Author Topic: Who all uses a Lee Crimp Die? (Read 2576 times)

teddy12b · « **on:** October 03, 2007, 10:06:45 AM »

I've read different things about the Lee Crimp Dies and I was just curious if you all had any experience with them? According to Lee's website it's supposed to improve your accuracy. I thought about getting one for my 6.8 AR and 30/30.

BCB · « **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2007, 10:37:51 AM »

I have them for the 30-30, 7-30, 357, 44, and the 270. I use them all for certain loads, but not for all of my reloads in those calibers. When set properly, they put a very nice crimp on the case mouth. I don’t know about accuracy improvement, as I have never fine tuned my shooting with and without crimps to see if they did do better. I like them. (Do they offer it for the 6.8 yet?) Good-luck…BCB

Wynn · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2007, 11:48:44 AM »

I use them for 30-06, 6.5x55, 30 carbine and 357. They do make a nice, clean crimp. I couldn't say about accuracy improvement but my ammo gets carried and knocked around some and the crimp makes me feel better about it.

kennisondan · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2007, 12:30:18 PM »

I use the same thing at present on my pistol loads in 475, I think... it squeezes the case around the bullet inside it in addition to crimping the case mouth, the way mine is set. It is tighter, for sure. I understand that on certain kinds of reduced loads it is necessary to crimp especially tight to build up case pressure initially, and it is good for that.. the Lee book says it is an accuracy enhancer.... ( go figure )
coincidence ? I think not.. sorry I do not have the answer but that is some other reasons people use them... HTH some.
dk

Fat NDN · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2007, 05:41:34 PM »

I use it instead of the roll crimp function on the seater die, so that I don't crush my caseing.
If you are using the collet die, that doesn't come with a crimp die, (because most people that
use he collet dies don't crimp). But it does make sure the bullet maintains an equal presure to
maintain equal velocity.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:00:54 AM »

I use my collet die on 22 hornet. (oops I meant factory crimp die)

Cheesehead · « **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:11:40 AM »

I use the Lee crimp die For my 6.8 SPC since the Redding dies do not provide the proper neck tension to keep the bullet in place. This is an issue when cycling rounds through an AR15. The crimped rounds performed very well on targets at 100 yards.

Cheese

myronman3 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:47:22 AM »

i use them, i do get slightly better accuracy and i feel better about the bullet staying where i set it at. also helps me to get a better burn on my powder when using the slower burning ones.

Brithunter · « **Reply #8 on:** October 04, 2007, 10:57:37 PM »

Hi All,

Yep I use the Lee factory crimp die. However you have to work up the loads just like any other for accuracy as adding a crimp to an existing god load may not improve teh accuracy as you are adding another varible.

Savage · « **Reply #9 on:** October 05, 2007, 02:58:37 AM »

I use the LFCD for all my pistol calibers to provide proper bullet pull, and to insure chambering in semi-autos. Wouldn't be without them.
Savage

Fat NDN · « **Reply #10 on:** October 05, 2007, 05:31:04 AM »

I just ran a test yesterday. Shooting my 22/250. I was using Varget and H380 powders. Half were crimped lightly with the Lee
factory crimp die, the other no crimp. Also 1/2 were neck sized and the other 1/2 were full length sized.
The neck sized group was 1/2 the size of the full length sized group, and the crimped group was smaller than the un-crimped group.
So, with my test, crimping does make for a more accurate round. I think that by lightly crimping the round, It maintains equal tension
around the bullet in the case which should mean equal velocity. Any how it works for me.

teddy12b · « **Reply #11 on:** October 08, 2007, 04:48:06 AM »

I just read the reviews on these dies on Midway. I ordered one for the calibers I needed and they should be here in a week or so. I'll let you all know how they work.

singleVI · « **Reply #12 on:** October 08, 2007, 06:34:36 AM »

I use them on my .45 Colt, ACP, and 357 mag. The .45 ACP is a Lee Factory Crimp die and the other two are roll crimp dies. So far theyve been superb

Slufoot · « **Reply #13 on:** October 08, 2007, 03:54:16 PM »

I use the Lee Factory Crimp Dies for the following riflle cartridges, 30-30 Win., 30-30 Ackley Improved, 308 Win, 30-06 Sprg., 38 WCF and 45-70 Govt.
I also use the FCD for the following handgun cartridges, 357 Mag., 357 Max., 40 S&W, 44 Mag., 45 ACP, and the 454 Casull.
With the rifle type FCD's you can crimp directly into a jacketed bullet that doesn't have a crimp groove. This is great for the 38 WCF because all the .400 diameter jacketed bullets are designed for the 40 S&W and the 10mm and do not have a crimp groove.
I also do this with my 30-30 Ackley Improved. I seat to a cartridge overall length of 2.55" and use the Lee Factory Crimp Die to crimp directly into the bullet. The crimp groove on the Remington 170 grain RNCL bullet is well forward of the case mouth when crimped like this. I have tested a cartridge crimped like this by loading it first into the tube magazine of my Marlin and firing all the rounds except this one. I then checked for bullet movement of this round. I then repeated this test with the same cartridge through four more full loadings and shootings. The bullet never budged!
I had a Kimber Compact 45acp and started loading lead bullets for it. Sometimes the slide would fail to go all the way forward and I could shove it closed with some force. I measured the bullets I had and they were about .454". I bought the Lee 45 ACP Factory Crimp Die and my troubles went away because the handgun dies not only crimp but they also have a carbide final sizing ring in them to insure that the loaded cartridge will fit the chamber.
As you can probably tell by now, I really like the Lee FCD's and highly recommend them.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

millwright · « **Reply #14 on:** October 12, 2007, 08:34:50 AM »

I wouldn't crimp any other way!!!

teddy12b · « **Reply #15 on:** October 12, 2007, 08:54:05 AM »

Well, my dies were at the house when I got home last night. I will load up some ammo with them this weekend and get out to the range Sunday, hopefully.

warrior1 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 12, 2007, 05:55:36 PM »

i use the lee crimp dies for 357mag. 40S&w,41 mag,44 special 44 mag, 45 colt,454casull, 45/70,and other rifles.
they do a good job for all my firearms. dan

ihuntbucks · « **Reply #17 on:** October 13, 2007, 06:33:31 PM »

I use LFC on .44 mag,.40 S&W,.357 mag,.45 acp,.45/70,.3006,.308,7.62 x 54R,.35 Remy,9 mm,10 mm,.223, and .270.Whiter it makes them more accurate or not,I don't know.I hit pretty much whatever I aim at.But,it does make me feel better knowing the bullet is not going to be jarred loose....Rick

Cheesehead · « **Reply #18 on:** October 14, 2007, 03:31:00 AM »

I believe we are talking about 3 different types of dies.

The Lee factory crimp die, for use on a bottle neck cartridge and bullets with out a cannalure, for example, the 6.8 SPC.

The Lee roll crimp die, for straight wall cartridges like the 44 mag and 45/70 using bullets with a cannalure.

The Lee taper crimp die for use on the 45 ACP and bullets with out a cannalure.

Cheese

quickdtoo · « **Reply #19 on:** October 14, 2007, 05:36:50 AM »

The OP's statement refers to the Lee FCD since the FCD is their only crimp die that they say improves accuracy.

I use the FCD for every chambering I load for that they make em for, 17 of em, even one they don't that I modified for the 405 Winchester. I can't honestly say it helps, but I don't think it hurts either, the one detailed comparison test that I read showed a 10% improvement in accuracy crimped vs uncrimped, I for one can use any improvement I can achieve.

Tim

Lee Factory Crimp Die:

Crimps the bullet in place more firmly than any other tool.
It is impossible to buckle the case as with regular roll crimp dies.
Trim length is not critical.
Tests demonstrate that even bullets which have no cannelure will shoot more accurately if crimped in place with the Lee Factory Crimp Die.
Factory ammunition is often more accurate and better able to withstand rough handling because the bullet is firmly crimped in place. A firm crimp improves accuracy because pressure must build to a higher level before the bullet begins to move. This higher start pressure insures a more uniform pressure curve and less velocity variation. Even powder selection is less critical.

http://leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1192375456.109=/html/catalog/dies-crimp.html

Quote from: teddy12b on October 03, 2007, 10:06:45 AM

I've read different things about the Lee Crimp Dies and I was just curious if you all had any experience with them? According to Lee's website it's supposed to improve your accuracy. I thought about getting one for my 6.8 AR and 30/30.

Slufoot · « **Reply #20 on:** October 14, 2007, 04:05:24 PM »

Quote from: Cheesehead on October 14, 2007, 03:31:00 AM

I believe we are talking about 3 different types of dies.

The Lee factory crimp die, for use on a bottle neck cartridge and bullets with out a cannalure, for example, the 6.8 SPC.

The Lee roll crimp die, for straight wall cartridges like the 44 mag and 45/70 using bullets with a cannalure.

The Lee taper crimp die for use on the 45 ACP and bullets with out a cannalure.

Cheese

Hello Cheese, My Lee FCD for the 45-70 is just like the bottle neck FCD's in that it uses a collet that works off the shell holder to crimp the case mouth.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

Cheesehead · « **Reply #21 on:** October 14, 2007, 05:21:08 PM »

I guess that proves there is more than one way to crimp a 45/70.

Personally, I use and prefer a heavy roll crimp for my 45/70.

Cheese

Sir Charles deMoutonBlack · « **Reply #22 on:** October 14, 2007, 05:36:47 PM »

I use the LEE FCD, collet style, for just two cartridges; .44-40 and .38-40. Its the only way to get a proper crimp when the case walls are so thin, as they are for these two rounds.

wncchester · « **Reply #23 on:** October 15, 2007, 10:41:06 AM »

I don't crimp everything, but when I do crimp it's with a Lee FCD. For both rifle and hand guns, Lee has a lock on crimpers.

teddy12b · « **Reply #24 on:** October 15, 2007, 10:53:19 AM »

I actually got to use mine the other night on my 44mag rounds. The Lee die just seemed to do a better, more uniform looking job. Hopefully I'll get out and actually shoot them soon.

Dand · « **Reply #25 on:** October 15, 2007, 10:40:29 PM »

I originally got one at the suggestion of Hawk Bullets to properly crimp their bullets for my .348 Win. I liked it so much I got one for the 30-30 too. I think I can do a more uniform crimp with them.

Then I got some Lee dies for the 7.63x39 and use the crimper supplied with them.

I really like the Lee Crimp dies for the handgun cartridges and now use one for 9mm, 38/357, 40 SW, 41 mag. I like the final case sizing, especially for auto loader ammo. But the FC works especailly well in the 41 mag when I'm loading the big 250 to 265 gr cast bullets.

I think Lee really found a niche to fill with their crimp dies. But do you remember the squabble Speer had with Lee regarding crimps? Speer made quite a fuss about Lee's ads for crimp dies.

bfpgw · « **Reply #26 on:** November 07, 2007, 06:16:41 AM »

I'm a relatively new reloader (7 months) and have a question closely related to this subject. I have a Lee FCD for my 45-70 and use it regularly. However, since I am a newbie I can seat a bullet or two on occasion two far in the case. I have used my kinetic bullet puller to move it out to standard OAL. With my crimps with the Lee FCD, and sometimes with the roll crimp, I can barely or not at all get the bullet to come out of the case.

Am I crimping too tight and if so, how can you tell a good crimp from one that is too much? I shoot these in a Marlin 1895CB with mostly cast 405RNFP from Shooters Supply and Meister. I pattern my seating and crimping to match the factory samples purchased from Ultramax (405gr cast) and Winchester (300gr jacketed). I'm scared I am crimping too tight and someday will get a nasty surprise.

If I don't crimp them as tight as my current settings the bullets creep a little when I just press the bullet nose against the reloading bench. I need them tight enough to work in the tube mag but not so tight I can get the bullet out.

Help with a little advice please.

teddy12b · « **Reply #27 on:** November 07, 2007, 06:55:56 AM »

To the best of my knowledge (fairly limited on this subject) you can't crimp a bullet too tight. I've handloaded 44 mag's that I thought were crimped but when shooting them in my revolver the bullets would work loose. Since then I really try to put the squeeze on bullets, and the same should apply to your levergun. If you see the brass or bullet get deformed or nasty looking then you crimped too much, overwise have at it.

myronman3 · « **Reply #28 on:** November 08, 2007, 07:17:02 AM »

not true. if shooting jacketed bullets, you dont want to damage the jacket; it could affect the performance or accuracy. just enough to get the job done is my motto.

rks1949 · « **Reply #29 on:** December 11, 2007, 11:03:45 PM »

I use the FCD on my Hornet loads,it makes a BIG improvement on accuracy,and consistent velocity. I haven't tried it on any other bottle neck loads though. I did use the seating die for crimping my hand loads for a Ruger mini 14 I had,with bullets that had a cannulure on them,but the gun didn't shoot that accuratley,so I couldn't see any real diffrence in it. Ron