375 Win Lee FCD for 38-55 cases

azoil · Post by **azoil** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:26 pm

I thought it would be no problem using the 375 Win Lee FCD for 38-55 cases but I am finding the crimp isn't coming out right. I backed off the die yada yada and the crimp bad seems too wide. Any one else run into this? Do I need to get a 38-55 LFCD?

1886 · Post by **1886** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:47 pm

The .375 case length is 2.020". The .38-55 case length runs from 2.080" to 2.125". I know you are aware of this from prior discussions. I mention it only for those that may not know. Lee shows different product numbers for the two dies. I assume you are using the 2.080" .38-55 cases. This would leave .060" difference. I am confident therein lies your trouble. Regards, 1886.

azoil · Post by **azoil** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:49 pm

1886,

Yes, correct. I am using the 2.080" brass. I thought if I backed off the die .060" it would give the same crimp to the longer case. Apparently it does not.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:54 pm

No it will be too short. What rifle are you shooting? 1886.

azoil · Post by **azoil** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:55 pm

375 Marlin

Leverdude · Post by **Leverdude** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:55 pm

No it wont work if you back the die out since in operation it dont do nothing till the case is all the way in. See if you can find a .060 thick washer you can drop over the case & on the shell holder.

azoil · Post by **azoil** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:55 pm

oh good idea LD.

PPpastordon · Post by **PPpastordon** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:01 pm

azoil wrote:1886,

Yes, correct. I am using the 2.080" brass. I thought if I backed off the die .060" it would give the same crimp to the longer case. Apparently it does not.

azoil;
HOWEVER, if you take a washer of .060' thickness, with a large enough hold to fairly neatly slip over the .38-55 case, and slip it over before running the case into the crimp die - all should be kosher!

The FCD works as a collet that is squeezed by pressure from the top of the shell holder. Effectively, the washer moves the shell holder top up .060" - and by doing this, is shortening the .38-55 by that .060".

edit: Oh, the curse of slow typing.

Grace and Peace.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:03 pm

Ld's idea will work. The longer brass is preferable in the Marlin and Win. .375s. Good choice. Good Luck. 1886.

azoil · Post by **azoil** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:10 pm

Gentlemen,

I found a 3/8" fender washer that is .067" thick.

IT WORKS PERFECT!!!

Thanks guys for your help!

Leverdude · Post by **Leverdude** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:32 pm

Glad to hear it!
I feel I should say it wasn't really my idea, I saw it mentioned here recently.

azoil · Post by **azoil** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:34 pm

Just goes to show what a wealth of knowledge and experience there is on the forum.

jtaylor1960 · Post by **jtaylor1960** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:13 am

Good idea.To bad I didn't think of that before I went and bought another die for my 38/55.I also tried my 375 die and it didn't work.Learning is part of what makes reloading so much fun.

375 Win Lee FCD for 38-55 cases

375 Win Lee FCD for 38-55 cases

38/55 CRIMP DIE