Lee factory crimp die

[wadeestes]

I use the Lee factory crimp die as a last step in loading 45-70 loads. I find it leaves a slight bulging ring near the top of the brass; immediately below the crimp. Is this normal?? Is there something to adjust so this doesn't happen?

Thanks,

Wade

[Buffboy]

No, it is not. I suspect you are running the cartridge too far into the die and over crimping.

[Catshooter]

I think buffboy nailed it in one.


Cat

[J Miller]

If I remember the instructions that came with my 30-30 die, you are supposed to adjust the die body so that when the case is fully in the die the collett fingers just fully close, no more.

Could be your die is adjusted a bit too low.

Joe

[alnitak]

I agree with the experts. I also use a FCD for my .45-70 and have experienced no such bulging.

[wadeestes]

Thanks, gents! I re-calibrated the die according to instructions and it's fine now. It was a bit too low, making the crimp too aggressive.

This is a great place to get help!

Wade

[jlchucker]

I've used the LFC die for years now and haven't noticed any bulges as described. I have experieced a bulge something like it though some years ago when crimping 35 Remington loads using the crimp shoulder in a RCBS seating die. That's an easy thing to do with that caliber if your cases aren't of exact uniform length and you don't set the die up exactly right for seating and crimping. The LFC die is quite forgiving in this respect, since its collet action in rifle cases squeezes, as opposed to bumping downward when crimping.

[COSteve]

No, it is not. I suspect you are running the cartridge too far into the die and over crimping.

Absolutely. Screw the center out a bit so it's not pushing down on the bullet and adjust the crimp with the die position. I use them on all my straight wall calibers (30 car, 38/357, 40s&w, 10mm, and 45acp) but only just enough to remove the belling.