Taper crimp qustion

[selfshrevident]

I'll just start off by saying that I am relatively new when it comes to loading for this caliber and applying crimps in general. I am loading some 180gr 40S&W TMJ FN. After about 250 rounds I started to notice that my crimps were very uneven, and after further research realized that I am crimping WAY too much. They look like roll crimps... (I am using the Lee Deluxe kit that includes the Lee FCD)

To rewind a bit I took the crimp die apart to set up the bulge buster (reloading for a glock). So after I de-glocked my brass, I go to put the crimp die back together and realized that the collar that actually applies the crimp to the brass is shaped slightly differently on either side, with one side being thick and edgy and the other being slightly thinner (I think?) and possibly tapered a bit (and I know it sounds like I'm answering my own question but I want to make sure)... I didn't pay attention to how it was placed in there originally before I took it apart. So I just threw it back in there with the thicker side facing downward toward the cartridge and to make a long story short my crimps look like roll crimps. I took it apart and switched that collar around to the thinner/tapered side then reassembled. Tested it on a couple dummy rounds to see if I got a proper taper crimp but now I cant even tell if it's doing anything (from what I've read/seen a taper crimp is really not even noticeable).

Does anybody know how that collar is supposed to be placed in the Lee FCD? And for anyone else using this same crimp die and loading for 40, how many turns are you doing on the crimp adjuster? Lee says half turn for light crimp, full turn for heavy.

I'll include some pictures of the collar.

[XDRoX]

Too much crimp plane and simple. You need to back it way off.

Lee's taper crimp dies will apply a roll crimped when down too far.

Remember all your crimp die should be doing is removing the bell you made to place the bullet. Nothing more. Use the die to make the case straight again and call it good.

See that everyone, I can give useful advice without mentioning his use of the LFCD and bulge buster
Yes it was hard, but I did it.

[selfshrevident]

Too much crimp plane and simple. You need to back it way off.

Lee's taper crimp dies will apply a roll crimped when down too far.

Remember all your crimp die should be doing is removing the bell you made to place the bullet. Nothing more. Use the die to make the case straight again and call it good.

See that everyone, I can give useful advice without mentioning his use of the LFCD and bulge buster
Yes it was hard, but I did it.

Understood, but is that collar shaped differently on either side? And do you know how it is supposed to go into the die?

[XDRoX]

Just re-read your post. I have no idea how that piece of sh$& die goes back together. I guess I wasn't as helpful as I thought. And damn it all, I didn't get through this thread without saying something bad about the LFCD

[korny351]

Use your calipers to measure the ID of the crimp sleeve. Larger opening will face downward.

[selfshrevident]

Use your calipers to measure the ID of the crimp sleeve. Larger opening will face downward.

Forgive me but what is "ID"?

[M27]

Inner diameter. It means measure the inside. Opposit would be OD or outer diameter.

[selfshrevident]

Inner diameter. It means measure the inside. Opposit would be OD or outer diameter.

Alright just did it and the side that I thought was thinner is actually thinner. I will place that side down. Would you do a half turn or full turn for a taper crimp for 40S&W? (to adjust the amount of crimp)

[M27]

Start with a half turn. If it looks like it is still belled keep moving down in 1/4 turn increments. Measure, the crimped area, it should be .001-.004" smaller than where the bullet is in the brass.

[Bill Steele]

Thinner side down.

After you have seated a bullet but before you run the round through the crimp die, pull the round out and hold it up to the light, you will see the case mouth belled out.

Screw the adjustor knob back out all the way. Run the ram up all the way, then turn the crimp adjustor knob down till you feel the collar engage the case. Now run the ram down and adjust the crimp knob down slightly. Cycle the ram and inspect the round. Keep doing this until you see that the belling on the case mouth is gone. The crimp die is properly adjusted at this point.

If you go too far the crimp will start looking like a roll crimp. If you keep going the case mouth will actually start going straight again, making the case mouth resemble a bottle neck rifle case (in miniature).

Anyway, you get the idea.

[selfshrevident]

Thanks guys. I just did another batch of 80 and had the crimp die assembled correctly this time. Tuned the die just right to take the bell out, and now they look even all around. Appreciate all the responses!

[sjg1966]

Just re-read your post. I have no idea how that piece of sh$& die goes back together. I guess I wasn't as helpful as I thought. And damn it all, I didn't get through this thread without saying something bad about the LFCD

Lol @ Chris. I forgot about your hatered of the FCD

[J-cat]

I don't crimp anymore. I set the die to create a superficial bell, seat, and shoot.

Federal Cartrige doesn't crimp. Neither does Speer. Winchester still crimps. Their factory crimp looks like the OP's: