Lee 454 FCD?

[Stealthshooter]

I was wondering........instead of getting the 45-70 FCD and trimming it down would it be possible to use a 454 casull FCD and just back the die off the .317" to compensate for the case length dif?

[Hoot]

You'll need to make a sleeve to slip over the case that engages the collet .317" before it would normally engage the shell holder during the ram upstroke. You could also mod a series of stackable washers like I outlined in the thread, the sum of which equals .317" or less if you want to impart a crimp further down.

Hoot

[Siringo]

I looked at this before --- the 454 die is a roll crimp die. It will not work as it does not but a "stab" type crimp or taper crimp on the case. Lee dies for pistols also size the case after the crimp to "even" things out. The 450 case will not enter the die.

[Hoot]

I looked at this before --- the 454 die is a roll crimp die. It will not work as it does not but a "stab" type crimp or taper crimp on the case. Lee dies for pistols also size the case after the crimp to "even" things out. The 450 case will not enter the die.

"An excellent point!"

[Stealthshooter]

I see!! Glad I asked!! It's great to have people in the know! I'm gunna be down and out with back surgery for about 8 weeks so......I may just send Lee one of my dummy rounds and have them build me a die.

[Hoot]

I see!! Glad I asked!! It's great to have people in the know! I'm gunna be down and out with back surgery for about 8 weeks so......I may just send Lee one of my dummy rounds and have them build me a die.

I suspect they already have the necessary dimensions in an CNC file. They just don't choose to make them as an off-the-shelf model for purchase. Keep in mind that if you send them an example to build to and you discover later that you need to crimp further down to catch a cannelure, you'll need to still cut that one down. Also, the stock collet is a fairly wide crimp zone and you'll need to narrow it. You may be able to specify that also on a custom one. Check your PMs.

Hoot

[Stealthshooter]

I may give them a call Monday and see what they have to say.