Mike in CT Posted January 2, 2011 Share Posted January 2, 2011 So I have tried a few set ups and just want to confirm I am on the right track. I have the EGW undersized decapper/resizer, powderFunnel and drop, powder cop, hornady seater (crimp?) and then what, a lee Crimp Die (not the FCD, or the FCD? Or just use the Hornady? Here is what I have found out. With the Undersized sizer all the cases fit the gauge and barrel, but the finished product has a small bulge where you can see the bullet has expanded the shell, but again, it gauges. If I use the Hornady decapper/sizer the case will not gauge that last 1/8th inch. If I use the lee standard decapper/sizer same thing. So the Undersized decapper/sizer is the way to go there. Now for the last (crimp) stage.... If I put the Lee FCD at the last stage it will smooth out the case, but when I pulled a round apart I could see where it actually sized the bullet portion in the case (Montana Gold 180gr.). I figure this is probably not good as that will only allow the exposed part of the bullet to contact the barrel. So, is this a case of the Lee FCD doing more harm that good? If so it is going on the classifieds! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
technetium-99m Posted January 2, 2011 Share Posted January 2, 2011 Just use the Hornady dies with the U-die thrown in. The Lee FCD is a solution for a problem that doesn't exist IMO. The standard size dies should get your cases to gauge though, are you sure you have the die adjusted correctly? This would raise a flag with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98sr20ve Posted January 2, 2011 Share Posted January 2, 2011 That "bulge" by the bullet is a good thing. Thats the classic "coke bottle shape" Be happy. Don't size your bullets with the FCD. Thats just silly. If it didn't size the bullets that would be another thing. Just use a regular crimp die or set your seating die up to crimp and seat at the same time. Basicly, your rounds pass the case gauge. Your done. Have a beer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in CT Posted January 2, 2011 Author Share Posted January 2, 2011 OK, that's what I was thinking. I think I will use the Hornady Decapper, then the U Die without the decapper pin, powder drop/powederfunnel) powder cop, hornady seater/crimp, that way the brass gets worked a little at a time. and I can use all my 5 spots, Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98sr20ve Posted January 2, 2011 Share Posted January 2, 2011 Do you mind getting a really good measurment of the U-Die and the Lee Sizer and Hornady sizer? You would have to take the pin out to get a good measurement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in CT Posted January 2, 2011 Author Share Posted January 2, 2011 Sure, I can do that. do you want it just near the mouth after the taper, or about 1/2inch inside the die? I have the basic digital calipers, shoot me a reply back and I will measure them tonight, Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98sr20ve Posted January 2, 2011 Share Posted January 2, 2011 Sure, I can do that. do you want it just near the mouth after the taper, or about 1/2inch inside the die? I have the basic digital calipers, shoot me a reply back and I will measure them tonight, Mike They should be the same all the way in. Get your calipers inside the mouth and kinda rotate them till you get a consistent measurment. I doubt they are tapered but you will know when you measure them. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in CT Posted January 2, 2011 Author Share Posted January 2, 2011 Ok, here we go, Hornady carbide decapper, 0.4155 Lee FCD .420 U-Die .413 Lyman case gauge .422 Sig p226 barrel 0.426 Sound about right before I put everything back together? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98sr20ve Posted January 2, 2011 Share Posted January 2, 2011 Yep, sounds about right. Do you have a regular Lee Sizer or just a FCD? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in CT Posted January 2, 2011 Author Share Posted January 2, 2011 Just the FCD and the Lee Taper Crimp that I bought by mistake. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
technetium-99m Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 OK, that's what I was thinking. I think I will use the Hornady Decapper, then the U Die without the decapper pin, powder drop/powederfunnel) powder cop, hornady seater/crimp, that way the brass gets worked a little at a time. and I can use all my 5 spots, Mike Personally, if you want to use both size dies I'd chunk the powder cop. Just give each case a look and all will be well. If it's worth anything to you I run both size dies without a powder check and separate seat/crimp stations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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