Which dies?

[09cs]

I'm finally getting my components together to start loading pistols (9mm and 45 acp), and was looking at the LEE carbide die sets http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-...mm+carbide+die

But there are a 3 and 4 die set one? Is the 4th die a crimp? or What is the main difference? T

Thanks!

[Bastard]

I believe that the 4th die is a crimp die - get the 4 die set, though there will be many that will disagree with using the Lee FCD.

[Leadingall]

The 3 die has a crimp built into the seating die, I think. The 4 die set has a separate die for a factory crimp. It depends on what press you're using, if you only have 3 stations, stick with the 3 die, if you have 4 stations get the 4.

[LMan57]

The 4th die is a crimp die. I have a 4 die set for 9MM
they do the job no problems with them at all.

[bigedp51]

I'm finally getting my components together to start loading pistols (9mm and 45 acp), and was looking at the LEE carbide die sets http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-...mm+carbide+die

But there are a 3 and 4 die set one? Is the 4th die a crimp? or What is the main difference? T

Thanks!

The four die set contains the factory crimp die which I prefer because I seat the bullet in one die and crimp in the second die.
To me this gives better results and I'm still using my 1973 Rockchucker press and never felt the need for a progressive press. (call me slow but sure)

[jj805]

The only difference between the two sets is the 4 die set comes with the factory crimp die. The seating die in both sets will also crimp. The right set for you depends on what type of press you are using, and how you feel like setting it up. I use the 4 die set in a five station progressive and crimp separately from seating, so I use the factory crimp die, however, if I ever decide to add a bullet feeder, I would have to either use a powder through expander, of I could chose to seat and crimp in one station. It's all about how you decide you want to set up your press.

[BajaJames83]

4 die set the 4th is the factory crimp die worth every penny

[9mmepiphany]

The Lee FCD really is worth it. I added it to my RCBS set to crimp separately and to resize again to deal with Glock 9mm cases...well worth the $16 it cost to address a specific issue with my cases.

I was surprised that the adjustment screw was aluminum, but I guess it is a low stress part. I was a bit more unhappy that the locking ring for the die body used an O-ring rather than a set screw...I replace mine with a Hornady Sure-Loc lock ring

[09cs]

I'm using a lee turret press (4 stations), thanks guys! Will be getting the 4 piece in 9mm and 45 ACP!

[RR.44]

I prefer the RCBS 3pc die set, seat and crimp in one step, plus the locking rings are secured with a set screw.

[followingc]

I started loading 45ACP with a Hornady 3-die set this year and have been very happy with the results. I decided to start loading 9mm and picked up this set for $25 (plus 100 free bullets with the rebate):

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/667162/hornady-custom-grade-new-dimension-nitride-3-die-set-9mm-luger?cm_vc=wishList

I like the bullet seater alignment sleeve feature. The TiNi rings in the sizer are smooth. I'm putting a very,very slight crimp on the 45's so I can't really speak to the crimping.

[reckoner]

I'm using a lee turret press (4 stations), thanks guys! Will be getting the 4 piece in 9mm and 45 ACP!

I use the LCT with the 4 die set. It's really nice being able to dial in the seating and the crimping independently of each other.

[09cs]

I use the LCT with the 4 die set. It's really nice being able to dial in the seating and the crimping independently of each other.

That's what I'm thinking too

[9mmepiphany]

I like the bullet seater alignment sleeve feature. The TiNi rings in the sizer are smooth. I'm putting a very,very slight crimp on the 45's so I can't really speak to the crimping.

I love the Hornady Seating die's sliding sleeve and plan to add it to any semi-auto set I buy.

Be aware that it is a good thing that you aren't crimping much with that die set.

That die set comes with a Roll Crimp, rather than the Taper Crimp usually recommended for loading the 9mm. Hornady offers a Seating die with the taper crimp and also offers a separate Taper Crimp die

[milotrain]

I use a lee FCD or a Dillon crimp die. I very much appreciate a separate crimp die.