Lee Factory Crimp Die for .470 NE

[375 Ruger Fan]

Start without the FCD in the press.

Handle goes all the way down (assume yes at this point)

Screw in FCD until it comes in contact with the shell holder (the shell holder is on, correct??)

Lower the ram by raising the handle a small amount. Screw the FCD in one half turn.

Raise the ram so that the shell holder comes in contact with the FCD. Tighten the lock ring.

Without a cartridge, does the ram cycle and the arm go all the way down?

 

[Wahoo]

The good news is I got the RCBS bushing out and the lee crimp die fits. however no matter what I do I do not feel the crimp die is working. no matter how shallow i screw in the die the crimp will not close completely in terms of the handle going completely down. I feel it was a waste of money…what am I doing wrong?

Hi. I don’t believe the crimp die should close completely. Ie I don’t believe the 4 leaves in the die should completely touch so you can’t distinguish one from another but I could be wrong. When I crimp I can still see division between leaves and it produces satisfactory crimp

 

[Rare Breed]

Start without the FCD in the press.

Handle goes all the way down (assume yes at this point)

Screw in FCD until it comes in contact with the shell holder (the shell holder is on, correct??)

Lower the ram by raising the handle a small amount. Screw the FCD in one half turn.

Raise the ram so that the shell holder comes in contact with the FCD. Tighten the lock ring.

Without a cartridge, does the ram cycle and the arm go all the way down?

SUCCESS!!! Thanks to everyone!!! My mistake was putting the crimp die on first…to work you must raise the handle first only then screw in the crimp die then withdraw the ram turn the die a half turn then perfect…the arm goes down all the way and I have a firm crimp I have insured goes into my 470 NE without any problems of over crimping!!!

 

[cajunchefray]

Hi. I don’t believe the crimp die should close completely. Ie I don’t believe the 4 leaves in the die should completely touch so you can’t distinguish one from another but I could be wrong. When I crimp I can still see division between leaves and it produces satisfactory crimp

This procedure works properly.
With a background in Research and Development in the kitchen, techniques matter.

Lee FCD die is designed to enable crimp, the 4 leaves should NOT, completely close, rather the tension of the crimp is moderate, examine the crimp, the die depth and cam over should be moderate.

Look carefully at the crimp under a light, and if your eyes are old like me, use a magnifying glass, comparing the crimp to factory rounds. Adjust the die as needed.

Once you get the setting, just go to work and load.
The case trim length is now not critical in the .003-.005 range.
The Lee FCD compensate by design .

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I’ve tried to remove the RCBS bushing but it will not budge

Mine has a hexagonal head. Quite thin, but you can get a big Crescent wrench on it and it'll break free. If yours has it, try that or pliers with a wide opening.

EDIT: I see now you got it, so never mind.