Stupid question - Does Lee 9mm seating die taper crimp?

[Arkansas Paul]

Sorry if this is basic. I'm new to 9mm loading. Just bought my first one this weekend.

I have the Lee 3 die set. I know the seating dies will also crimp, but I also know that taper crimp is need on auto cartridges, with roll crimp being reserved for revolvers.

Does the seating die for 9mm perform the taper crimp if adjusted correctly? It wouldn't really make sense for a die for auto rounds to roll crimp I don't think.

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

 

[243winxb]

From Lee -

Handgun/Pistol

Carbide Pistol 3-Die Sets contain the carbide sizer (require no lubrication), the powder through expanding die, the seater / crimping die, a shell holder, powder dipper and load data. The bullet seating/crimping die applies a modified taper crimp negating the need for a separate taper crimp die.

There are two crimp shoulders in our bullet seating dies. The first shoulder applies a slight taper crimp and the second shoulder applies
a full roll crimp. The closer the die is adjusted to the shell holder the heavier the crimp will be.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Ahh. So you can adjust a certain amount for taper, or all the way for roll crimp.
Thank you.

 

[beatledog7]

So you can adjust a certain amount for taper, or all the way for roll crimp

But be very leery of applying a roll crimp on a cartridge that headspaces on the case mouth. Actually, don't do it, ever.

 

[wally]

As long as I stay on top of OAL length issues with different bullets, I've just not had problems since Lee came out with their "Factory Crimp" die. So now its a 4-die set with the seater just seating to set the OAL.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Absolutely beatledog. That's why I was asking if the seater die taper crimped. I knew that roll crimp is a bad idea for auto rounds in general, and the ones that headspace on the case mouth in specific.

As long as I stay on top of OAL length issues with different bullets, I've just not had problems since Lee came out with their "Factory Crimp" die. So now its a 4-die set with the seater just seating to set the OAL.

Yeah, I wanted the 4 die set, but couldn't find it anywhere. I found an individual with the 3 die set and made a trade for it. I'm just wanting to make it work without the fcd, and I think I can without too much difficulty.

 

[243winxb]

Thats what Lee's website said. I have no idea. I use RCBS.

 

[Walkalong]

The only die I have ever seen with a taper crimp leading into a roll crimp ledge is the Redding Profile Crimp die.

The seater dies in standard three die handgun sets crimp.

If you don't want to fool with that, buy a dedicated taper crimp die, or an extra seater and remove the seater plug.

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?userSearchQuery=9mm+taper+crimp+die

But yes, your Lee seater crimps.

 

[Matt Dillon]

I HIGHLY recommend NOT crimping with the sweater die, and DO recommend crimping in a separate operation with a Lee factory crimp die.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

i like to use a sweater die to keep my rounds nice and warm

 

[-Gadsden-]

I HIGHLY recommend NOT crimping with the seater die, and DO recommend crimping in a separate operation with a Lee factory crimp die.

why not? is the factory crimp from the 4 die set more reliable? The 3 die set on Amazon Prime for $39 is sure tempting me!

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Go for it Gadsden. I got the seater die adjusted right and it's doing great. I had to play with it a little. Scrapped a couple pieces of brass, but figured it out. You just can't adjust it down to the point where it's roll crimping. There is a point where it applies a slight taper crimp when seating. It may take 5 minutes, but once you find the sweet spot you're good to go. Went to the range and my loads are feeding and cycling just fine.

 

[greyling22]

I highly recommend NOT using the factory crimp die to crimp if you are using lead bullets. Especially oversize lead bullets.

I don't know how the lee seater crimps, but it works fine. Heck, I've accidentally reloaded a makarov case as a 9mm before and it fired fine. I'm assuming it headspaced on the extractor. I don't get too wound up about headspace on a handgun as long as it cycles.

 

[jim243]

9mm Luger rounds are for Semi-autos and do not need a crimp. The 9mm case is a tapered case to start with, if you use your seating die correctly your rounds will work just fine. I use the FCD with the crimping stem backed all the way up just to make sure I have taken the "flare" from the powder through die out and have the case set to spec after seating the bullet. This is a personal choice thing and does not need to be done unless you are experiencing failure to feed problems, then this will correct it.

Up to each reloader as to how they want to handle it.
Jim

 

[ObsidianOne]

It's recommend to use the FCD to ensure the rounds feed correctly in semi autos and some say it increases the accuracy of the ammo. I can't say whether it does or not, but I've always used it and haven't had any issues.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[bensdad]

I've never had any problems with the 3-die sets. I've got Lee and RCBS both. Others discourage using them and would have us get the factory crimp die. I suppose it's easier and perhaps more accurate, but I've never had a problem.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

This is a personal choice thing and does not need to be done unless you are experiencing failure to feed problems, then this will correct it.

This is spot on. My Sig .40 was having failure to feed problems with handloads and I bought a FCD and it fixed the problem. Haven't had a ftf since I got it.

I've got it figured out with the seating die. I've got it screwed down where it's putting a very light taper crimp on it, barely taking out the flare. They're feeding as smooth as can be. The only thing it hasn't digested was my fault.