Shooters:

I'm using a Lee Loader to reload for my .35 Remington. I'm not to happy with the crimp I'm getting. It is either not enough and the bullet pushes down into the case mouth or if you tap it too much the case mouth will roll or bulge albeit so slight. This seems to be an art to do it properly. Any suggestions? I'm reloading for the .35 Rem only and at this point in my life do not want to get back into presses and all that.

I was told that a Lee hand press and a Lee Factory Crimp die works very nicely. Anyone have any comments and/or advice? Thanks men. :) Range Finder

Hi there Range Finder.
Yes, your problem withe Lee crimper is common. Because there is so much of YOU in the mix it does tend to be an art. Outside of the obvious, caution and practice with the hammer ( you are using a plastic hammer, right? ) there is the issue of placing the bullet cannelure in the right position to take the case mouth.
As for the Lee hand press, I've never used one but more than half of my loading room is Lee Red. The Lee factory crimp die is the greatest invention since sliced bread. Persevere. Pepe Ray

Good Eveing Range Finder.

I agree with Pepe, that it is indeed an art to "feeling the crimp" into place, but more than that is an absolute positioning if the bullet in reference to the crimp groove/cannelure and case mouth.

A little can be found in this recent article using the Lee Loader:

Handloading On A Shoestring (http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51)

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/images/tech_photos/APix-25-Check-Seaing-Depth.jpgheck
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/images/tech_photos/APix-26-Proper-Seating-Depth.jpg

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/images/tech_photos/APix-28-Well-Crimped-Round.jpg

Hope this helps!

God Bless,

Pepe and Marshall:

Thanks guys for your help. I do use a plastic hammer and I try to be consistant with my taps. I guess I'm out of practice because in the late sixties I began reloading with the Lee Loaders - 22-250; 30-06; 30-30. I had really great success then, including with my 30-30 model 94. I recall at first having some difficulty crimping the bullet so it stayed put, but like it was mentioned, I just had to get the case mouth and cannelure lined up properly.

I only handload for my .35 Rem because there is so much to be gained as oppossed to available factory ammo and I just love my .35 Rem. Other caliber rifle i.e .308 has a reasonably good selection of factory loads available. Besides, using the Lee Loader brings back fond memories of days gone by.

Again, thanks guys and GOOD SHOOTING to you! :D Range Finder