Lee Die Set Question

[Reeferman]

I really like the Redding Dual Ring Sizing die as it gives me optimal neck tension while not overworking the body.

Other manufacturers have to decide on a compromise between optimal neck tension and how much they want to over size the rest of the case. Some make better choices than others. With the Dual Ring die the different sized rings mean you don't have to make that compromise on the size of the carbide ring.

I've had friends over to use my press to finish loading (charge, seat, crimp) their .38Spl rounds. Every now and then, they'd have a case that allowed the bullet to fall in when place in the case mouth. Running that case through the Dual Ring die (after removing the decapping pin) fixed the neck tension...these were usually the thinner R-P cases

Thanks

 

[FROGO207]

It is amazing that for many years we---as a group of reloaders managed to load good ammo WITHOUT a FCD. I still do not need any of them but use one for 30-30 just because it is easier than trimming every time.

 

[Walkalong]

many years

Many decades.

 

[RealGun]

It is amazing that for many years we---as a group of reloaders managed to load good ammo WITHOUT a FCD. I still do not need any of them but use one for 30-30 just because it is easier than trimming every time.

Speak for yourself though, because an FCD with just the post sizing ring is a respectable tool to have around. I don't think we need to pee on that campfire yet again.

 

[Walkalong]

I didn't take that as peeing on anyone's campfire, just stating facts. Some folks think you can't load without them. Not true, it can be done either way, and novice reloaders sometimes unknowingly cover up mistakes they are making with its use. I would never recommend it to beginning reloaders.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I would never recommend it to beginning reloaders

It took me a bit to understand this. I've never bought a Lee FCD, but I have them for 9mm and .45ACP.

Early on I thought they were a great "fixer" step, until I realized that if I set my resizing die correctly, very little had to be fixed...even less after I started sorting my brass.

When I get a 9mm round that won't pass my Hundro Case Gauge, running it through a FCD will often squeeze it enough to pass. If it won't pass after that, it goes into the Practice Ammo box

 

[RealGun]

It took me a bit to understand this. I've never bought a Lee FCD, but I have them for 9mm and .45ACP.

Early on I thought they were a great "fixer" step, until I realized that if I set my resizing die correctly, very little had to be fixed...even less after I started sorting my brass.

When I get a 9mm round that won't pass my Hundro Case Gauge, running it through a FCD will often squeeze it enough to pass. If it won't pass after that, it goes into the Practice Ammo box

On at least the 45 ACP, what worked for me was running all the brass through the bulge buster, which happens to use the post sizing ring of an FCD, crimp adjuster removed from the die body. Other than that, I load mostly lead bullets, mostly for revolvers, and count on RCBS Cowboy dies to handle larger diameter bullets than would standard dies of any commonly available brand. In 9mm, I have only ever used FMJ, so Lee is a good enough die choice, and bullet swaging concerns do not apply. I am going to try the 9mm Makarov version to run 9mm tapered cases through a bulge buster setup. For fired mystery brass there is no setup magic to it. The brass simply has to be prepped before even approaching a reloading station, if any consistency is expected..

 

[kmw1954]

Some folks think you can't load without them. Not true, it can be done either way, and novice reloaders sometimes unknowingly cover up mistakes they are making with its use. I would never recommend it to beginning reloaders.

My take would be a little different in that I wouldn't suggest it to anyone loading cast lead. Yet if one were loading jacketed or plated auto loaders I would suggest having one on hand. The purchase cost difference between the 3 die set and the 4 die set isn't that much but to add just the die is costly. Though I would still advocate for starting with just the first 3 dies and learn how to use the seating/crimp die the way it was designed to be used.

 

[Walkalong]

Well, it is worse for lead than jacketed. Just don't see the need either way.