Help with die

[bsparker]

Picked up a used .45 colt die set a while back and just now testing it out. This may be a bit of a novice question but out of the couple hundred I’ve loaded of 38/357, I haven’t had a similar issue. thanks for the patience and insights.

the seating die doesn’t seem to seat and crimp at the same time.

To seat the bullet, the plug and die have to be backed out pretty far and it won’t crimp at all. If I screw the die in far enough to crimp then the bullet is pushed way too far in.

If I take out the bullet seater, I can adjust for a crimp no issues.

Am I missing something?

Edit: I’m loading 200gr RNFP Missouri Bullet Co. .452 dia.

 

[BW460]

I might be wrong but it looks to me like you may have put a seating plug in a factory crimp die. Factory crimp dies are not intended to seat a bullet. Does the die have a sizing ring in the mouth?

 

[BW460]

Now that I look at the base, that is not a Lee seating die. The seating die has a beveled base.

 

[bsparker]

Now that I look at the base, that is not a Lee seating die. The seating die has a beveled base.

I was wondering this. I couldn’t find out what the letters on the die were for “LI”. Being used it didn’t come with the appropriate box.

 

[bsparker]

Just ordered a new Seating die ordered. I’m guessing the guy I bought these off of put a seating plug in the crimp die. At least I got these really cheap.

Thanks @BW460

reloading will have to wait

 

[Bfh_auto]

Picked up a used .45 colt die set a while back and just now testing it out. This may be a bit of a novice question but out of the couple hundred I’ve loaded of 38/357, I haven’t had a similar issue. thanks for the patience and insights.

the seating die doesn’t seem to seat and crimp at the same time.

To seat the bullet, the plug and die have to be backed out pretty far and it won’t crimp at all. If I screw the die in far enough to crimp then the bullet is pushed way too far in.

If I take out the bullet seater, I can adjust for a crimp no issues.

Am I missing something?

Edit: I’m loading 200gr RNFP Missouri Bullet Co. .452 dia.

View attachment 1048675

Try putting only one seating plug in. It looks like you are trying to use two.

 

[BW460]

That isn't two seating plugs. The hollow ring is what applies the crimp in a Lee factory crimp die.

 

[BW460]

Now that you will have the correct seating die. Be careful of using the factory crimp die to crimp rounds with lead bullets. The die has a sizing ring in the bottom that may size down your .452" lead bullet. That's not a good thing and may cause leading in your gun.

 

[bsparker]

Now that you will have the correct seating die. Be careful of using the factory crimp die to crimp rounds with lead bullets. The die has a sizing ring in the bottom that may size down your .452" lead bullet. That's not a good thing and may cause leading in your gun.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll do some research and testing when the new die comes in. haven't used a crimp die for straight walled cartridges or lead bullets yet. Appreciate the insights.

 

[berettaprofessor]

The LI is a date code (Month in letters/Year from 2000). Your die was manufactured in December of '01, '11, 0r '21