A closer look at the Lee Factory Crimp Die and how it works. We also disassemble it for you. One of the things you can do is over crimp a bullet so we show you an example of a bullet with too much crimp applied to it.
handloading is a art and a science in itself and I regret to admit that i do not know enough about it. Wish i did handload but i have too many pokers in the fire right now to start. still a great video as always thanks
I for one would like to thank you for your good advice video, I'm new(3weeks) at reloading and any good FREE advice is worth a great deal. I have Lee dies for my 6.5 C.M. ( :) my 11th rifle) Happy hunting this year people !
When I started reloading I avoided the extra step of the Factory Crimp Die. Now with plated and poly-coated bullets, I use the FCD all the time. When used properly it gives better consistency of the crimp in my hands anyway. :)
@blackriflear15 I only crimp cannelured bullets at this time. Now that I have the Consistent Crimp Arm I am going to try it on my match ammunition. It will be interesting to see how it works.
Great video. I do like using the lee fcd's. However I've had to remove them when loading my cast pistol bullets in 45 acp atleast, havent tried on my .358 bullets. I was trying to keep my 550 running all 4 stations, and just using the fcd to take the bell out of the case and help post size. Unfortunatly everytime it drags all the way in and back out, im thinking its actually sizing the cast bullet. So now i just use my seater die to take out the bell. Bullets wont go into case gauge, but chamber
@ammosmith Im kinda lost, I bought the 4 die "deluxe set". From what Ive gathered its the same as a Lee carbide 3 die set, but including the FCD. It worked great for me with the precision delta jacketed bullets I was using, but now that Im loading lead, Im worried Im going to have to remove them all so they dont end up sizing the lead bullets. They are tight to get into a case gauge, but using my 1911 barrel they go in easily to the hood. Shoot well, just cant use the FCD
Yep..but it's difficult to determine unless you have the insturmentation to detect over crimping. Tinkering with crimp tension can have a big effect on downrange performance.
Thank you for your videos. I've learned from them. A suggestion about camera positioning: sometimes the viewers are not seeing what you are seeing. This may be because of camera angle, auto focusing mechanism or holding a part longer. I'll be watching more of your excellent productions. Thank you.
Well composed. I read Richard Lee's book and the paragraph on collet crimping; he recommends crimping bullets without cannelure to increase accuracy. I assume 60lbs is too great. How can one measure the pounds of force that fulcrum's the crimp? Lee recommends crimping to just before you see a visible ring on the brass where the collet is crimping the brass. You don't want the bullet or the case deformed and you don't want to shorten the life of your good brass. I have yet to see any data on the effect of a deformed bullet on accuracy although I cannot dispute that it will effect the ballistic coefficient to some degree, but will a uniformed crimp affect the accuracy? I know your opinion, I would like to see data to be convinced however. Thanks for sharing the vid.
I just bought the Lee Classic Loader that uses a rubber mallet. 30-30-Win. It has a rude crimper but I have deformed a few bullets. I need to crimp because it is a tube magazine. Is there a better crimper for me that doesn't need a press?
I'm a beginner at reloading 223 for my Ar 15. Can you recommend a few dies that are easy to use. I'm not shooting competition, so I don't think I need a fancy die. I'm confused about what to buy. There are so many dies out there. Just looking for the basics. I reload 9mm and 45 Cal. I want to reload 223/556 now as well. Using a RCBS single stage. Thanks
Very nice video, but I can't seem to disassemble it. Maybe I'm not applying enough pressure, but I don't want to damage it either. Can you give me some pointers please on best way to disassemble. I see how easily it does go back together so that I do understand. Thanks.
The factory crimp dies are very different for pistol and rifle applications. The rifle FC dies use a collet to perform the crumpled, eliminating any chance of buckling the case and allowing a deep tight crumpled on non-cannelured bullets. The pistol FC dies, however, are more like a carbide post-sizer with a standard taper (or roll, as applicable) crimper on top. Totally different beasts, it's a bummer they gave them the same name really.
Q: are u recomonding that I or We get a separate crimping die.I have the lee 3 die set. 454casull, 9mm and others. I figured the 3 die set was good enough. i watch your other crimping video. great job and alot of information.
gilream that depends on the bullet and cartridge. Some need minimal crimp while others need a more aggressive crimp. What cartridge are you needing to crimp?
Crimping a rifle bullet without a cannelure isn't advisable. Very difficult to put any signifcant crimp on the case mouth without deforming the bullet. There's also the danger of crushing the case, although the Lee design nearly eliminates that possibility.
+Joshua T. Awesome I did but you obviously don't know what constructive criticism is, I recommend, you too return to school and receive appropriate instruction on something in addition to your political correctness. ;)
+Lanc Mac I agree with Joshua and am also calling BS on your "constructive criticism" malarky. The presenter is offering this to the 55K viewership as "Joe six-pack" graciously sharing some technical information, not a PR rep for a product company making a produced video. *Constructive* criticism would have acknowledged the primary content value of the video (which is solid) and then offered suggestions on stylistic issues. That said, you could show Ammosmith how it is properly done by linking to one of your posted videos....oh, you don't have any...never mind...
So I thought I’d give you a second chance to bounce back from the first horrible video on this subject. Nope. Got worse. “Minute of animal “ accuracies for hunters with too much crimp?
