lee fcd adjustment

[JO JO]

does this sound right i use a 1/2 turn on lee fcd on 9mm and for 357 mag mid loads 3/4 turn, is this enough crimp of to much I check and can not move or push in bullet on eather one.

 

[rcmodel]

I don't know about "turns" but you should never be able to push the bullet in by hand if your case neck tension is right to start with, even before crimping.

For the 9mm, just measure the finished case mouth with your dial caliper.
When properly taper-crimped, it should measure about .376" depending on the brass thickness, but never more then .380" regardless of brand.
All you should be doing is straightening out the case mouth bell.

The revolver rounds are crimped correctly when the bottom of the roll-crimp is in contact with the bottom of the crimp cannelure or crimp groove in the bullet.

rc

 

[noylj]

If you are just learning and the crimp has you confused, save a factory round. With the shell holder empty and raised all the up, screw the FCD crimp stem up all the way, then turn the FCD die body down to just kiss the shell holder. Place the factory round in the shell holder, raise the ram, and turn the crimp stem down until it just contacts the case. This will give you the same crimp as the factory round. Inspect the case mouth to see the crimp.

 

[jhansman]

Practice with a few dispensible rounds to see what degrees of crimp this die can produce. You'll quickly be able to determine what too little and too much look like.