Taper crimping .32 ACP

[Walkalong]

My Lee .32 ACP die set has a "modified taper crimp" in the seater. That is code for it won't taper crimp worth beans. The crimp ledge is about 45 degrees and case length/adjustment is super critical. The Redding profile crimp dies have a taper crimp leading to a roll crimp ledge. The Lee does not. Just 99% straight until the sharp crimp ledge. That angle works fine for roll crimping.


The Redding taper crimp die in .32 ACP is $29 and the RCBS taper crimp .32 ACP die is $23 at Midway. Lee doesn't make one. Dang

Lee does make a taper crimp die in .32 Long though. $11. Heck. I'll just make it work and save some money. Right?

I had to cut off 1/4" off the bottom so the case would reach the crimp area, then grind off 1/4" worth of threads so it would go down in the cutout in the LNL shell plate, then remake the mouth of the die and polish it internally. There was not enough of the threads left for a lock nut, so I had to get it adjusted just so and used Lock-Tite to hold it in the bushing.

Next time I would just buy the RCBS. Saving $12 wasn't worth it.

Works good though.

 

[788Ham]

I believe Lee does make a "factory crimp die" for about $7.00, I've got one for several calibers, 223, '06, 300 Sav., 44 mag. When you go onto Midway's site, type in Lee crimp dies, it will take you there and you can look then. Good luck!

 

[Walkalong]

They make one for .32 Long/Mag. It is of, course, a roll crimp.

 

[jcwit]

I use a Lee 3 die set to reload .32 ACP and experience none of the problems you mentioned. Have reloaded 100's of rounds with it, but maybe I don't know what I'm doing.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

useing Lee dies .32acp I load a cast rn from mike at mastercast that's a bit over jacketed slug diameter. at about midway up the powder data this shoots noticeably better in my Beretta than any factory load. just a slight crimp as the slug is a tight fit to begin with.
them little pills are a pain to handle but the pistol sure is a pleasure to shoot.
it's my pocket rocket around my place 24/7.

 

[Walkalong]

maybe I don't know what I'm doing.

Well, I know that you know what you are doing, so maybe I just couldn't get the adjustment right. I am using mixed cases and the case length varies a good bit. Therein lies the problem I was having. Maybe I am just being too picky. I am guilty of that from time to time.

 

[zeke]

Ordered a 32 acp LFC directly from Lee several weeks ago, still waiting. It isn't a standard production, and don't know if they ever made one before. Was also looking for a better crimp on different makes (slightly dif lengths) brass. Also ordered a .380 undersize die.