CSEMARTIN Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 I just set up my brand new Dillon 650. However, I am having a problem with my Lee Factory Crimp Die. I have searched this forum, and I have come across a couple of people who have successfully used the Lee FCD with their 650's. Specifically, the problem I'm having is this. My Lee FCD isn't long enough. It simply will not reach the shell plate (i.e., it's about a quarter of an inch away from the shell plate when it is fully screwed into the toolhead). And, I can barely get the crimp adjusted far enough down to do anything (I'm loading 45 acp). Has there been a design change with the Dillon or the Lee FCD recently. I really appreciate any input you might have. Thanks in advance. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry White Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Chris, put the lock nut on the die, screw the die in fron the bottom, you should have enough threads in the tool head to hold it ( about half) then tighten the lock nut from the bottom side. Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riden Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Chris, I have the Lee FCD on both 40 & 38 Super Dillon 650 toolheads with no issues. Both of mine are positioned in relation to the shellplate as yours are & have plenty of adjustment. I know I haven't helped you with your problem, but I'd get hold of Lee to see what ideas they may have. Also, a regular on the forum (Flexmoney) could likely know the answer as he also uses Lee's. If he doesn't post a response soon, email him at flexmoney@aol.com & direct your issue to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benos Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Now I remember the "screw the die in from the bottom" trick after reading Larry's post... be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErikW Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Screw the die in from the bottom? How about screw the die in from the top and screw the locknut on from the bottom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ORCA Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Ikytx, good idea! I hadn't thought of that. I just used the thin Dillon lock nut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry White Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 I stagger the lock nuts, one on the bottom one on the top ect. Makes a lot more wrench room. Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry White Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Eric, whatever trips your trigger. How are you feeling? Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gun Geek Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Chris: Try using one of the Dillon lock rings. They are the "low profile" type that come on Dillon dies. I think the Lee rings are thicker (they also have an O ring slotted in the bottom - adding more to the thickness.) If you don't have one of these Dillon rings, the lock nut on the bottom stuff is a good alternative. I have the Lee FCD in 45ACP. It is a close fit, but no problems with a 650. Geek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSEMARTIN Posted January 4, 2004 Author Share Posted January 4, 2004 Thanks everybody! As always, I appreciate the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runin Ronin Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Hi all, Quick question regarding the Lee FCD. How important is it for me to have one if these when I get my new 650 in .45? I had a Lee FCD on my Lee press years ago and it worked well but, now that I am getting a new press... is this a "need" or a "want" type of item for the 650? TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gun Geek Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 I think the FCD is a "need" item for any press (including single stage). The tag line on the box is something like "For handgun ammunition that must work" and I think they got it right. The FCD covers a multitude of sins that if you are very careful you won't have, but for the $9.00 it just can't be beaten. When I say very careful, I mean that you load brass from 1 lot from a single manufacturer, you trim each case and check it after every firing. Case length and brass thckness affect how regular taper and roll crimp dies function. The FCD is much less picky. I'd much rather spend my time on something else than trimming 45ACP cases. One MUST is a separate bullet seater and crimp die (the Dillon dies are set up this way). Trying to adjust a combo seater/crimp die is one of the trickiest things I've ever done. Geek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolan Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 The tag line on the box is something like "For handgun ammunition that must work" and I think they got it right. The FCD covers a multitude of sins that if you are very careful you won't have, but for the $9.00 it just can't be beaten. Sorry, but the operative word is "covers'! That's like cheating on your significant other then going to confession for redemption. Do it enough times an you eventually wind up at the divorce lawyers instead of church. It's much better to do it right the first time and not have to cover your mistakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flexmoney Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 If the nut won't go on top with the Lee die, then put it on the bottom...or use a Dillon nut (if you have one). Considering how cheap the FDC is...I can't see not having one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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