Lee .223 Ultimate Rifle Die Set Problem

[Donny1]

I just tried loading/setting up these dies and there is an issue with the bullet seating and the FCD.

When I try to screw the bullet seating die down to just touch the case it hits the shell holder before contacting the case. Same problem with the FCD, not even close to crimping when it hits the shell holder.

I'm fairly new to reloading but I have had no issues with a few hundred 9mm and 45acp and I'm familiar with how to set things up but these are my first rifle rounds. I'm thinking they are defective, or I am.

All cases were Full length resized and trimmed to 1.750

[Tommy Gun]

You need to seat the bullet in the case mouth then screw down the die till it hits the bullet. If I'm understanding your issue correctly.

[Tommy Gun]

Forgot to add, after you hit the bullet you incrimently screw down the die till you get your desired seating depth.

[Donny1]

Like I said I know how to set up dies. The dies are hitting the shell holder without contacting the top of the case mouth therefor it cannot crimp in the seating die or FCD. I don't need to crimp but the fact that die(s) is not capable means there is something wrong with them from what I can see.

['ol shooter]

Reread the direction sheet that came with the set and see if that helps you. I have the same set and it works just fine. On crimping, I ran 50 crimped and 50 not crimped in a comparison. The bullets stayed put just fine without a crimp in once fired cases, and didn't note any issues with either hitting point of aim.

[highpower790]

Dont crimp,not necessary.

[Donny1]

Thank you for all the responses. I will put this in the live and learn category.

In the Lee 4 die carbide pistol sets the bullet seating die CAN crimp but may be backed out and crimping can be done separately with the FCD. In the 4 die .223 rifle set this is not the case. After reading more and watching videos I discovered that the Dead Length Bullet Seating die in the rifle set "will not crimp" and must be done with the FCD if crimping is your preference.

That is on me for not reading and assuming it functioned the same as the pistol bullet seating dies.

Also after playing with the adjustment the FCD does work. I think I got thrown off when the seating die was not able to crimp.

As far as crimping vs not, every other thread where that comes up is virtually split on how many do or don't so simply saying I don't need to do it when trying to resolve an issue is not helpful. In other words, if the die was defective suggesting I not crimp would mean I'm using a die that was possibly unsafe to use and ignoring the problem and using it anyway. A quick fix is not something I'm looking for when doing something that is potentially dangerous.

The long and short of it is the info out there on the web GENERALLY suggests that bullet seating dies CAN crimp. Maybe those statement refer to straight walled case only. Like I said, fairly new to this and learning as I go, sometimes by making mistakes. I just try to ensure they are corrected before the ammo goes in the gun.

['ol shooter]

Glad you sorted it out.

[pacrat]

The long and short of it is the info out there on the web GENERALLY suggests that bullet seating dies CAN crimp. Maybe those statement refer to straight walled case only.

The issue with GENERALLY accepted "Rule of Thumb" answers. Is that not all thumbs are created equal. As you discovered with your Lee Dead Length Seater.

General Rule of thumb responses do include that the vast majority of seating dies by other makers. Do seat/crimp if desired. Controlled by how the die is adjusted. And not just "straight wall cases", but also bottleneck rifle seating dies, such as Lyman/RCBS/Redding/, etc, etc.

And to echo " 'ol shooter ". Glad you got it sorted out.

[FLIGHT762]

Sometimes, we get too confident in what we think we know. The Lee FCD and the Neck only Collet die are two examples. They are different than traditional designs. The N/O collet die works on a completely different principal. It uses a collet to size the neck.

It takes reading the instructions several times to understand. It takes about 25 Ft. #'s of pressure to get it to work properly. You will learn the "feel" of the collet squeezing the neck. Many guys apply too much ram pressure and blow off the cap off of top of the die, not getting the "feel" of it working.

Beginners also get into issues when first getting in using Bushing dies and neck expanding mandrels.

There is a learning curve when changing over to another new reloading method.

Glad you figured it out.

[tonyjr]

While not required , I set up the crimp any way .
I have a load master - why not use all the die holes .
Some times there is to much flare and the crimp will stop / correct that .
Yes , we use range brass .