DM~
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That depends on what swage die you are using, (or punch, depending on what bullet you want to end up with) as "generally" there's a different swage die for each style of bullet.
DM
FCD Swages Bullets? These pictures say otherwise.
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Varminterror
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Yes. Visual inspection is not a precise measurement method for bullet diameter.
As mentioned above, I have push-through sized the bullet I pictured to reduce diameter 1-1.5thou, with no obvious visual witness marks on the jackets. And that’s even with a device which directly contacts the bullet - which the FCD does not.
The tapered 9mm does have a luxury which isn’t realized with true cylinder cases, but the fact remains that the FCD sizes cases, unlike other seating and crimping dies, so the unique opportunity to influence bullet size remains. Any bullet for which bullet dia + 2 x neck thickness - neck tension < FCD sizer ring dia, something’s gotta give.
CQB45ACP
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Not arguing actually. Just posted results with pictures of what I experienced seeing if I’d get swaging. Some folks want to make more of it than that.
The fact you aren’t seeing a difference doesn’t means it’s not swaging. If you are undersized it’s still swaging.
CQB45ACP
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Got it. Clear as mud
Actually, I didn’t mean seeing a measurable difference. What I intended was wouldn’t there be some telltale sign the bullet had been swaged or had some other pressure applied? A pristine looking bullet seemed counterintuitive.
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Some Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Dies swage the bullet while others don't.
I have a 45 Auto that freely passes loaded rounds through the carbide insert without resistance.
I have a Lee 44 Mag. CFCD that swages. A round loaded with .430" cast bullets measures .455" and drops easily in a .458" chamber gauge. But the carbide insert of the Lee swage-o-matic die measures .453". Go figure.
And I have a 41 Mag Lee CFCD that is much the same as the 44 Mag.
I have a 45 Auto that freely passes loaded rounds through the carbide insert without resistance.
I have a Lee 44 Mag. CFCD that swages. A round loaded with .430" cast bullets measures .455" and drops easily in a .458" chamber gauge. But the carbide insert of the Lee swage-o-matic die measures .453". Go figure.
And I have a 41 Mag Lee CFCD that is much the same as the 44 Mag.
CQB45ACP
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Yep. That’s the apparent story with the 9mm I showed using .355” & .356”.
As for 45acp I posted picture above of two that act the same with most .451” & .452”.
CQB45ACP
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So it is accurate to say a tight carbide ring in an FCD won't swage a bullet but it may draw a bullet?
Just trying to nail down terminology here.
On post 45 I have a picture of half dozen formerly loaded bullets which had been squeezed through an FCD or tightly crimped or rammed through a bulge buster. (I can't recall which specifically because I save darn near every bullet I've never shot.)
So, they have not been "swaged", but they certainly have been deformed or marked (by it's brass case) in one way or another. If they are reduced in size they have been "drawn" but if no size change then is there a term for that other than just "screwed up"?
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GeoDudeFlorida
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I think the technical term is “squished”.
Bottom line is always the same: if it works for you, it works. If it doesn’t work for you it doesn’t matter how well it works for anyone else; it’s not for you.
I’m using the generic “you” above in reference to the reader, not the OP or any specific respondent.
When we’re asked for advice by others, all we can do is relate our own experience. Obviously those experiences are not going to be typical, by definition, when we’re discussing the results of handcrafting.
Varminterror
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DM~
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Just trying to get everyone on the same page, so we AT LEAST sound semi-intelligent...
As you must know, In bullet making, you start out with a smaller diameter jacket, add a core inside and "swage" a bullet (make it larger in diameter) so they aren't called "swage" dies for nothing!
Swage dies make bullets bigger, draw dies make them smaller...
DM
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CQB45ACP
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GeoDudeFlorida
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lol I get told all the time, Words don’t matter! If someone wants to call the expansion of a bullet’s base in the chamber obfuscation, objectoration, obstetrician or anything else starting with an o that’s fine and it just doesn’t matter.
The English language did not die of natural causes.
CQB45ACP
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Based on your words alone, not sure if you're serious or joking. Thus I don't know if I agree or not
CQB45ACP
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Oh no you don't--start a new thread
Nope, cover all angles here…….Oh no you don't--start a new thread
GeoDudeFlorida
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The Lee FCD is an extremely complex tool requiring Master status skills to deploy. Once the necessary skills are acquired the ability to use the tool becomes invaluable. Sadly not everyone is capable of using such complex equipment.Based on your words alone, not sure if you're serious or joking. Thus I don't know if I agree or not
CQB45ACP
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Now I know you're serious and I agree.The Lee FCD is an extremely complex tool requiring Master status skills to deploy. Once the necessary skills are acquired the ability to use the tool becomes invaluable. Sadly not everyone is capable of using such complex equipment.
Click_Here
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CQB45ACP
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With my phone camera I presume? Correct. But I'm equally incompetent with my left.
Sorry, but true.Oh no you don't--start a new thread
Maybe they’re just obfuscated?
GeoDudeFlorida
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If it were true you wouldn’t be sorry. Therefore it is not true. Blanket statements very rarely are true or accurate.
One person’s inability to operate a tool does not invalidate either the tool or its utility; only the faulty operator.
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