Lee’s instructions can be confusing when it comes to the setup of their pistol reloading die sets. But you need to consider that these dies are used in a variety of presses.

This is our way of setting Lee pistol reloading dies…tried and tested over thousands of reloads.

As always follow safe reloading practices.


Handgun Taper Crimp Die Setup.

This is an optional crimp die for those that prefer to seat and crimp in separate steps. You will need an extra open station on a progressive press.

If you are setting up on a progressive press ensure that your Sizing die is setup correctly.

480BC Tip- Make a dummy round, size and deprime a case, flare the case mouth and seat a bullet. Do not add primer or powder.

 

Insert the dummy round into shell holder/shell plate and raise the ram/carrier to the top and hold.

Turn the die in until you feel it touching the case mouth.

Lower the ram/carrier.

Turn the taper crimp die ½ turn in.

Adjust your crimp as required by turning the die in more in small increments.

Test to check.

9mmp case mouth should be taper crimped to .380inch.

You can crimp a bit more for CMJ bullets but not for Coated Bullets.

Be careful to not add too much crimp.