complete newbie - bullets for S&W642 J frame 2"

[motoguzzima]

total newbie - I have not yet set up the Dillon 550 press and accessories. I am finishing making a bench and busy reading the Speer and Lyman manuals. Previously, I had been buying reloads and that guy used Titegroup and lead bullets and they worked great in the gun. I am now gathering supplies and bought some Titegroup and some Rainier Leadsafe plated 125 grain bullets. I then read in the Lyman manual, right after it was too late to cancel the order, that in a revolver you must have a cannelure bullet, but the Rainier is smooth and suggests a taper crimp.

Can I use these bullets, and if so will the Dillon dies do the taper crimp?

TIA

 

[2hawk]

I think you can use the bullets, but the Dillon revolver dies are set up for a roll crimp. You will need to back off the crimp so that you don't deform the bullet too much, but not so much that the bullets can "pull" under recoil. If you crimp normally, you will probably end up with bits of the gilding metal seperating from the bullet, which can be hazardous to you or bystanders.

Sometimes a call to the manufacturer is the best thing you can do. I am sure both Ranier and Dillon would be happy to give you advice with your safety as a priority. HTH

 

[Moonman]

Have a look at some Bullseye powder and some LEAD cast FULL WADCUTTER bullets, either DOUBLE ENDED, or HOLLOW BASE, around 148 to 150 grain bullets and 2.7 to 3.0 grains of Bullseye powder for the charge. Full Wadcutters (they look like little soup cans) are seated FLUSH with the case and ROLL CRIMPED, some have a crimp groove and can be seated to a longer length with 1/16" to 1/8" of the bullet sticking out of the case, roll crimp into the groove.

The Full Wadcutter makes an excellent Target cartridge and a Self Defense one too.

 

[MP22]

Welcome from Kentucky. Reloading is addictive...have fun with it.

 

[indiandave]

I agree with Moonman. I use DEWC's with Winchester 231 or Titegroup.
They make a big hole in the target. Easy to see and score.

 

[safarihunter]

I don't think that you will have trouble with the bullets without a hard crimp if you are shooting moderate loads.

There are times under heavy recoil that a bullet can move forward out of the case and lock up the cylinder.

 

[HKSmith]

I've used lots of plated bullets in revolver cartridges by seating the bearing surface of the bullet slightly below the case mouth. This allows a roll crimp to be applied without deforming or indenting the bullet. Since you're using Titegroup, I assume you're interested in light-moderate target velocity loads, so a heavy crimp won't be necessary.

Keep in mind that by doing this you'll be reducing the overall length of the cartridge, which increases pressure, so I would stick with starting loads of Titegroup. Any load that's recommended for 148 grain wadcutters would also be safe, as those bullets seat even deeper in the case and are heavier than your bullets.

 

[parabarbarian]

I shot a lot of Rainer and Berrys before I switched to Xtreme. I just set my crimping die to a "light" crimp which meant to me straightening out the case wall plus a bit.

I never had a problem.

 

[tappedandtagged]

You can gently cromp into the played billets. Just don't do it too much. When you shoot those up, buy some Missouri Bullet Co. cast. I got mine direct from them at around 7 cents a slug.

 

[motoguzzima]

I'll start with the soft roll crimp, but the other bullet options may be preferable.

What do you think would be the difference between a Dillon taper die and a Lee taper die? Any? or any that you would be able to notice regarding performance or longevity?

Many thanks for all of the great replies. Very helpful and greatly appreciated. I finished the bench, now to set up the press and get on with the process of knowing what I am doing. Again, thanks.

 

[riverrat38]

I just use a light roll crimp with plated bullets and haven't had any problems. I crimp with a Lee FC die.
If you are concerned about damaging the plating, pull one of the bullets with a kinetic puller and examine the plating. I haven't tried this, but I think I will give it a try on my next batch. I am curious about what the bullet will look like. I wouldn't need powder or a primer to do this test.

rat

 

[Friar Whently]

Not sure about the Dillon taper die, but the Lee taper die tends to shave a little brass off the edge of the case mouth, so I just use a light crimp setting on the Lee FCD. Also, if you want plated bullets, look at Xtreme bullets. They claim their plating is thicker (so you can use them in more powerful loads) and they have a cannelure.