Lee Crimp Die Question

[ezypikns]

I load .38 special, .45 Colt, .45 ACP, & .40 S&W on a Redding Turret Press. I use Lee Factory Crimp Dies on all of these, but I particularly like the roll crimp it gives me in the cannelure of .38 sp and .45 Colt cast lead bullets.
I know you can use the bullet seating die to get a good crimp on the .45 ACP and .40 S&W, but I don't believe I can get the same crimp with the .38 sp and .45 Colt bullet seating dies.
The reason for asking about this is that I'm thinking about buying either a Lee Pro 1000 or Lee Loadmaster progressive press. Only the Loadmaster has the capability to use the crimp die (4 holes in the turret). Do I really need to buy the Loadmaster, or can I use the Lee Pro 1000 (3 holes in the turret) and still get an acceptable crimp on my .38 sp and .45 Colt?

Thanks

 

[loadedround]

It has been proven that the most accurate ammo produced is with a separate seating and crimping die. Unless you trim every single pistol case to the same length it's a difficult job to seat and crimp each case with the exact seating depth and crimp. Done on separate dies it is much easier to set the dies and a much better end product. Most all progessive loaders make use of two separate dies. On a single stage press, it is one extra step, but better quality ammo. JMHO.

 

[Jim Watson]

"I know you can use the bullet seating die to get a good crimp on the .45 ACP and .40 S&W, but I don't believe I can get the same crimp with the .38 sp and .45 Colt bullet seating dies."


That is backwards. Autopistol cartridges are best crimped in a separate step because the bullets lack crimp grooves.

I have loaded a good deal of revolver ammunition with roll crimping in the seating die. It was accurate enough for PPC and IHMSA shooting, not to mention the close range stuff like IDPA and CAS.

 

[JDGray]

A very good roll crimp can be applied without the factory crimp die, for revolvers. I only use FCD, in auto ammo. It's a little harder to adjust the seat/ crimp die, but it works fine.

 

[The Bushmaster]

The only rounds that I use the FCD is on .38 Special to insure a tight crimp and the .30-30 for the same reason. I also trim ALL of these cases to the same length +/- .001 to ensure an even crimp in the same place. The rest of my reloads (9mm, .357) I use the my Seating die to seat the bullet and crimp the case mouth. .45 ACP and .30-06 I don't crimp at all.