Lee Factory Crimp .223 Issues on Dillon 650

[glock_nor_cal]

I load tested and found my .223 with LC bases, CCI 400, 24.5 gr TAC. Hornady 55gr FMJBT W-C, loaded to 2.31" with the LFCD was more accurate in my Larue AR then than same load without a crimp so I started cranking out 2000. I did about 1000 and realized the last 300-400 cases were smashed and bent by the LFCD. My rings were still tight on my seat and crimp die and all the brass was trimmed to the same length on the Dillon RT-1500. I'm not understanding why it happened, because I switched to the Dillon taper crimp .223 die and it works beautifully now with no issues. I think the crimp is basically the same thing so I am just going to roll with this for the remaining 1200 rounds or so I need to make. Anyone have any similar problems with the Lee FCD? I really wanted to like this thing after all the reviews I read.

[mjmagee67]

The collets got stuck. It can happen if you cycle the press without a case and the shell plate pushes up on the collets. Take the die apart and lube up. I like the Lee FDC for rifle better than the "taper" crimp dies. The only rifle I've found that doesn't shoot better with a crimp is my 204 Ruger. It doesn't seem the crimp does anything.

[stranded1980]

I prefer the Lee FCD as well. But as mentioned above, the die needs to be "maintained". YouTube has videos of the necessary places on the FCD that require a light sanding and lubing.

I appreciate the good crimp it gives for when a cartridge gets jostled around in either a magazine or from my clumsiness.

[NorCalFocus]

As the others said, lube that girl up. Don't go just ramming your projectile in there dry.

The LFCD does have the advantage that all your cases need not be trimmed to the same length.

[anyracoon]

I use the Lee FCD on all of the rifle & pistol I load, just keep them clean and no problems will arise.