What did you do today in the world of reloading?

[rp-]

The collet die is for rifle. Carbide fcd is for pistol sets. I haven't had any issues using the carbide fcd with lead bullets for 380, 9, or 45. They still hit the target.

In theory if they're squeezing the lead bullets then they're squeezing the jacketed bullets, too. I know I'm just a pool guy but I know lead, brass, and copper are all softer than carbide, and carbide will always win in that fight. The carbide fcd die uses a carbide ring at the bottom to "post-size" your brass after seating and there is a floating crimp ring inside that actually crimps case mouth. That's the part that can **** up your bullets.

In short, the carbide ring is like the same dimensions as a chamber and chambering any pistol round isn't going to change the bullet at all.

Yes, If you over do the fcd it can squeeze the bullets and make them slightly smaller than the bore. If you set your die properly you won't have the problem.

I'll take one apart when I get home and hammer apart a couple bullets to show you.

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[SQLGeek]

There are two factory crimp dies. The collet crimp die works like a champ. The CARBIDE factory crimp die sizes the entire cartridge down to SAAMI spec.

Yes, which is why I specified handgun FCD. The four die handgun sets come with the Carbide FCD, not the collet style. Not offered in 32 ACP but you can buy a separate carbide FCD in 32 s&w / 32 long / 32 ACP. This roll crimps the round. I don't know enough about 32 ACP to know if that's appropriate or if a taper crimp would be better:

https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/4-die-set-pistol/

They do sell collet style crimp dies for a few different revolver chamberings but not in 32 ACP:

https://leeprecision.com/lee-collet-style-crimp-die/

The Lee rifle 4 die sets come with the collet style rifle FCD:

https://leeprecision.com/ultimate-rifle-die-set/

 

[lonestardiver]

Yes, which is why I specified handgun FCD. The four die handgun sets come with the Carbide FCD, not the collet style. Not offered in 32 ACP but you can buy a separate carbide FCD in 32 s&w / 32 long / 32 ACP. This roll crimps the round. I don't know enough about 32 ACP to know if that's appropriate or if a taper crimp would be better:

https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/4-die-set-pistol/

They do sell collet style crimp dies for a few different revolver chamberings but not in 32 ACP:

https://leeprecision.com/lee-collet-style-crimp-die/

The Lee rifle 4 die sets come with the collet style rifle FCD:

https://leeprecision.com/ultimate-rifle-die-set/

The .32 acp is likely better off with a taper crimp since it likely headspaces on the mouth of the cartridge. The rimmed cartridges like use a roll crimp and may not need much of a crimp.

 

[SQLGeek]

That's kind of what I figured but since 32 ACP is semi-rimmed, I wasn't sure how it headspaced.

 

[rotor]

FYI, I do load .32 ACP, I do use the Lee die set, I did buy the extra factory crimp die, all work perfectly. I especially like the Lee Classic Turret press. I think as a beginner I would buy the kit version as you get the scale and other tools, rarely used but nice. I have some Berrys bullets that I have not loaded in my .32 ACP yet as it is a backup defense gun (KelTec P32). I figure if you are going to use a P32 for backup you need a good defense load. Here is what I loaded and a UniqueTek case gauge.

I don't do enough reloading to use a progressive. The powder specs on the table are "True Blue", that stuff is like water. Meters great.

 

[deemus]

What I really want is the Lee 4-Hole Deluxe Turret Press Kit. But, I'm unsure of where I could set up a regular press.

OK. I talked to my SIL. He says he has the wood and the C-clamps to set up this if I want it:
https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Va...909284&qid=1584683069&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1

I do love the idea of a turret press.

I'm just a bit nervous that my daughter will have a fit when she sees that monstrosity in her house.

I have that one and love it. You can buy a shell plate for each cailiber, then once your dies are adjusted you can leave them on there until the next time you load that round. I bought some Lee round die boxes. If you turn that base upside down, you can sit the die plate/dies on it, and the big top covers them up to keep dust out.

https://leeprecision.com/die-box-round-red.html

 

[Dancing Heretik]

Ok. Die sets ordered for 32 acp, 380 acp, and 9 mm. Plus calipers and the Lee book.

Now, should I get the Lee 4-Hole Deluxe Turret Kit or the Lee Classic Turret Kit and then have to order the scales, powder measure, and primer pocket tool on top of that?

I don't know about buying all this stuff at once. I'm going broke.

 

[deemus]

Ok. Die sets ordered for 32 acp, 380 acp, and 9 mm. Plus calipers and the Lee book.

Now, should I get the Lee 4-Hole Deluxe Turret Kit or the Lee Classic Turret Kit and then have to order the scales, powder measure, and primer pocket tool on top of that?

I don't know about buying all this stuff at once. I'm going broke.

4-hole turret is my vote.

https://leeprecision.com/die-box-round-red.html

 

[rp-]

Space it out. You do t ha e to buy it all at once.

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[rotor]

Ok. Die sets ordered for 32 acp, 380 acp, and 9 mm. Plus calipers and the Lee book.

Now, should I get the Lee 4-Hole Deluxe Turret Kit or the Lee Classic Turret Kit and then have to order the scales, powder measure, and primer pocket tool on top of that?

I don't know about buying all this stuff at once. I'm going broke.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013020237?pid=785993 Good deal and free shipping.
You will end up with two Lee books now. This of course is the beginning. You will want to order extra turrets, an auto disk riser, Lee decapping die, electronic scale, etc. Have fun. As far as .32 ACP, I just buy new cases as that is just too much to try to pick up. Start working with 9mm. The smaller cases are harder to load.

 

[Maverick44]

How important is the Lee Factory Crimp Die? For 32 acp, I can only find the 3 die set (the one without the crimp die).

Depends on your gun. Tight chambers need tighter tolerances. I have a 38 Special revolver that will not accept reloaded ammo unless it's been run through a FCD. I've also noticed that a lot of my guns run just a bit smoother with ammo run through a FCD.

I have not noticed any issues with using cast bullets with a FCD. I'd say 95% of what I shoot is cast.

 

[deemus]

You won't order extra turrets. You will order extra shell plates. One for each set of dies you order.

 

[lonestardiver]

I believe I have a lee powder scale and maybe an extra powder throw I could donate to the cause.

 

[rotor]

You won't order extra turrets. You will order extra shell plates. One for each set of dies you order.

The Lee Classic Turret does not use shell plates, it uses replaceable turrets...
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013008294?pid=292460

 

[avvidclif]

I second the four stage Lee turret. If you have the cash I would recommend the classic cast press. It will last longer so you won't be repurchasing a press in a couple of years!

Why not save up a few more coins and get a DIllon. Then you will never have to buy another one. You can't wear it out and if it breaks they fix it. Forever.

 

[rp-]

Sure, a Dillon at twice the price is a good choice, but you'll still need a scale, case prep tools, etc. The Lee kit is half the price of the Dillon and realistically only missing a tumbler. The Lee will never wear out with those rounds and if it does Lee will replace it just the same as rcbs, Lee, or Hornady. Lee really does make good products at a great price.

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[Dancing Heretik]

Space it out. You do t ha e to buy it all at once.

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I guess I'm not going to have a choice. This was the last post I read before the SHTF at work. It's been busy all week. But, the last couple of days we've mostly stopped answering the phone and are a couple of days behind on paperwork.

Then the NICS system went down. I hope it's back up tomorrow. I don't usually work on Saturdays. But, tomorrow i am. For the first few hours, I'll be a third person and will hide in the backroom trying to catch up on paperwork.

I believe I have a lee powder scale and maybe an extra powder throw I could donate to the cause.

That's very generous.

 

[xdmikey]

D H, you could go cheap/small and get the hand press. Many people use those at the range. I asked and they said no problem for a female to use; power not really needed.

I say, look to the future: you may decide to load 223, or heaven forbid, 308! Either of the turrets would allow you to do that.

 

[TheMailMan]

Finally broke in my newest mold. .45 ACP. Cast up a couple big piles of this one. 199 grs.

 

[xdmikey]

TMM, how short will you seat these? Below book OAL?

I'm going to have to go below book OAL to run my bullets in a couple calibers to get them to run so I'm following up any leads I can find!