Lee factory crimp die for .40 S&W

[saskgunowner101]

I was at a the local WSS today to pick up some goodies, and noticed that they had the lee brand factory crimp dies, just not in 40 S&W. I figured I'd see about getting one sent to me, so I asked for one . The guy says they're only for bullets with the line in them (canneluere???) Is this right?? I thought it was good for any / all bullets. I know the 3rd die seats and crimps the bullet, but I just have an urge to get the factory crimp die. Any thoughts on this?? Thanks in advance.

 

[RePete]

Lee states that they are for ANY type of bullet.

If you want one (or feel the need for one) then get one.

The definately have their place.

 

[Shelldrake]

The guy says they're only for bullets with the line in them (canneluere???) Is this right??

Not true. I've used them on on .308 and .223 non-canalured bullets with fine results, and as RePete states: Lee even says so.

Most factory ammo is crimped in the same way.

 

[Canuck44]

The FCD is not the same for rifle and pistol. The two don't work the same way. The FCD in pistol cartridges resizes the length of the case to make it look nice and smooth. Lead bullets in pistols are typically sized at least one thousandths over bore resulting in a slightly bulged case eg. Jacketed .45acp bullets are .451 while lead are .452.

For pistol they are a waste of money IMHO. The end result by using them is you resize your lead bullet in the case. About the only thing that accomplishes is to lead to increased leading in the barrel and poor accuracy. Lots of folks use them for reasons I have yet to discover. I have loaded thousands of .45acp, .40cal and 9MM rds without any need for the FCD.

I use the FCD in all my rifle applications (I shoot lead almost exclusively). The FCD in rifle works great.

Take Care

Bob