I'm getting ready to reload some .32 ACP rounds for the first time and have a question about crimping.  My Lee Precision Die set comes with a bullet seater and, with what I understand, a roll crimp. I understand that roll crimps are recommended for revolvers while tapered crimps are recommended for auto rounds. Since I'm reloading the .32s for my semi-auto pistol, my thinking is that I need to use a tapered crimp instead of a roll crimp. Problem is Lee doesn't sell a Factory Crimp (aka tapered crimp) die for my .32 ACP.  Should I be concerned about using a roll crimp on my lead cast bullets for my hand gun? BTW, the lead case bullets do appear to have a shoulder for the roll crimp.

I'm getting ready to reload some .32 ACP rounds for the first time and have a question about crimping.  My Lee Precision Die set comes with a bullet seater and, with what I understand, a roll crimp. I understand that roll crimps are recommended for revolvers while tapered crimps are recommended for auto rounds. Since I'm reloading the .32s for my semi-auto pistol, my thinking is that I need to use a tapered crimp instead of a roll crimp. Problem is Lee doesn't sell a Factory Crimp (aka tapered crimp) die for my .32 ACP.  Should I be concerned about using a roll crimp on my lead cast bullets for my hand gun? BTW, the lead case bullets do appear to have a shoulder for the roll crimp.

I am not sure you are properly informed about the type of crimp your bullet seater applies. The 32 acp round head spaces on the case neck and the round requires a taper crimp. Even if shooting your 32 acp rounds through a revolver your should taper crimp. The round itself is designed for it. Roll crimps are usually used for rim cased ammunition where the round has a rimmed case and is head spaced using the rim.

I don't want to contradict what you said about your seater die applying a roll crimp but I think you'll find it applies a taper crimp. Now, if you adjust your seater die to apply too much crimp it could look and work like a roll crimp. But again, it would be incorrect. Your die is designed for a taper crimp and I recommend that you taper crimp your 32acp rounds.

I am not sure you are properly informed about the type of crimp your bullet seater applies. The 32 acp round head spaces on the case neck and the round requires a taper crimp. Even if shooting your 32 acp rounds through a revolver your should taper crimp. The round itself is designed for it. Roll crimps are usually used for rim cased ammunition where the round has a rimmed case and is head spaced using the rim.

I don't want to contradict what you said about your seater die applying a roll crimp but I think you'll find it applies a taper crimp. Now, if you adjust your seater die to apply too much crimp it could look and work like a roll crimp. But again, it would be incorrect. Your die is designed for a taper crimp and I recommend that you taper crimp your 32acp rounds.

Inspector,

You are not alone in your thinking about the what type of crimp my die is set up for. Someone else has made he same comment.  I'll check with the manufacturer's website and if I can't find the answer posted, will email them. Thanks.

thanks inspector that is very good information to know...

Okay wait I'm lost, the Lee die's usually comes with a factory crimp die. Is that the same as a taper crimp die? Because I've seen on their website a taper crimp, a roll crimp and a factory crimp die. Sorry to hijack the post.

Set correctly, the Lee FCD die will taper crimp the round.  The main difference is that it also does almost another resize of the case.  I use it (along with the EGW U-resizer) for loading .38 super.  Using these 2 dies has pretty much totally eliminated any of my finished rounds not passing the case gauge (my 2011 has a fairly tight chamber).  The dies also help to prevent any set-back of the rounds.  I don't use the FCD for crimping lead though, only for my jacketed rounds.

Enquiring minds want to know.
What kind of crimp does that Lee 32 die do?