Good start with MBC 225 gr. coated TC .45 ACP

[IDescribe]

What ID is trying to say...

When I saw this post following my post, the first thing I thought was What happened to my other post?

Then after responding, looking at another website, and closing a bunch of browser windows, I spotted the following in a browser, unposted:

Not sure if you know, but the Lee FCD is not a standard taper crimp die.  It full length resizes the cartridge AFTER the bullet is seated, which can resize a lead or coated lead bullet inside the case.  This for sure can cause problems with 9mm, where the cartridge is not truly straight-walled, but slightly tapered.  I am not 100% sure about .45, which is straight-walled.  One way or another, it does more than taper crimp, and if you squeeze a cartridge after a lead bullet is inside, you can change the sizing of the lead, which can reduce accuracy.

I believe there is a way to use an FCD as JUST a taper crimp die without the full length resizing option, but I have never owned one, and don't understand how to set them up.  Perhaps 1SOW might advise.

I think I fell asleep. 

[Radom]

Overall, my biggest problem with .45 ACP has been accidentally over-expanding the mouth of the case prior to seating the bullet.  I'm talking about a general tendency over 30+ years, not anything specific to a particular case/bullet combination.  Actually, I've had more problems with Remington .45 cases, come to think about it. 

I believe that the Lee FCD die is meant to perfect a FMJ load that is developed.  For example, it is very useful to post-size a FMJ 9mm cartridge for feeding purposes, because 9mm is supposed to be tapered.  If the Lee FCD is altering your effective lead load, then you shouldn't be using it.  In all honesty, I have used the Lee FCD with lead bullets, and I have had very mixed results.  It will tend to mess with the driving band (heel) of a lead 9mm bullet in most instances, but it is a good tool with lead bullets for straight cases like .38 Special and .45 ACP. 

The Lee expanding die tends to over-expand when using the Lee Auto Disk effectively, at least in my opinion.  I suspect that the Lee FCD may be a "solution" to that problem.  I have had good results with the Lee equipment overall, but I have also had some major issues with certain cartridges and components.  For example, the Auto Disk system will not work with Nobel-Vectan ball powders like SP-8, because the spheres are so small that they bind the parts.  You need to use a conventional measure with these powders. 

[jwc007]

Overall, my biggest problem with .45 ACP has been accidentally over-expanding the mouth of the case prior to seating the bullet.  I'm talking about a general tendency over 30+ years, not anything specific to a particular case/bullet combination.  Actually, I've had more problems with Remington .45 cases, come to think about it. 

That's why I use a Lyman M-Die, which is a stepped Case Mouth Expander, and use a Lee Universal Charging Die to activate my Lee Auto-Disks, on my Dillon XL650.
Perfect Case to Bullet Fit every time, Jacketed, Plated, or Cast, and somewhat tolerant of thinner Brass.  Strangely, but not surprisingly, Remington Brass used to be the thicker
brand of brass, but no longer is.  Guess they like making it cheaper now days.

Yes, the Lee Auto Disk System can be finicky with certain powders, but I've been very happy with it, so far.