I'm crimping some .375 H&H bullets. When I load to the 3.6" suggested COL, the cannelure is just barely above the top of the brass. Should the cannelure be even with the top of the brass before I crimp or should I be more concerned about the overall cartridge length?

Forget the COL.....if you want to crimp then do so .....as long as the cartridge fits the magazine you're ready to go.

I would crimp right in center of ring as long as it is not over C.O.L. if brass is cut to right lengh it should be real close a little short of C.O.L. shouldnt
be a problm. I my view anyway.

If you depend on COL for accuracy then I guess it matters. For hunting ammo accuracy of that type isn't generally required. Since you don't need a canelure to crimp bullets that makes me wonder why they're put on bullets at all.

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Originally posted by OddBall2:
If you depend on COL for accuracy then I guess it matters. For hunting ammo accuracy of that type isn't generally required. Since you don't need a canelure to crimp bullets that makes me wonder why they're put on bullets at all.

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For those that do wish to crimp, the cannelure is provided by some companys....Hornady specifically. I fully agree that crimping of most rifle cartridges that are not for use in tubular magazines or double rifles is unnecessary.

I make my COL where my rifle is most accurate as long as it fits my magazine. If I crimp I will do it wherever that COL dictates, in or out of the cannulure, it does not make any difference. The COL makes a lot of difference in the accuracy of my rifles thus I am very particular about it. The only cartridges I have ever crimped are those I have taken to africa for the dangerous game. Good shooting.

If your going to crimp then crimp in the cannalure, it works there...

An alternative to crimping is to trim the expander ball by .003 to .004 to give the neck a tighter purchase of the bullet and use a near full case of powder to further assist the case in holding the bullet forward..This works real well...

Except for certain hunting conditions, I see little reason to crimp ammo as it isn't necessary in calibers of 375 and under and it is hard on your brass, and IMo does not contribute to good accuracy...

A crimp is necessary when you are shooting a big bore off the top of your magazine and the lower loads are taking a constant beating..but for normal game shooting a crimp is only an option..

Ray,
Do you ever crimp your .470 loads for Africa?