Collet style crimp die vs factory crimp die

[alex_p]

Hi All,

Just starting out reloading and wondered if anyone can explain the difference between the Lee collet style crimp dies and factory crimp die? Especially the pros and cons for pistol calibres.

I can see the physical difference, so was wondering what the difference in result is?

I’m looking to use it for .357 initially.

Thanks

[aris]

If you look at the Lee website, there are very few collet dies for pistol calibres. Certainly not for 357. They are mostly used for rifle.

[alex_p]

They make one: https://www.reloading.co.uk/lee-colletcrimp-357mag.html

Seems there are 3 types of crimp die; rifle style, revolver and self loading pistol, with the latter being the carbide version.

Wondering if anyone has an opinion if the rifle style collet crimp die is better/worse than the carbide die for use in a tubular magazine?

[aris]

You are correct - not listed in their die table

https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/

I'll be reloading 357 soon too, so im interested.

I found this

https://youtu.be/YWnw0sTBO8w

[alex_p]

You are correct - not listed in their die table

https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/

I'll be reloading 357 soon too, so im interested.

I found this

https://youtu.be/YWnw0sTBO8w

His videos seem pretty good and he has a few on crimp dies - that one you linked too explains it well!

Crimping seems to be a bit contentious on some forums, but I’ll be doing it for my gallery rifle.

[aris]

His videos seem pretty good and he has a few on crimp dies - that one you linked too explains it well!

Crimping seems to be a bit contentious on some forums, but I’ll be doing it for my gallery rifle.

I'd say use what comes in the Lee 4 die set which is what I have. You probably need a fairly sturdy crimp for a tube fed gun.