Does this look correct?

[Flowjoe]

Just starting into reloading and picked up a 4 die set of used Lee deluxe dies in .45 ACP. It is supposed to include a factory crimp die but what’s in the box looks nothing like any of the photos of Lee’s .45 ACP factory crimp die. All of Lee’s instructions tell you to screw the adjuster down to set level of crimp but this part (numbered LEE-45 ACP-J2)has no adjuster to tighten or loosen. There are no internal threads. All interweb searches for the above part number return images of a factory crimp die with thumb adjuster or the entire set.

I’ve slipped a used .45 ACP case into the feed end of the die and there is a taper that stops the case’s progress. Does this seem correct?

Any input appreciated.

[Featureless]

.45 ACP headspaces on the mouth of the brass. It doesn't need to be and shouldn't be crimped.

[sghart]

That is a taper crimp die, not the factory crimp die that has a knob at the top.

It is adjusted by putting a loaded round into the press and raising it all the way up. You then screw the die body down until contact with the round, lower the round slighlty, turn the crimp die down maybe 1/4 turn, then crimping the cartridge.

Instructions and videos are on the interwebz.

It is a good tool. It looks like someone kept the factory crimp die that was in your original set and left this in it's place.

I would rather use what you have, you do not want a heavy roll crimp on a round that headspaces on the mouth of the case.

[SkyHawk]

.45 ACP headspaces on the mouth of the brass. It doesn't need to be and shouldn't be crimped.

Unless you shoot them from a revolver that headspaces on a moonclip, especially 45LC/45ACP convertibles. Then maybe (hint: probably) you want a firm crimp so you don't have problems with the unfired projectiles creeping out of their cases as the revolver is fired.

The only reason I reload 45ACP is for use in revolvers. They don't include a crimp die in these kits for nothing. Can we stick to answering the original question?

[Metal God]

No it does not look right at all . The Lee 45acp FCD looks just like the one in the manual in your photos . Also ALL Lee factory crimp dies apply the proper type of crimp for there specific cartridge . Meaning the 45acp , 9mm , 40 S&W etc Lee factory crimp dies all are tapper crimp dies . Lees FCD for 38spl , 357 , 44mag etc are roll crimp dies and there Rifle FCD is the correct crimps for those as well . Lee FCD are not different crimp dies they just call them factory crimp dies .

Here's what my 45acp Lee FCD looks like



And these are the pieces you are likely missing , the insert on the right that applies the crimp and the adjustment knob in the center .

[Flowjoe]

.45 ACP headspaces on the mouth of the brass. It doesn't need to be and shouldn't be crimped.

Thanks, I am aware of this...just wanted to figure out what I received vs what I should have received.

[Flowjoe]

That is a taper crimp die, not the factory crimp die that has a knob at the top.

It is adjusted by putting a loaded round into the press and raising it all the way up. You then screw the die body down until contact with the round, lower the round slighlty, turn the crimp die down maybe 1/4 turn, then crimping the cartridge.

Instructions and videos are on the interwebz.

It is a good tool. It looks like someone kept the factory crimp die that was in your original set and left this in it's place.

I would rather use what you have, you do not want a heavy roll crimp on a round that headspaces on the mouth of the case.

Ok, thanks, this makes sense and confirms my suspicion that it was for tapered crimps...just weird it that I could find no reference to it anywhere...my google-foo must be weak.

[Flowjoe]

Unless you shoot them from a revolver that headspaces on a moonclip, especially 45LC/45ACP convertibles. Then maybe (hint: probably) you want a firm crimp so you don't have problems with the unfired projectiles creeping out of their cases as the revolver is fired.

The only reason I reload 45ACP is for use in revolvers. They don't include a crimp die in these kits for nothing. Can we stick to answering the original question?

You pretty much got it. Getting ready to reload for my Webley MK VI using .45 AR & Webley .455 LRNHB 265’s and figured I’d try reloading some .45 AR with standard .45 bullets for my S & W 625. I can still use the taper crimp for that application so it’s not a total loss I guess.

[Metal God]

Here are the three different Lee factory crimp dies and or inserts

LEFT=rifle FCD / CENTER=tapper crimp FCD insert / RIGHT=roll crimp FCD insert .




They are all called factory crimp dies and all give completely different types of crimps . Hope that helps

[Flowjoe]

No it does not look right at all . The Lee 45acp FCD looks just like the one in the manual in your photos . Also ALL Lee factory crimp dies apply the proper type of crimp for there specific cartridge . Meaning the 45acp , 9mm , 40 S&W etc Lee factory crimp dies all are tapper crimp dies . Lees FCD for 38spl , 357 , 44mag etc are roll crimp dies and there Rifle FCD is the correct crimps for those as well . Lee FCD are not different crimp dies they just call them factory crimp dies .

Here's what my 45acp Lee FCD looks like



And these are the pieces you are likely missing , the insert on the right that applies the crimp and the adjustment knob in the center .

Thanks for the photos...I have a completely different die as there are no threads on the interior into which the insert could thread. Oh well I guess.



Thanks for the responses everyone, much appreciated.

[Flowjoe]

Here are the three different Lee factory crimp dies and or inserts

LEFT=rifle FCD / CENTER=tapper crimp FCD insert / RIGHT=roll crimp FCD insert .




They are all called factory crimp dies and all give completely different types of crimps . Hope that helps