If you are trying to seat the bullet while crimping, that could be your problem - seat and crimp in separate operations. If you are crimping separately, you can remove the bullet seating plug from the die and things will probably get much easier.

 

What's wrong with a .470 crimp???

If you must have it smaller try another brand of crimp die. DO NOT use a Lee Carbide Factory Crimp die...especially if you're loading cast bullets.

 

HUH!

I have been using a Lee 45acp FCD with lead boolits for years.

What problem did you experience?

 

Could it be that your die is contacting the shell plate? If so, a few thousandths need to be ground off the bottom of the die, to have it sit lower. Do it yourself, or return it to Hornady to be corrected, or exchanged. I have had several dies over the years, of various makes, that exhibited this issue. Could be stacking of tolerances, that causes this problem. Either way, I hope you get it straightened out.

 

Referring to Post #3 & Post #4 -

Please don't get into a pro/con debate over the Lee Factory Crimp Die (LFCD). There are strong opinions here on both sides. We have have several lengthy threads about the subject. In fact, probably 2-3 per year for the last 10 years. If you really want info on this try doing a search of the Forum.

(i tried double quoting the 2 posts but couldn't figure out how to make it work)

 

Referring to Post #3 & Post #4 -

Please don't get into a pro/con debate over the Lee Factory Crimp Die (LFCD). There are strong opinions here on both sides. We have have several lengthy threads about the subject. In fact, probably 2-3 per year for the last 10 years. If you really want info on this try doing a search of the Forum.

(i tried double quoting the 2 posts but couldn't figure out how to make it work)

Use the second quote button. At least on a PC.