Hi-Tek Coating and Lee FCD

[Donny1]

Back when components were scarce I purchased some bulk Hi-Tek projectiles from Brazoz.

I loaded a few hundred 9mm a while back without issue. Yesterday I was loading 230gn 45 acp for the first time and I started getting hang ups in the Lee FCD on the way out. It was pulling the bullet back out and shaving some lead. Thin happened on about 5%. I cleaned the die and readjusted but it was still happening.

I know many don't crimp pistol cases or just crimp in the seating die but I like to put a very slight crimp and I have never had an issue over many thousands of other projectiles in any caliber. The coating seems very thick and I'm wondering if it is just expanding the case too much. For context the Lee FCD resizes on the way in and out and advertises that it ensures it will chamber reliably. It has always worked for me.

I know I'm using cheap dies but over 7 calibers I've never had an issue with Lee and see many who add the Lee FCD to better die sets.

Anyone have this experience with powder coated bullets?

[Exiledviking]

I do not use the Lee FCD with coated bullets (I do not load plain lead bullets). I read several posts online that the FCD does not play well with lead bullets as it can resize the bullets. Not a problem with FMJ or JHP bullets. I bought separate crimp dies for the coated bullets I use to avoid what you're experiencing. Do a search online regarding lead/coated bullets and the Lee FCD and you'll see a lot people recommending not using it with lead/coated bullets.

[Donny1]

I do not use the Lee FCD with coated bullets (I do not load plain lead bullets). I read several posts online that the FCD does not play well with lead bullets as it can resize the bullets. Not a problem with FMJ or JHP bullets. I bought separate crimp dies for the coated bullets I use to avoid what you're experiencing. Do a search online regarding lead/coated bullets and the Lee FCD and you'll see a lot people recommending not using it with lead/coated bullets.

Thanks!

I understand now how the carbide insert crushes the coating, or the bullet.

[smoothy8500]

Hi-Tek projectiles from Brazoz.

Anyone have this experience with powder coated bullets?

I've shot lots of Brazos 230 RNFP when they were selling, and still shoot Hoosier's 200 SWC Hi-Tek coated bullets. I'm not familiar with the Lee taper crimp die, but does it seat the bullet as the crimp is placed? I've found that putting the minimal amount of crimp-basically just straightening the case mouth belling, and no more-works best for my loads.

[Cowboy T]

I use Lee FCD's on my cast bullets regularly. Never had the FCD shave bullets.

Haven't seen a picture of your rounds, either before running them through the FCD or after, but I suspect that if you were to take a micrometer to those bullets, they'd be something like 0.359". That's too big for 9mm, which is supposed to be 0.356". As for crimping, there should be only a very slight taper crimp on a 9mm bullet, since it headspaces on the rim.

The Lee FCD *does* resize the entire round to SAAMI specs, and that's by design. It will do that whether the bullet is jacketed or cast lead. They designed it that way to ensure that any round that goes through the FCD will chamber in any SAAMI-spec firearm that uses that cartridge.

[OLD-skool454#3]

I too use the LEE FCD but with my powder coated bullets and have not experienced any issues at all, but I do have an assortment of NOE sizing bushings and case expanders for situations like this. A good investment is in a Sheridan case gauge/ammo checker.

[pennstater]

The OP could also buy/use the Lee Taper Crimp die without the carbide sizer. I had to do this with my .45 acp only. All other Lee carbide crimpers worked perfectly.

[Sandspider500]

The lee 45 acp taper crimp die is the best.