Lee Carbide Crimp Die "optional" ????

[at_liberty]

I recently started loading 9, and have the carbide four die set. I'm completely skipping the crimp operation. As another user started, I barely flare the case, and after I seat, I get nice, intimate contact between the bullet and case mouth. I don't know if in getting bullet set back, but with as much tension as I'm feeling, I don't think that it will be a problem.

The seater die does crimp at some level, you know.

[dung8604]

The seater die does crimp at some level, you know.

I actually did not know that. The instructions are very poorly written, and I didn't think they stated that the seater die also crimps.

Thanks for the info. So there shouldn't be any problems with skipping the fourth 'factory crimp' die?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

[at_liberty]

<>So there shouldn't be any problems with skipping the fourth 'factory crimp' die?

Tricky question, since you use a separate crimp operation, if you think you need it...to each his own...whatever works.

[skibuff]

Try using RCBS's seating/crimp die instructions I think they are much easier to follow than Lee's. Yes they work the same way.

You definitely need at least a small crimp if you are loading for a semi auto. Just enough to keep it from bumping deeper in the mag or on the feed ramp. Case pressure can jump very quickly to dangerous levels in 9mm with as little at .10 inch change.

Use the bump test on the side of your loading bench as long as it doesn't push deeper you should be good to go.

http://www.rcbs.com/resources/#product_instructions

[gemini1]

I actually did not know that. The instructions are very poorly written, and I didn't think they stated that the seater die also crimps.

Thanks for the info. So there shouldn't be any problems with skipping the fourth 'factory crimp' die?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

[bruce381]

By that description, I doubt you had an actual "factory crimp die". They do have a regular crimp die.

You are correct thats why I said a side note just my observation on using Lee dies on a dillion thats all. The longer wider mouth dillion dies allowed a easier setup for me and solved a case sizing issue, tho this was 25 years ago maybe Lee is better now.