A different rifle FCD question

[Jeff H]

So, I decided to get some 7.62x54r dies and Lee was cheaper than the rest (as usual) but in looking at their dies, Lee didn't offer a set with a neck sizing die. They only offered a set with a full length sizing die and the FCD die. Now I have no idea why Lee would include a crimp die and not a neck sizing die for a caliber that is almost exclusively for a bolt gun, but I digress.

I ordered the dies and they arrived today. In looking at the FCD, it is stamped for 7.62x54r, but in looking at it, I can't see why it would be cartridge specific. Caliber specific, yes, but not cartridge specific as far as I can tell. (Lee makes a big deal in the add for these dies that it comes with a 308 expander).

Now there is close to a zero % chance that I will ever use this FCD for a bolt gun, but it makes me wonder if this die could be used for other 30 cal auto loaders if I ever notice bullet setback issues. I haven't noticed any issues yet, but there are a bunch of 30 cal rifles in the family that I already do or might reload for someday.

Anyone have several 30 cal FCD dies? are their any differences?

 

[Scimmia]

Yes, there's a huge difference. The rifle FCDs work by the shell holder pushing a collet up into the die body, closing the collet on the mouth of the case. This means the length of the brass needs to match the length of the collet to get the crimp in the right place.

7.62x54R is also not exclusive to bolt guns. Russian machine guns have used this round for over 100 years.

 

[Walkalong]

The length of the collet determines which case it will work on. The body can be used for several similar calibers. You may be able to reduce the length of the collet to make it work on a different caliber. You have a bit of room to play with there.

 

[ranger335v]

"Anyone have several 30 cal FCD dies? "

Yes.

"are their any differences?"

Yes.

 

[rcmodel]

When did the 7.62x54r become a .30 cal rifle??

It doesn't use .308" bullets.
It uses .311" - .312" bullets.

I would assume thats what the 7.62x54r FCD is designed to crimp?
Not .30 cal bullets.

rc

 

[Jeff H]

When did the 7.62x54r become a .30 cal rifle??

It doesn't use .308" bullets.
It uses .311" - .312" bullets.

I thought I cleared that up in the OP. The 7.62x54 expander is sold as 308 per Lee. So are some other brands.

From the Lee add:

This die set includes a .308 expander. The 7.62 x 54 Russian load data has been developed around the .308 diameter. If your rifle has a .311 groove dimension, order the .311 expander here: /EZ-X-EXP-303-B.html

I was just trying to get a feel if people thought it would work with 308 or 30-06. Since some of you said that the die contacts the shell plate in order to actuate the crimp, it sounds like it will only work with brass that is about the same size. I'm at work now so I can't check the sizes.

 

[Scimmia]

When did the 7.62x54r become a .30 cal rifle??

It doesn't use .308" bullets.
It uses .311" - .312" bullets.

I would assume thats what the 7.62x54r FCD is designed to crimp?
Not .30 cal bullets.

rc

Some of the 7.62x54R rifles do use a .308" bullet such as the Finnish MNs. Because of this, the FCD needs to be able to handle both. As the OP said, the Lee die comes with just an expander for .308, where some other sets like RCBS come with an expander for 311.

 

[4895]

I believe the Finn M-39 rifles have smaller bore diameters, requiring a .308" bullet. The Russian rifles usually have sloppy bores and run .311" - .314" in diameter. The RCBS die set includes stems for .308" and .311". The best thing to do is slug the barrel and find out what diameter you are working with. I have used a lead sinker and pounded it down the barrel with a "rubber mallet" along with whatever grease you have to lubricate it. I have loaded .308" bullets in it with good success (Sierra MK's) but other brands have proven to be inadequate. It is best to size with the proper stem and use larger bullets for those rifles. They can be a PITA to accurize. Kinda like polishing a turd. Good luck.