223 Rem Factory Crimp Die Issues

[Scottie15]

Hello, I recently set my Lee Loadmaster up to reload 223 Rem. I got a Lee factory crimp die (FCD) for the last hole in the turret to put a light crimp so I don't accidentally push any bullets in too far while banging mags and running around for 3-gun shoots. I know some people always crimp and other see no need to...

My issue is that after sizing the brass, the case will go all the way into the FCD (see pics). I have successfully used the FCD on my pistol calibers, so I am familiar with it's setup and how it should function. I should be able to screw the die into the press at the top of the stroke until it touches the case mouth, then lower the shell plate, screw the die in ~1/2 turn for a light crimp. However, on sized cases, the part of the die that is supposed to impart the crimp doesnt even touch the case mouth or bullet. It is almost as though the dies is the wrong caliber(??).

I tried setting the FCD with an unsized case, and was able to feel the point where the die contacts the case mouth. Once I sized that case, the neck no longer touched the FCD, and it would fit all the way into the die.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking of calling Lee, but by the time I got to it last night, it was too late. Any ideas?

Setup: Remington cases 1.75" (I think... they are at home and I'm at work)
Loadmaster Stations:
#1: RCBS full length size and decap
#2: RCBS Small base size & prime
#3: Lee Charging Die
#4: RCBS Seater (no crimp)
#5: Lee FCD

[freakshow10mm]

Definitely contact Lee. The die is not made right. The collet shouldn't allow the cartridge to enter that much.

[joelogic]

My crimp dies are at least 1/2" away from the shell plate and if I screwed it all the way down the cases would be mangled. Post a pic of the top side of the die with a case in it.

[EKIM]

The cylindrical part without threads is push upby the shell plate, into the die. That causes the four "pedals" to tighten and crimp the case. It should be in the little manual.

[ar15barrels]

The cylindrical part without threads is push upby the shell plate, into the die. That causes the four "pedals" to tighten and crimp the case. It should be in the little manual.

This is correct.
I will add that the shellholder sets the protrusion into the die.
The case and shellholder slide into the die until the shellholder contacts the collet.
Then you continue adjusting the die down until the desired crimp is achieved.

This picture shows the 4 jaws of the collet crimping against the case neck:

[Scottie15]

AR15, EKIM & Freak - Thanks for the help guys. You helped me confirm my suspicions that the die was not made correctly, or was shipped in the wrong box. I suspect it might be a 24 caliber die..?

joelogic - I agree. The other cartridges I load for using the FCD have about 1/2" of space btwn the die and the shell plate. This one struck me as odd as soon as I put a sized case in it.