Several months ago I purchased a 4 lee die set for my 45 colt and a few weeks later a set for my 357. I was under the impression that the carbide collar was suppose to size the case back down to factory spec. after using the expander die and the bullet seat die. I have loaded maybe 150 rounds using a medium crimp without a problem. The other day I loaded up 40 rounds and went to the range only to find none would chamber. Returned home and took the factory crimp die out of box and found I could push loaded round completely into die with slight push. Used a lee tapered crimp die and they chambered like normal, went to range and fired them with no problem. Tonight I was going to reload some more up but decided to see what they did in factory die before I resized them. They dropped right into the factory crimp die. Tried the same with 357 factory crimp die and 357 fired cases and they could not be pushed into the factory crimp die. The carbide collar looks good, the only change I made was I lightened the crimp up very slightly. Has anyone else had a problem like this? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I only reload semi-auto pistol and rifle loads but have had nothing but great results from my Lee FCDs. I would have to agree that you have a bad die and Lee will be glad to exchange for you.
I am a bit confused by your description but, I'm easily confused anyway. . You may simply need to readjust your factory crimp dies. You should be using a roll crimp on your .45 Colt as well as your .38/.357 cartridges. Taper crimps are used on rimless pistol cases.
I have two lee factory crimp dies and they work as advertised. I had thought about buying more but honestly my Redding or RCBS dies crimping after seating has worked just fine. The two I have are for .223 and 38/357.
Heck, if you adjust the Lee seating dies correctly, THEY crimp them. A factory crimp die is better when all the cases are NOT the exact same length. But who wants to trim their cases every single time they are reloaded so you can crimp with the seating die?.
If you dont have a case gauge
Load a round then test fit it in the gun
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Gun and Game Forum
2.6M posts
30.5K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to hunters and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, trails, clubs, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more. The friendliest gun forum on the Internet!