Question about 9mm Lee Factory Crimp die

[scott511]

So, I'm loading some 124gr FMJ-FP bullets.
In order to get these to plunk in my barrel I had to set OAL at 1.085
When I run them through the factory crimp die, it leaves a very shiny ring on the brass where the bullet is seated. I can definitely feel the round being "squeezed" in the FCD. Most of the rounds will plunk without going through the FCD, but some will stick when I drop them in. The ones that stick are just fine after the FCD.

Am I doing something wrong with the FCD?
Is that bright ring overworking the brass?
On the attached picture the round on the left was run through the FCD, the one on the right was not. The one on the left is the one with the shiny ring, it looks black in the pic though. They both plunk just fine and they both measure 1.085
Thanks for any advice

[GasGuzzler]

Look how the case on the right is bulged by the bullet. The mark by the die coincides.

[scott511]

Ok, so what is actually happening in the factory crimp die?
There is resistance felt with every round that goes through the FCD. Most rounds plunk just fine without it. Am I overworking the brass and just adding an unnecessary step with the FCD?

[SWBuckeye]

It looks like you are putting too much crimp or possibly over flaring the case. What is the case width at the shinny area? All of my loads use a light crimp, just enough to remove the flare. My flare is .003" to.005". Finial diameter at the top of the case run between .377" to .379" with saami spec of .381". Hope this helps.

SWBuckeye

[larryw]

I've never had the FCD do anything but, it is a nice crimp die!! I look at it as a "just in case" die.
Just in case I get one with a little bulge it gets fixed when I crimp.
What's happened to the round on the left in your photo imho is. The FCD sized down the bulge. That's what
it's supposed to do, to make sure the round chambers in anything.
Questions.....
Is that bulge ring visible all the way around the case?
What is the diameter of your bullet? Not on the box but measured bullet.
Are you using mixed brass or one mfg ?
If mixed brass, is it just one or two brands that bulge, or all of them ?

[mikld]

The Lee FCD for handgun cartridges is just a "post crimp sizing die". It is a crimping die that has a carbide ring at the mouth with an ID of the diameter that makes sure the cartridge is "in spec". If you are getting a shiny ring that is where the ring rubs the case, most likely the "bullet base bulge". I like and use many Lee products, but in 40+ years of reloading, 24 reloading semi-auto ammo,(32 ACP, 380 ACP, 9mm and 45 ACP in 9 different guns) I have never had a need for an FCD. Several years ago I bought one for my 44 Magnums, just out of curiosity, and it now resides in a landfill somewhere in So, Oregon...

[scott511]

"Questions.....
Is that bulge ring visible all the way around the case? Bulge is all around
What is the diameter of your bullet? Not on the box but measured bullet. Grabbed 20 bullets from the box and all measured .355
Are you using mixed brass or one mfg ?
If mixed brass, is it just one or two brands that bulge, or all of them ?" 2 loading sessions; 1st all FC brass, 2nd all PPU brass. Both showed the bright ring

[scott511]

It looks like you are putting too much crimp or possibly over flaring the case. What is the case width at the shinny area? All of my loads use a light crimp, just enough to remove the flare. My flare is .003" to.005". Finial diameter at the top of the case run between .377" to .379" with saami spec of .381". Hope this helps.

SWBuckeye

Case width at shiny area is .379-.380
It might be over flare. I measured a case before resizing. Measured .381
After sizing .371, after flare .382

[larryw]

From all your answers & info so far, all things being equal?? I would say, if they fit & spec, I wouldn't worry about it. Like I said, all it looks like is the FCD is doing what it's supposed to do.

[larryw]

Just as a hunch, try this. I heard "Crimp" a couple times.
Back off that "Crimp" (Are you ready Horseman) & just iron out that flair.
Bullet diameter, plus brass thickness X2. No more, No less.. See what happens & what things look like then.
I have NEVER crimped an auto loader round more that .002 That was just to straighten out velocity / accuracy issues with a load. 99% of the time, Bullet diameter plus brass thickness X2. Try it, Can't hurt.
Also, flair "Just enough" to start a bullet without crushing or shaving..