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.
