Folks,

I've got a 458 Lott coming shortly. Bought it from Ngrumba here on AR.

It's got a set of Hornady dies, included in the deal.

I'd like to crimp these rounds and I've grown fond of the Lee Factory Crimp dies for this in my 375 H&H.

I don't believe that Lee manufactures a FCD specifically for the Lott. They do make one of the the 458 Win, however.

Is there any reason why the 458 Win wouldn't work for the Lott cartridge? I know the Lee FCDs don't require a specific or consistant OAL, so I though that I might be able to get away with it.

Please enlighten me and show me what obvious point I'm missing.

Thanks!!

-Steve

P.S. I wasn't really sure where to post this, Reloading or Big Bores. But since the Lott brings me into the 'big bores' league, I thought I'd bother you guys...

It should work just fine.-Rob

IF by some reason it doesn't work, Mr. Lee will manufacture one for you for around 20-25 bucks. He made one for my 416 Rigby and it works great. jorge

It Will work, kinda. It will put the crimp at the
correct place on the brass for a 458 win mag
length though ;-( The Lee FCD is sized by length
for specific cartridges. ie: 1 45/70 FCD is WAY
to short to line up with the cannalure on 458 win
even though the bullets are the same diameter.

510wells is correct, the Lee factory crimp die is sized to the specific case length - I bought a 458 win mag fcd for my 450 ackley and sure 'nuff, it does not work. Lee will make you a die based on brass size/length, call them and then send them a case to work with. KMule

510wells and KMuleinAK are indeed correct. After seeing 510wells' post, I thought I call Lee.

They told me that it wouldn't work. They did say that they'd fab a custom one for me (Thanks Jorge!).

All they need is a empty case with bullet seated and U.S.$25.00.

Thanks Guys!!

-Steve

I have one made to order by Lee for my Lott. I would not live without it now! I was able to actually reduce the powder and remain at the same velocity with this die and you will have hell to get the bullets out by any means other then shooting them out! It works so well with the X bullets once crimped they are like a rivet and are locked into the shell. I liked it so well after using it with the Lott I now crimp my 30/06 and 375HH with them as well. This die requires an extra step but I have a turret press so it's an easy operation. It's vital you have your cases trimmed perfectly equal or the crimp will buckle the longer ones. Even if they are only slightly longer. This Crimp die when used for a hard recoil rifle is wonderful. I also load lots of bullets at one time and may have them in storage for several years once loaded. This Crimp die will seal then air tight as well. I know because I filled a case with crushed crackers and loaded it. Then I put it into a jar of water for a week and when I removed the bullet all the crackers were still dry.

That makes me feel pretty confident these loads will last a long time sealed up like this.

Lee is the route to go. Send them a dummy round and they will make one for you. They cannot do a 460 Weatherby or larger. They made me one in a 35 Whelen, 416 Rigby, and 458 Lott. It was the best $75 I have spent in a while.

Thanks again guys!

One more question (that is again probably better suited the reloading forum):

Is there a place where I can get OAL and max shell trim length dimensions?

I don't think that the Lott is covered in any of my reloading manuals (I have to check, though).

The rifle I'm buying is a factory Ruger and I know a couple of manufacturers are making ammo. I'd think that there should be some 'standards' being set for the Lott with all this activity. Has SAAMI published specs for this cartridge. I wasn't able to find anything from www.saami.org.

Thanks!

-Steve

2.85 Trim Length (some trim to 2.80")
3.60 COL

[ 10-08-2003, 22:17: Message edited by: Longbob ]

Thanks Bob!!

I've crimped 458 LOTT, and 458 RCBS both with a 45-70 crimp die, for years! It lines up very well! I made up a dummy with the bullet epoxyed in place in the case to adjust the die for the correct crimp possition for each bullet,so all that was needed was to crimp as the last phase of the loading. Works like a charm.

I tried many times to order a factory-item FCD for my .458 WinMag with no luck... it should be ordered as a special item.

Does Lee now carry them as ordinary items?

Please let me know.

Gus,

The Lee web site shows the FCD in 458 Win Mag as an orderable part number. Here's the web link to it.

-Steve

On my 458 HE wildcat I use all bullets with cannelures, and crimped in them with regular dies.
Worked perfect with consistant ignition.If bullet came without cannelure I put one on it.Ed.

In a pinch you could use a lee FC die for a 45/70 or a 458Win. You will have to place a shim or spacer on the shell holder that equals the difference in case length.

Hart

I've used the Lee 45-70 factory crimper for 450 Marlin and 458 Lott. Works perfect. If you special ordered one I bet they would simply stamp 458 Lott on this same die.

The best trimmer for big bores that need a crimp are trim file dies, they are much more accurate than a standard trimmer...I use a forester and a Sinclair on my other caliber set up for my electric drill, but for the DGR I have the file trim dies to get a consistant crimp and no crushed cases...

If you are a CHEAP S.O.B. like me you buy the Lee 45-70 or .458 wm $7.00 crimp die and build a spacer ring to make up the difference in brass length, slide it over the round and crimp

My mistake, I had forgotten about the spacer tube I had to make for the longer shell. I used 3/4" x .090" tube. I use teeny magnets to hold it to the die.

I do not have any trouble (yet) using the normal seating dies RCBS, Hornady or CH4 to also do the crimp in one operation. You just have to do it gently and set the crimp little by little.

Are these dies made for a certain bullet length or can one use it for different bullet weights and ogives in a given caliber? I have a .450 Ackley that I would like to crimp both 500gr & 400gr solids, X's, and A-frames.
Ghost

Like PC said, the RCBS die can be used to crimp, as long as you are careful. It is not as fast as a Lee crimp die, but have done it for years. I do it for the Lott just using a RCBS 458 WM die.