When I asked this question when getting my loads ready, it was met with a resounding "YES". I use a 'Lee' crimp die which gives you a lot of control over the crimp.
There was a velocity change with my .416 Rigby. I dropped the powder charge to get the velocity that I was getting before the crimp. Not so much with the .375 H&H. There was some, but not as much as the .416
Quote: Crimp by all means. Really roll the case mouth into the cannelure, makes the cartridges feed better in addition to holding the bullets in place.
Use the Lee crimp die, it is the best. And inexpensive.
I agree that the Lee Factory Crimp Die is the best and that it is inexpensive. But you don't need to crimp on the cannelure when using this die -- you can seat the bullet to any depth you choose and then crimp it there, whether or not the case mouth is at the cannelure, and whether ot not the bullet has a cannelure.
Posts: 5883 | Location: People's Republic of Maryland | Registered: 11 March 2001
I recommend that you check out Saeed's results from his tests of crimped vs. uncrimped loads. Those results are given elsewhere in AR. Saeed's tests show a small but measurable increase in accuracy with crimping, using the Lee Factory Crimp Dies. So crimping may be advantageous even for target shooting with smaller calibers.
Posts: 5883 | Location: People's Republic of Maryland | Registered: 11 March 2001
I use an undersize expander ball for a tight neck and a powder that fills the case to the neck junction at least, then a very light crimp on all DG calibers...more crimp on the 45 and 50s....
Posts: 42309 | Location: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: 04 June 2000
