3 die set vs 4 die set

[Colt562]

Which one do I need if I plan on reloading with a single stage press? I would be reloading either 45 acp 9 mm 308 556

[Bill Steele]

For handgun, a 3 die set will work fine in a single stage and save you a step.

For rifle, unless you are crimping, the 2 dies set will be fine. If you are crimping, the Factory Crimp Die in the three dies set is a nice option.

[Colt562]

For a rifle should I crimp or not?

[blockfort]

Call Lee Precision, they have great customer service.

[XDRoX]

For pistol a 3 die set is all you need. Especially on a single stage. A 4th die would be a 4th unnecessary step.

If you talking about loading for an AR, some guys crimp, some don't. You'll find it's a pretty even split. If I was loading on a single stage then I wouldn't crimp AR rounds. But I load on a progressive so it doesn't slow me down any so I apply a light crimp.

[Bill Steele]

For a rifle should I crimp or not?

It depends on the application.

For most paper punching with a bolt gun, probably not.

If you are shooting an autoloader in a caliber above 5.56 (like an M1, likely), hunting with a full magazine maybe, shooting a magnum cartridge in something other than a Ruger No 1 and not single loading, likely, lever gun with a tubular magazine, yes, etc.

[tonygg]

...4 die set for 45ACP...

Which one do I need if I plan on reloading with a single stage press? I would be reloading either 45 acp 9 mm 308 556

Hi Colt, I'm only referring to loading 45ACP in my response. It is absolutely best
if you crimp in a separate step from your seater die. You'll need a taper
crimp die for this. Seating and crimping can be done in a single die, but the results
are generally unsatisfactory. You really need to control the crimp and the
taper crimp die provides the ability to easily set the crimp to 1/2 of
a .001" if necessary. The crimp can and will affect accuracy of your loads.
All of the Bullseye Match shooters that I've met, use a separate taper crimp die
to load their match ammunition.

Tony

[JNunez23]

3 Die set will get you started. The 4th might be a crimp or sizing die.

[XDRoX]

Seating and crimping can be done in a single die, but the results are generally unsatisfactory.

A single die that both crimps and seats is not the simplest thing to set up. But once you understand how to do it it's actually very easy and it will produce quality ammunition once it's correctly set up.

On a progressive press it is handy to seat and crimp in separate steps because you can easily adjust one or the other separately. But on a single stage it's silly to seat and crimp in different stages. More time. Guys have been reloading for a hundred years with seat/crimp dies. Millions of rounds have been made and shot with these dies.

If your results are generall unsatisfactory then I'd argue that you may not be setting up the die correctly.

[bohoki]

3 die sets on 9mm and 45 acp

2 die set on 223 and 308

but thats me

[stand125]

I seat/crimp in the same step when loading 45ACP and 38 special in the same step. You should be putting a very mild crimp on 45ACP anyways so it really is very simple if you follow the manufacturers instructions ( raise ram, screw in die till touches case, turn slightly more for mild crimp and your done with the crimp adjustment ). If you have really old dies then a seperate die might be usefull, but any new dies will have a bullet seating/crimp die and will make a seperate crimp die unneeded.

[stand125]

You really need to control the crimp and the
taper crimp die provides the ability to easily set the crimp to 1/2 of
a .001" if necessary. The crimp can and will affect accuracy of your loads.
All of the Bullseye Match shooters that I've met, use a separate taper crimp die
to load their match ammunition.

Tony

If you are trying to replicate match shooters then you have more to worry about then a seperate crimp, you have to trim even your pistol brass and have to use the same brand of brass, and only the brass that you have shot or else your crimp will very slightly from one loaded round to the next.

[Colt562]

Thanks everyone and bohoki thanks for the straight and too the point answer

[mjmagee67]

Go with a 4 die set for your first set. That way you can try crimping with the seating die or a dedicated crimp die. The cost difference ain't all that big if get Lee dies. Once you figure out what you like buy those.

FWIW I load one a single stage and crimp with a separate die. Just like it better. I also did a little test to crimp or not to crimp my 30-06 rounds. Got no change in accuracy either way on bullets with and without cannulars! Seriously now I just crimp all my rifle bullets just incase. YMMV

[CalTeacher]

3 die set for handgun, 3 die set for rifle only if crimping...otherwise a 2 die set.