FCD

[alphabrace]

Factory Crimp Die: I use one when reloading 9 and 40. I first started reloading 9mm and until I started using a factory crimp die I had feeding issues. I am now going to start reloading 45. I suppose I should plan on FCD for that also.

 

[mssmith44]

Factory Crimp Die: I use one when reloading 9 and 40. I first started reloading 9mm and until I started using a factory crimp die I had feeding issues. I am now going to start reloading 45. I suppose I should plan on FCD for that also.

The die really helps with the 40. It is necessary with that one. I have been using RCBS dies on 45 for a long time with good results. The lower pressure of 45 seems not to beat up the cases as much as the 40.

 

[Tom Terrific]

I recently discovered the Lee "Bulge Buster" that uses the Factory Crimp Die as a push thru resizing die. I've never had any feed problems using the standard taper crimp die that came in the set, but always noticed an unsightly bulge at the bottom of the case where the resizing die can't reach. The FCD has a carbide sleeve at the bottom and you remove the crimp sleeve from the die then push the case completely through the die, which eliminates the bulge. It worked great on my .40 and .45 cases, but I cannot find an FCD for 9mm to try it on. I've heard that it won't work on 9mm (my book shows the rim to be .003" larger than the case dia.), but all the cases I've measured don't seem to indicate this. I would still like to try it.

 

[Slawburger]

This thread was focused on .40 S&W but might be of interest.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/ammunition-reloading/331653-reloading-40-s-w.html

 

[alphabrace]

I recently discovered the Lee "Bulge Buster" that uses the Factory Crimp Die as a push thru resizing die. I've never had any feed problems using the standard taper crimp die that came in the set, but always noticed an unsightly bulge at the bottom of the case where the resizing die can't reach. The FCD has a carbide sleeve at the bottom and you remove the crimp sleeve from the die then push the case completely through the die, which eliminates the bulge. It worked great on my .40 and .45 cases, but I cannot find an FCD for 9mm to try it on. I've heard that it won't work on 9mm (my book shows the rim to be .003" larger than the case dia.), but all the cases I've measured don't seem to indicate this. I would still like to try it.

I never new about the bulge buster setup from LEE. Sounds like the ticket for those who shoot Glocks!

 

[chemteach]

The 9mm is a tapered cartridge. The Bulge-Buster only works on straight walled cases like the 40, 38, 44 etc. If you have a lot of 9's with bulging, you may want to adjust your powder charge or check your OAL to reduce case pressure.

 

[Tom Terrific]

Thanks chem, I had heard that about 9mm cases just never investigated. Since .38 & .44 are rimmed cases and can't be pushed completely thru the die, the bulge buster has no advantage over the standard die for sizing.