has a trim length 1/8 inch shorter than max, it should be more like .010 shorter, or the lengths richp41 mentioned. Now your brass might be salvaged by turning them into .308 brass if you use it.......

Tom W. · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2003, 07:31:04 PM »

Go ahead and spend the money and get a dial caliper and an RCBS Trim Pro. And a small allen pack. You won't regret it.