Using 4th die on .40 S&W??

[Snakehunter]

Just got a Glock in .40 S&W and I have a question about reloading dies I bought for reloading for it.
I got the Lee 4 die set and I am questioning the need for the "factory crimp" 4th die. After the initial full length resize and the third die seating the bullet, is there a real need for a crimp?
I did not have the 3 die set as an option at the store I was at, and I am wondering if the extra money spent was worth it. Thanks for any info, Glen

 

[iceman2]

Try crimping a few and shoot them against uncrimped to see if there is a difference in performance.

 

[Sakoman .308]

Un-related but, Keep an eye on your Brass. Look for the Glock bulge.
I am not a pro but I have read things about them blowing up.
Just Be Safe

 

[carsmovies]

Sounds like you need to read some reloading manuals before you start reloading or have a experienced reloader come over and guide you through.

To answer your question though, yes you should be using that fourth die.

 

[Chuckbuster]

I have to use a crimp die on cases that have been fired through my G17 in order to use the reloaded brass in other pistols. The "Glock bulge" needs to be eliminated in my experience.

 

[Snakehunter]

Thanks for the tips folks.
This is my first foray into Glocks and I appreciate the heads up on the bulge thing. I have been reloading rifle and shotgun for years with good success. For the past 18 months I've been reloading handgun ammo with my progressive for 9mm and my single stage for 45LC. I'll be using my single-stage for the .40 for a while and then buy another progressive down the road.
Thanks again,
Glen

 

[beltfed]

The LFCD alone doesn't catch all bulged brass just as an FYI (Just my experience with a G17, 17L, 20 and 21). I would recommend chamber checking finished rounds still.

 

[Ganderite]

That 4th die has really improved my pistol ammo. I have installed it on all my Dillon tool heads. It smooths out and bulges that might cause problems.

 

[sunray]

"...the need for the "factory crimp"..." Isn't required if the seating die is a taper crimp die.
"...The "Glock bulge"..." Should have come out in the sizing die.

 

[BattleRife]

I bought Lee Factory Crimp Dies in several calibers, but have stopped using them. If the cases are sized properly they are not needed to secure the bullet, and I never noticed any accuracy benefit. If you are shooting lead bullets in straight walled cases, the FCD can result in undersized bullets, as the die will swage the bullet to a smaller diameter after seating.