38 Spc Hornady 148gr HBWC Crimp location

[Halfnutz]

The following question was sent to Hornady tech support. I just wanted to pass on thier response and also to see what others thought.

From Me: "I am reloading Hornady's 148gr HBWC item number 10208 for a Smith and Wesson Model 14-3 38 special. I will be using Hp-38 or Titegroup powder and my target velocity will be between 700 & 750 FPS. The OAL in the Hornady Manual recommends a C.O.L of 1.18. The trim length of the case is 1.145. This Bullet does not have a crimp groove. Most factory loaded wad cutters are crimped over the end of the bullet. The 1.18 length will put the crimp in the knurling. Is this desirable. My understanding was the published COL was a minimum."
Thank you.
Hornady's Reply: "You are correct, we do suggest crimping on the knurled bearing surface. This should give you good performance.
Thank you"

These will be loaded on a Dillon 550b using Dillon Carbide Pistol Dies.
As mentioned the gun is a S&W mod 14-3 (6 inch) equipped with the standard grips, trigger and hammer. Circa 1974 I believe. Factory wood target grips are on back order from Smith.
Its a new old Gun for me, my first "real" revolver (I refuse to compare a 38 S&W Enfield to a real revolver). It will be used for Bullseye and of course practice.

 

[colt_saa]

For three decades now I have been loading that projectile flush with the case mouth. The crimp is rolled over the nose of the projectile.

I have NEVER seen one crimped into the middle of the projectile with the projectile sticking out of the case.

 

[elpac3]

Agree.

I seat the Hornady HBWC case mouth flush with a taper crimp so they can be used in both my model 14 and model 52.

For my model 14 WC loads I will seat a DEWC to the crimp groove which makes for a little easier loading with speed loaders than case mouth flush.

 

[Nevada Ed]

You might also check out:
Crimping 38 special LSWC ............. post #25

Flush is good........
I also like the BB sticking out and crimped on the first ban.

Some weapons prefer one design over the other.......
Mine do better accuracy wise with the HBWC 148gr bullets, flush.

 

[gwpercle]

Not a thing wrong with the answer you got from Hornady.
There is always more than one way to do anything. I've tried them flush, crimped as Hornady suggests and seated out farther to cut down on bullet jump. I found the Hornady way worked best, crimp lightly on that top knurled surface , seems to give a more consistent crimp to reloads, but feel free to experiment, that's what loading your own is all about..
Gary

 

[ballistic]

I load my hbwc 38 Spcl. loads flush or slightly below the case mouth like I was taught many years ago. Load a few up both ways and see which one your revolver likes.

 

[Halfnutz]

Thanks all. I guess I was just a little surprised at their answer. But as some have suggested I will try both ways.

 

[StakeOut]

These days I only shoot the Hornady 148gr HBWC out of my 686PC .357 and Model 15-6 38spl.

Decades ago I also loaded Remington 148gr HBWC to shoot out of a couple Model 52-2 and a Colt 38cal National Match.

One of the Model 52-2 liked a bit of lead to engage the barrel rifling.

For the revolvers now I roll a light crimp over the edge of the bullet.

I load the Hornady or Speer 148gr HBWC,mostly the Hornady delivered free from Academy Sports,over 2.3gr of Hodgdon Clays.