Lee Precision460 S and W Carbide 3 Die

There is some debate in various reviews and forms on whether you need a separate crimp die for my the 460 Smith and Wesson magnum caliber. All the reloading manuals I have seen and commonsense tell you that crimping a round that will encounter repetitive heavy recoil before being called upon to fire is a good idea. I agree...and I certainly don't want my cylinder jammed when a grizzly is charging me down or my trophy is getting away!So, I purchased some factory federal fusion rounds to start playing with and to acquire some brass, this carbide three die set, some 240 grain XTP mag bullets and IMR 4227 powder (manufacturer states use H4227 data) with Winchester large rifle primers. I have the 8 3/8 inch barrel Smith and Wesson 460 XVR. As with any caliber, during my first reloading session it took me several rounds to get the bullet seating depth and then the crimp level adjusted. I tried to give a little more crimp than the federals since most of the posts I had read recommended a very heavy crimp (which, due to my logic above, I agreed with). So I had several rounds with essentially no crimp, a few more with a lighter crimp, and about 10 rounds with what I thought would be the desired heavy crimp, using 40 and 42 grains of powder (starting and mid loads per my manual). I actually dialed the crimp up too far and had a couple crinkled cases, so I dialed it back just a bit for what I guess would be the maximum crimp with these dies.The range results (Best I could do on this day were iron sights and 20 yards from a rest, but I still think the results are very valid) were that the uncrimped rounds (I loaded then fired them one at a time so as to avoid unseating bullets with recoil) had a cloverleaf grouping, whereas the more heavily crimped bullets grouped erratically (4-6"). As a sidenote, the federal fusions were also very accurate.During my next reloading session, I decided to back the crimp down, and try to approximate the federal factory loads. Again, the first few rounds were uncrimped or undercrimped, and once I got the die dialed up (again, I dialed it too far and crinkled a couple cases, then had to dial it back), I think it was about 2/3 as much crimp as I had used on the previous session. During my next range session I had a scope and was able to fire from 30 yards. This time I loaded three of the uncrimped or "undercrimped" rounds in the cylinder and examined them after firing each previous round. I could not detect any movement of the bullets with the naked eye. These rounds, again were very accurate. I then fired my less crimped rounds and they appeared to be equally as accurate.So my thoughts regarding a separate crimp die are this: if you get one, you may save a few pieces of brass and a few minutes of adjustment, but I certainly don't think it's needed to get very accurate and reliable ammunition in this caliber. At least with the bullets and brass I'm using, and a minimal case mouth flair, I'm not even sure I need a crimp, and I think I'm still going to experiment with a less aggressive crimp. But you certainly have the option to attain a significant and effective crimp with this die set. I hope this helps.

Great set of dies. I've always had great luck with my Lee dies. Honestly the only problem I have with my Lee dies are they are difficult to fit into my Dillon 650. They are a bit short and takes some trickery with the locking rings to get them to work.

I like lee Dies and this one is no exception

Right size good price

Makes great ammo but don't use the 45 Colt crimp die. It works great but one slight turn for greater crimp will mess up your new ammo. I ordered a crimp die specifically made for the 460. Rolling my own 460 ammo is such an economic relief.

Bought these because Amazon was cheaper than ordering them off of Lee's website direct. Now I can order some 45raptor brass and get to loading some ammo!

Great product, described correctly.

Lee makes some great products. I love these dies. Very well made and fast shipping from this seller.