Pass-Thru Sizing using LEE FCD

[gandog56]

The lee die is the deal.  Not only does it have the same carbide ring used in the normal sizing die, but it can be use as a factory crimp die if desired.

I have both. The Redding is a lot easier to use, and it spits the empties into an unscrewable plastic jug. Have to pull the crimper parts out of the Lee, then have to reset them right the next time you are crimping finished rounds

[DM1906]

The lee die is the deal.  Not only does it have the same carbide ring used in the normal sizing die, but it can be use as a factory crimp die if desired.

I have both. The Redding is a lot easier to use, and it spits the empties into an unscrewable plastic jug. Have to pull the crimper parts out of the Lee, then have to reset them right the next time you are crimping finished rounds

Using a tool contrary to the instructions or intended purpose will almost always result in a less than ideal outcome.

The Lee FCD IS NOT a sizing die.  No where in the instructions does it indicate that it is, or should be used as such.

The Lee Bulge Buster Kit allows the Lee FCD to be used as a tool designed to remove the slight bulge that can be present near the base of a case.  It IS NOT recommended to be used as a tool to remove "Glock Smiles", or Glock chamber bulges, as stated specifically in the instructions.  If a person were to use the FCD for sizing without purchasing, or at least researching, the Bulge Buster Kit, you wouldn't know this, and may use the tool incorrectly.

BTW, the BB Kit includes a catch container, as well as the instructions that describe how to use it, and how to NOT use it.

[The_Shadow]

At one time Redding didn't make their GRX "Pass-Thru" with a Carbide Ring for the sizing.  They learned that LEE's FCD was being used because it was cheaper cost and it had a Carbide Sizer ring for smoother operations without the need for lube.

Well my LEE 10mm FCD was purchased and dedicated to specifically for it Carbide Ring for "Pass-Thru" operation prior to regular sizing via the RCBS 10mm carbide die set.  I have the Lyman 10mm Cartridge Case Gauge which has shown where cases have had problems using standard dies only!  All case run thru my LEE FCD as "Pass-Thru" have fit this gauge easily.

Given that the 10mm, 40S&W 357Sig and 9x25Dillon are all the same exact main body size I use it prior to regular sizing of all of the cartridge casings. This insures 100% reliable feeding.

Oh, I use the LEE 45ACP FCD also for "Pass-Thru" sizing also just because I can insure proper and smoother 100% feeding.

Please understand that a "SMILE" / "FROWN" is NOT to be reused because the brass is starting to shear because of the excess stretching in that area.

[gandog56]

At one time Redding didn't make their GRX "Pass-Thru" with a Carbide Ring for the sizing.  They learned that LEE's FCD was being used because it was cheaper cost and it had a Carbide Sizer ring for smoother operations without the need for lube.

Well my LEE 10mm FCD was purchased and dedicated to specifically for it Carbide Ring for "Pass-Thru" operation prior to regular sizing via the RCBS 10mm carbide die set.  I have the Lyman 10mm Cartridge Case Gauge which has shown where cases have had problems using standard dies only!  All case run thru my LEE FCD as "Pass-Thru" have fit this gauge easily.

Given that the 10mm, 40S&W 357Sig and 9x25Dillon are all the same exact main body size I use it prior to regular sizing of all of the cartridge casings. This insures 100% reliable feeding.

Oh, I use the LEE 45ACP FCD also for "Pass-Thru" sizing also just because I can insure proper and smoother 100% feeding.

Please understand that a "SMILE" / "FROWN" is NOT to be reused because the brass is starting to shear because of the excess stretching in that area.

I gave my reason for having both. I don't have to take out the crimping parts and then later replace them and get them rightly adjusted again. I mean I have separate crimp dies for my 10mm and my 40 cals so they are always adjusted perfect. And the Redding was ALSO designed for .40/10mm. And I also run my .357 SIG through it because I got huge quantities of SIG cases from a police practice range. Who knows how many cops had Glocks?

[The_Shadow]

I update the very first post with examples of Cartridge Gauge case fitting before and after re-sizing and "Pass-Thru" sizing.

[sqlbullet]

Love the pictures shadow...They certainly make it plain!

[gandog56]

The Lee FCD IS NOT a sizing die.  No where in the instructions does it indicate that it is, or should be used as such.

Actually.....it kind of IS one, since it uses a carbide ring as a final resizer in case your brass bulged any while seating seating the  new bullet.

[DenStinett]

I guess I'm starting to lean in this direction more and more

[RMM]

As many of you may have noticed I like to tinker a lot, I also like to save money!  Let me introduce the "ghetto" bulge buster. 

You can even use it without removing the powder measure! (thanks to the nicely shaped "catch can")
You can also use the 10mm shell holder.

What you need:
1.  Lee FCD
2.  Spent 9mm case
3.  Empty water bottle
4.  Electric tape
5.  About five minutes

Instructions:
1.  Cut bottom off of water bottle
2.  ***Optional*** line water bottle mouth with one layer of electric tape (provides snug fit on FCD)
2.  Grind/file 9mm case down to approximately *.*" (works better than using a full-length case)
4.  Remove crimping "guts" from FCD
5.  Adjust for proper leverage (closest to the top of stroke provides best leverage)
6.  Enjoy!   ***DO NOT USE ON "SMILED" BRASS***  (You may end up looking like this  )

A few crappy pictures from my cellphone that refused to focus last night:  ***WARNING*** EXCESSIVE USE OF SMILEYS AHEAD

Water bottle mouth (rubber lined    )


"Mounted" on FCD 


Cut down 9mm case 


Some sized brass sitting in the "catch can" 

[DenStinett]

Very cool idea Richard
But think about putting a piece of Hardwood (5/16) dowel in the 9mm to keep from crushing the case

[RMM]

Very cool idea Richard
But think about putting a piece of Hardwood (5/16) dowel in the 9mm to keep from crushing the case

I actually made two different cases, the first one I filled with JB Weld because I was worried about the case crushing.  After the first one worked and I got the length figured out, I tried one without anything in it.  I ran about 25 bulged pieces of brass along with 25+ completed rounds that were difficult to push through without any crushing of the case which is why I omitted that step from the instructions.

You can fill the case with something if you have crushing problems but based on my limited testing last night it is hard to crush a 9mm case that has been cut down a little bit. 

[The_Shadow]

Very cool idea, I have seen people use a bolt and some washers inplace of the shell holder.  The main thing is using the very top of the press stroke for the best leverage forces.

I have a solid steel pin from a LEE bullet sizer kit, it is used in place of the shellholder, that I use to push mine.

[DM1906]

That's basically how I started using it, before I got the BB kit (using a sizer punch to push).  Problem was, without the BB kit, there's no insert in the FCD body.  If a case tilts after "sizing", the die body will destroy the brass before it exits, as the case mouth can catch on the threads.  The BB kit includes an insert that threads into the die (making it smooth all the way through), and accepts the included catch container.

If you insist on using the FCD as a bulge buster w/o the kit, an insert can me made easily.  Use some thin wall tubing to make an insert.

[The_Shadow]

DM1906, About the exposed threads...I use a piece of 3x5 card stock rolled into a tube cut and trimmed to slide down inside the threaded area as a protector.  I am sure many things could be used to keep the case mouth from catching the threads.

Helpful TIP! I don't use the catch can, I grab them and place them in a 100 round shell tray for the next operation.

Helpful TIP! To get the casings that remain inside the FCD out easily I use the case neck brush that slides in but will extract the loose casing.

[DM1906]

The card stock should work well.  It isn't rocket science.  The O.D. of the insert is 0.5565", in case anyone is interested.