Die question

[Rareform]

I went to the calguns reloading class a few months ago to learn 308 on a rcbs. So after success with the 308 I bought hornady 45 acp dies had a hard time getting the bullet seater/crimp die just right it was tuff but I got it. Saturday I went by phillips wholesale and bought myself a dillon xl650.

Now I can not get the seater/crimp die adjusted just right. Is this normal? Or Should I just buy a separate crimp die? I can get the OAL but the crip is creasing the case and if I back it off it leaves a ridge around the case and won't fit the case gauge?

Any suggestions

[JMP]

I don't know what a "criper" die is. But, a 650 has 5 stations; put a crimp in the last station.

[J-cat]

Buy a dedicated taper crimp die.

[BigBronco]

If properly set up it can be done with one die. However if you are running a progressive with 5 stations and or 4 the best method is with a separate taper crimp die.

To set up your seat die to do it in one step. Begin by bringing the die down until you feel it touch the brass with the ram in the full up position. Next back the die body off by 1 to 1.5 turns. Set the lock ring. Next place a bullet in the case and set the seating depth only. Once the seating depth is set back off the seating stem adjustment and set the crimp. Not too heavy now. Once the cripm is set then re set the Glock ring or jam nut. Then adjust the seating stem back down until it touches the bullet you set up previously. You should be very very close to the best setting.You may need minor adjustments to the seating stem..

[Kmai24]

To set up the seat/crimp die you'll need to have a case(dummy case) that has been resized and expanded/flared. With the ram all the way up start to screw the seat/crimp die down until you feel it make contact with the case(make sure the crimp and seater is backed out), lower the ram and then back off about a 1/2-1 turn. If you look at the die the middle section is the crimp tension and above that is the bullet seater. Start adjusting the crimp by screwing that down. Make your adjustment then run the case through it, if you have a case gauge run it through that if not then use your caliper to measure the crimp. Repeat that process until you get to your desire crimp tension (flare the case then run it though the seater crimp die). Once you have gotten your crimp, next is your bullet seater. To adjust that you'll need to hold in place your crimp (middle section) as you're adjust the seater so you won't screw up your crimp. Place a projectile and run it up in the die. Again, repeat the process until you get your desired seating depth. If it's higher, just keep adjusting down..but of it's too low then you'll need to pull your bullet and start over. Just remember to hold the crimp when adjusting your bullet depth. Hope that makes sense?? It's a lot easier to show someone vs trying to explain it. You can try that and if it doesn't work and if you want to..just go with a seating station and a crimping station.

Good luck and safe reloading

[Joseph Lee]

I prefer seating and crimping as separate operations. It's easier.

[jj805]

Ill echo what others have stated. If you have an extra station, get a taper crimp die, seat in one station, and crimp in another.

[stilly]

I agree. Progressives are delicate and prefer seperate SINGLE operation dies. I think that by seating and crimping in ONE operation you are saving yourself time, but on a progressive that is not needed since it is already saving you time...

[Pauliedad]

Because the 650 (and I assume any progressive press) has just the teenie weenie amount of flex while it's doing its thing with five stations you're going to have a hell of a time getting it adjusted. Go with separate dies. I have found that the adjustments you make for seating depth will be effected once you start resizing. Flare adjustment takes finding a happy medium as well. Too lose and the seater will let a few go way too deep. Too tight and they'll be erratically long.

I love my Dillon 650 but once I find that happy place, I know I will never take that die out. Lots of tool heads in your future.

[Rareform]

Thanks for the info I ordered a crimp die today and will give it a shot.

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

Thanks for the info I ordered a crimp die today and will give it a shot.

You won't regret it.

[mark501w]

Bell, set the depth of your bullet, back off seater , set crimp, bring your seater down lock it all down.