"I have a problem with folks telling new reloaders that the Lee FCD is the "only way to go with reloading semi-auto ammo"."
Have never seen anyone say the handgun FCD is the "only" way to go. I have a problem with folks telling new reloaders that there is no place for the handgun FCD. Love "logic" like: "What did folks do before Lee introduced their FCD?" I wonder what did folks do before the introduction of electricity? What did folks do before the introduction of the automobile? It is irrelevant. There is good reason that the Lee Precision handgun FCDs are the highest rated dies on MidwayUSA. The FCD should not be used as a replacement for sizing or if it swages down over SAAMI spec boolits. The FCD promotes uniformity and reliability and that is a good thing. It has a place but should be used with common sense. If you get good results with unsized TL boolits then fire away. I like TL boolits and size most of them.