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Before I get started with handloading I wanted to understand the process. I got a manual (Lyman edition 48) read through it and at a high level understand the process. When I was about ready to go and buy the equipment I became concerned about the crimping process. The manual indicated you need to crimp for semi-auto and pump rifles, not bolt actions. I have all 3 and it sounds like ammo you load for bolts can't be used for the other (without crimping). It also didn't describe the process for crimping in detail which has me a little concerned. Because I recognize the consequences of mistakes I want to understand the whens and hows of this process before I get started. Can anyone shed some light on this process. | ||
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just buy some Lee factory crimp dies and crimp all of your loads. I'f your loading them for hunting they be better even in the Bolts IMO. I actually get better accuracy from crimped loads and load them even for my Heavy bbled guns. I wouldn't fool w/ the roll crimps. Have a Good One Reloader | |||
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I've never crimped for pumps and autos, accuracy is always excellent, I wouldn't do it, especially if your're using a bullet without a cannelure. You should have plenty of neck tension with your normal dies. BTW, What are you loading? Bullet, powder? Jay | |||
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I agree with Jay, I don`t crimp. Crimping is a "option" and as long as the bullet doesn`t move under feeding and recoil they can be seated and left as they are. Try loading a few with no crimp and load them in the mag of your rifles and see if the bullet moves when you fire them. Measure the last round in the mag to check for recoil set back as you go. Enjoy your new hobby!!  ------------------------------------ The trouble with the Internet is that it's replacing masturbation as a leisure activity. ~Patrick Murray "Why shouldn`t truth be stranger then fiction? Fiction after all has to make sense." (Samual Clemens) "Saepe errans, numquam dubitans --Frequently in error, never in doubt". | |||
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Thank you all for the input. I should have provided some specifics. After reviewing opinions on this forum and talking to a few of the local gun shops I plan on buying an RCBS Supreme Master Relaoding Kit (includes Rock Chucker Press and a 5-0-5 scale plus assorted accessories). The recent debate on RCBS and Redding dies seems to be a pick so I may go with RCBS. I'll begin my loading experience for a Remington Model 7 chambered in 7mm-08. I also have a Remington 7400 and 7600 both in 30-06 that will soon follow. Still open to suggestions on loads but I'm considering Hodgdon H380 powder with Winchester Supreme cases and primers. To be honest I'm still confused on bullet selection but leaning towards a Hornady 154gr soft point. I hunt Whitetail in Maine and New Hampshire with most shots within 100yds and usually a lot less than that. I've also considered Nosler or Barnes but got a headache trying to sort through the data and opinions. Any comments, recommendations or guidance would be appreciated. I also recognize that all guns shoot different and there's no one answer. I'm just trying to establish a solid (and safe) starting point. Last night I almost considered going back to store bought but you've re-energized me. Thanks again. | |||
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Thats a very decent kit you're getting, I like Redding and Hornady dies myself, just don't like the way RCBS die adjustments are, I like the knobs on the other dies. My load for model 7s in 708 are 40.5-41grs. Varget with 139Hornady SP, about the same amount of RE15 should give you about the same results, though. If you really insist on using the 154 Hornady, very good bullet, btw. Upwards of 40grs. RE15 should do it for you, work up from about 38grs. For your 30-06 pump and auto, I like 57-58grs. H4350 under a 165 Hornady, just make sure you Full length resize your brass, of which I usually use Remington, and 210 Primers. The buddies I reload for seem to be pleased with what I've reloaded for them. If you want to go with a 150gr. in your 30-06s, I'd try RE15, 51-52.5grs. Jay | |||
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For now all you need to know is a couple things. 1. Only tubular magazines and heavy revolver cartridges need to be crimped. Also double rifles too. 2. never run the shell holder all the way to the bottom of the seating die.....always allow about 1/8" here and you will avoid the crimping features built into them. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." Winston Churchill | |||
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That looks like some very good advice. I have found the VARGET and H4350EXT work great in those calibers also. I prefer CCI primers. | |||
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Same here I crimp everything.   | |||
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I mainly crimp my hunting rounds (I use a collet neck sizer and want a little extra tension) and have thought about starting to crimp my rounds for the AR. Haven't had any problems yet. But if you are going to crimp, don't find your "max load" and then start to crimp. A crimp will increase you pressure, and it might be enough to cause problems at high loadings. | |||
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I crimp all my hunting reloads as a rule, and heavy recoil cartridges as a necessity .... an my vote also goes for the Lee Factory Crimp !! ------------------------------------------  Μολὼν λάβε Duc, sequere, aut de via decede. | |||
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I only crimp for my 44 mag. I checked rounds in my 30-06 auto loader with a Stoney Point to see if the bullets in the magazine moved after some shooting. They were OK. Back to the still. Spelling, I don't need no stinkin spelling The older I get, the better I was. | |||
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I also use Lee factory crimp dies. I much prefer a crimped bullet. Everyone of my handloads are crimped, and with the Lee it's as easy as can be. I just loaded 50 338 Win Mags and after seating the bullets with my RCBS dies, I had them all crimped using the Lee factory crimp die in a couple of minutes. I don't know if you've already bought that kit, but you can beat that price significantly by shopping in one of the mail order catalogs. I bought a Lee cast iron press, Hornady scale, RCBS dies, Lee hand primer, Lee zip case trimmer, and the rest of the assorted tools for much less than the price of a RCBS kit. | |||
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Pappy, I've had good luck w/ the H380 in my 06', 57 grains does well in my rifle. That charge is good for abour 2940fps w/ 150 ABs out of my 22" tube but, I am using Fed 215s w/ it since it's a Ball. The Mag primers aren't really necesary but, I've always heard they do better w/ Ball powder so, I'm using them. Another thing I like about the Crimping is that I know the rounds stay the same length and that gives me alittle assurance that every round is the same. Like I said, I get better accuracy w/ my crimped loads, even the Hvy bbl paper punchers. There was a test on here a while back that Saeed had posted showing the effects of crimped rounds and It seemed to be in favor of them. Good Luck Reloader | |||
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I am in the Lee Factory Crimp camp. By my experience, there is a huge difference in rolled crimp versus Lee Factory Crimp. I don't roll crimp, but I do Lee Factory Crimp all of my hunting rounds, and a fair number of the chamberings I punch paper with. If I was a benchrest shooter, I would be inside neck turning, for consistent neck tension, but I am not a BR shooter. I do like the peace of mind I get with Factory crimping, and the more consistent neck tension, that a very light Lee Factory crimp gives me. Do not use a heavy crimp on non-cannulure bullets, but a light crimp on these bullets, has tightened up a few groups, in a few different chamberings, for me. Squeeze Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759 | |||
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Our host Saeed performed a series of tests on this very subject. They are posted here on this website. Crimping did indeed help accuracy. I do not crimo all of my ammo, but from the 338 up I do, not becasue of accuracy but to mitigate bullet compression issues under heavy recoil. Another vote for the Lee Factoty Crimp die. jorge USN (ret) DRSS Verney-Carron 450NE Cogswell & Harrison 375 Fl NE Sabatti Big Five 375 FL Magnum NE DSC Life Member NRA Life Member | |||
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Here is the link. http://www.accuratereloading.com/crimping.html I will have to measure the results of last weekends groups with that of the same load uncrimped. I am very interested now. | |||
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Squeeze, I agree. On my paper punchers I just use a 1/4-1/3 of a turn after the LFCD touches the shell holder. That's on Cannelure-less bullets. A good 1/2-3/4 turn crimp works great on Cannelured hunting bullets. Reloader | |||
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I simply don't crimp at all.I did read the link to the very limited test performed to compare crimped and non crimped loads,but the test was so small and so limited that a single pulled shot could change the results.If crimping really did imptrove accuracy,I am sure that the benchrest shooters would all be crimping. | |||
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I crimp almost everything, and use the Lee Factory Crimp Die. It is inexpensive, very simple to use, and is one crimp die that will not, in general detract from accuracy, as some other crimping systems can. | |||
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Count me in as a believer in crimping. I have a Lee Factory Crimp Die for every caliber I reload for providing they make one. I'm waiting for them to come out with one for the .500 S&W Magnum. I've found crimping helps accuracy in my overbore magnums since I switched to WC-872 Ball Powder. There are far more pluses to crimping than minuses. Bill T. | |||
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Lee Factory Crimp in every caliber ____________________________________ There are those who would misteach us that to stick in a rut is consistency - and a virtue, and that to climb out of the rut is inconsistency - and a vice. - Mark Twain | Chinese Proverb: When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others. ___________________________________ | |||
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Me, too.  | |||
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"Pappy" Hopefully you've already picked up your RCBS reloading dies. The instructions in the box, explain how reload with their dies either with or without crimping. I reload for 22-250 and 25-06 and never crimp. But I crimp pistol rounds--40S&W,38/357s,45ACP and 44Mag | |||
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