Hello, new to reloading and WTA. As I am getting setup for reloading I have come across 3 and 4 die sets for pistols. I know that the extra die is a dedicated crimping die, but is it worth the extra cost? I will be reloading 9mm, .40 s&w, and .45acp. I appreciate any and all wisdom from the tribe.
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These are Lee carbide sets. The 3 die set comes with a resizer/decapper, powder through expanding, and bullet seater. The seater also has an adjustable crimp built in. The 4 die set has the same three as before but adds a factory crimp die. It's only about $15 more so not a big deal. I just don't want to have a die laying around that I never use.

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As to handguns I only load 40 S&W, 9mm Luger and 38 Special/.357 mag.   All those die sets are currently carbide.  All are three die sets.  Sometimes I do wish I had a separate crimp die, but not enough to go buy one.  With three die sets I prefer to do the crimp operation separately with a readjustment of the die for the crimp.  Takes a little more time, but no more than having the separate crimp die.   The extra step produces better results for me.

As stated above, you can always buy a separate crimp die later, if you really want one.  But get carbide or you will wish you did.

Thanks for all of the advice. I am definitely going to buy the sets with the factory crimp die. Now I just have to find powder and primers in stock.....

Another bonus of the Factory Crimp Die with .40 is when you get cases with the "Glock Bulge," you pull the guts out of the crimp die and you have a push-thru resizer to get rid of that pesky bulge.

Now THAT is a great idea.  Thanks!