How do you get the correct adjustment on the Lee FCD? I'm using the .45 acp FCD with zero .451 bullets. The instructions say "screw the adjusting screw in 1/2 turn for a light crimp and one full turn for a heavy crimp." I found that even with just a 1/2 turn of the adjusting screw, it was difficult to raise and lower the ram without using a lot of force. So I assume 1/2 turn was too much. How do know when the die is adjusted correctly? Thank you.
Adjusting the Lee FCD
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rcmodel
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Measure the result with your dial caliper.
The case mouth should measure .469" - to no more then .471" with a proper crimp.
All you want to do is straighten out the case mouth bell and have the case in contact with the bullet.
Not squeezing into it.
rc
The case mouth should measure .469" - to no more then .471" with a proper crimp.
All you want to do is straighten out the case mouth bell and have the case in contact with the bullet.
Not squeezing into it.
rc
Grumulkin
Member
I guess I would never use a Lee FCD for 45 ACP. Being a cartridge that headspaces on the mouth of the case, if you crimp too much, the cartridge will go in too far when chambered. If it is close enough to the firing pin to discharge the cartridge, the headspace will be excessive. The roll crimp built into your seating die should be able to give you an acceptable taper crimp which is what you need.
If you want to use the Lee FCD, screw the die in little by little each time giving a little more crimp until the die is adjusted to your satisfaction. When properly adjusted, you should not have to apply a lot of pressure for an adequate crimp.
If you want to use the Lee FCD, screw the die in little by little each time giving a little more crimp until the die is adjusted to your satisfaction. When properly adjusted, you should not have to apply a lot of pressure for an adequate crimp.
This should be impossible with the Lee FC die as it will not reduce the case mouth dimension further than minimum SAAMI dimension and the post sizing ring only reduces the case to the maximum allowable SAAMI diameter if its bulged during seating.
To adjust the FC die properly:
1.First back out the crimping adjustment on the top of the die several turns and back out the lock ring on the die body. The sleave on top is what applies the crimp on the case on the pistol dies not a shoulder in the die body like a regular crimp and seating die.
2. With the shelholder in your press bring up the ram fully to the top.
3. Screw in the die and adjust so that the bottom of the die is just a hair higher than the top of the shell holder, just like you adjust a full length sizing die. Lock the position with the locking ring.
4. Insert a loaded round with the bullet seated and run it into the die. The crimping adjustment should be out enough so that no crimp will be applied.
5. With the round in the die and the ram at the top of it travel screw in the crimping adjustment until it contacts the case mouth.
6. Back out the case a bit and turn the crimp adjustment a half turn down then bring the ram up to add crimp. Lower the round and examine the crimp you just made on the case. Turn in the adjustment a bit more in for heavier crimp and back it out for lighter.
jfh
Member.
Steve C's overview of the FCD die adjustment is a good one.
The point is, get the body of the die up high enough so that it does no more than straighten up any flare that may be present. I'm fairly convinced that the problem most people have with crimping with the FCD is because the die body position has not been tweaked.
And, note well what Steve said about the post-sizing: it happens only if the round is outside of SAMMI max.
Jim H.
The point is, get the body of the die up high enough so that it does no more than straighten up any flare that may be present. I'm fairly convinced that the problem most people have with crimping with the FCD is because the die body position has not been tweaked.
And, note well what Steve said about the post-sizing: it happens only if the round is outside of SAMMI max.
Jim H.
Any crimp die can be over adjusted, and any die, including the carbide ring in FCD dies, can be out of tolerance.
I taper crimp auto calibers that headspace on the case mouth just enough to remove the bell and a hair more. I generally need magnification to see the slight taper crimp.
I taper crimp auto calibers that headspace on the case mouth just enough to remove the bell and a hair more. I generally need magnification to see the slight taper crimp.
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