I want to try to increase the OAL of my 445 SM loads to improve accuracy. I recall loading some long, once in the past, and the accuracy was excelletnt. The problem is crimping them and not using the cannelure on the bullet. If I don't crimp in the groove, but just below it, will the crimp still be effective? The bullets in question are Hornady 240g HP/XTP. Thanks UMB

If Lee makes a factory crimp die it will make an effective crimp even if it is not in the cannelure (I didn't see one on their website). I use one on a .22 Hornet with 35 Gr. VMax's and they don't have a cannelure but it crimps fine. You might be able to shim the shelholder in your press with washers and use the factory crimp die for a .444 Marlin, just a guess.

UMB,

You can crimp a bullet in a case mouth and not have the mouth in the cannelure. Although you probably aren�t going to gain much distance (OCL) with a 240 grainer in the 445SM. If you are shooting them from a Contender with less than a custom chamber, I doubt the extra length will matter. I have loaded the Lyman 429650�s (325 grains) out �bout as far as can be done and still didn�t come close the rifling! It actually shoots most loads just lightly crimped (removing the bell only) in or very near the cannelure or crimping groove in cast bullets. Accuracy is just so so anyhow. I did much experimenting and really the overall length of the cartridge didn�t have much to do with improving accuracy. This Contender is a rechambered 44 Magnum that was lousy accuracy. Now it actually shoots 44 Magnum cartridges with fair accuracy. Go figure with even longer bullet jump to the rifling!

By the way, you can use the Lee Carbide Factory Crimp die for the 44 Special, 44 Magnum and the 445 Super Magnum. Good-luck�BCB

I have done the same in single shots. I will put as much crimp on the case as possible without bulging the case. I have not tried shootin them without the crimp to see if it affects accuracy or not.....

I've loaded some of the 265 Hornadies out past the crimp groove in my 445 SM. My advice is that if you are using the ball powders (H110/W296/W680) that you need a good firm crimp. If you use a stick powder (4227) then it's not all that necessary.

As long as you make the crimp consistent and aren't shooting them in a revolver, you shouldn't have any trouble.

Both Corbin a CH4D make canneluring tools.... I have one and it's a chore I loath, and thus do it has little as possible.
(not a hard job.. just a bore)

Thank you all for your help. I loaded some today that are .130" longer than usual with a stout load of 4227, and a good crimp. This should be in the area where before I had consistant accuracy, even out at longer ranges. I just didn't want to try this without some input from some others who might have tried it before. Oh Yea, this is all for an Encore , 15" 44Mag barrel that Mr. Bellm re-chambered to 445 SM and cut in a brake. It's been an excellent Ohio deer pistol.