crimping q?
- Thread starter dcb
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If this is for a wheel gun a slight taper crimp should be more than enough.
If its flush seated to feed a model 52 then a slight roll crimp is appropriate.
If its flush seated to feed a model 52 then a slight roll crimp is appropriate.
mkk41
US Veteran
Most .38/.357 dies have a roll crimp feature built in. A slight roll crimp over the leading edge will improve consistancy/accuracy and give complete burning of powder , and well as prevent bullet jump.
MKT
Member
Not to knock anyone's load but I think 4.4 of 231 might be a little warm for the HBWC, plus 4.0 231 is the current max load for the HBWC. I get the best accuracy at 50 yards by slowing the load to to 750 - 800 FPS.
I'd also suspect the chances of blowing the skirt off to be increased with that hot of a load.
I'd also suspect the chances of blowing the skirt off to be increased with that hot of a load.
MKT
Member
PDL, you're absolutely correct...I don't know why I automatically thought it to be a HBWC. I am obviously confusing this post with another email string I have going.
MKT
Member
Here are three types of .38 wadcutter for you, left to right: 148 Hollow Base Wadcutter (HBWC), 148 flat base wadcutter, 148 Double Ended Wadcutter (with bevel).
With the solid base bullets you don't have any concerns of blowing the skirt off. The charges on the solid base bullets are a little higher to ensure the base obdurates sufficiently.
With the solid base bullets you don't have any concerns of blowing the skirt off. The charges on the solid base bullets are a little higher to ensure the base obdurates sufficiently.
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Pisgah
Member
HBWC= Hollow Base Wadcutter
BBWC = Bevel Base Wadcutter
As mentioned, use HBWC bullets for mild loads only -- the thin "skirt" around the bullet base can peel off and affect acccuracy, or get stuck in the bore. A mild-to-medium crimp on either will help provide consistent ignition and velocity.
BBWC = Bevel Base Wadcutter
As mentioned, use HBWC bullets for mild loads only -- the thin "skirt" around the bullet base can peel off and affect acccuracy, or get stuck in the bore. A mild-to-medium crimp on either will help provide consistent ignition and velocity.
RV4driver
US Veteran
Okay, it never fails, I finally see someone mention the DEWC that I have a box of, then go on to describe the other two bases, and ignore my bullet!
So what is the deal with the DEWC? It has a slight bevel on each end.
This aids in seating, but then I have a bevel on the top end, and the crimp doesn't touch the bullet, unless I leave the top of the bullet a bit above the case. I've never loaded wadcutters before, so it's all new to me.
Any suggestions?
Jeff
P.S. I will be loading with W231. 25yds is the distance I'll be shooting these loads.
So what is the deal with the DEWC? It has a slight bevel on each end.
This aids in seating, but then I have a bevel on the top end, and the crimp doesn't touch the bullet, unless I leave the top of the bullet a bit above the case. I've never loaded wadcutters before, so it's all new to me.
Any suggestions?
Jeff
P.S. I will be loading with W231. 25yds is the distance I'll be shooting these loads.
MKT
Member
The hollow base wadcutter is used in low power and very accurate target loads. I typically load those with about 2.7 grain of Bullseye or 3.0 grains of 231 for about 750-775 FPS. A great 50 yard target load.
MKT
Member
Jeff,
I have about 500 of the DEWC, but I seldom use them. I prefer the Rem HBWC and the H&G #50 (cast) as both of these hold more lube and cut very neat clean holes in the target. All of the DEWC only have a single lube groove and I have experience leading at mild loading with them.
If you use the crimp groove you should have about 1/8th of an inch of bullet sticking out. Perfect for revolvers but a hair too long for a Model 52 IIRC. They should be fine for 25 yard practice and 3.2 grains of 231 should have you around the 800 FPS mark.
I have about 500 of the DEWC, but I seldom use them. I prefer the Rem HBWC and the H&G #50 (cast) as both of these hold more lube and cut very neat clean holes in the target. All of the DEWC only have a single lube groove and I have experience leading at mild loading with them.
If you use the crimp groove you should have about 1/8th of an inch of bullet sticking out. Perfect for revolvers but a hair too long for a Model 52 IIRC. They should be fine for 25 yard practice and 3.2 grains of 231 should have you around the 800 FPS mark.
RV4driver
US Veteran
Thanks, I'll be shooting a 686 4". Kind of informal indoor pistol league. Load to the crimp groove and slight roll crimp.
Heck, this is easy.
Jeff
Heck, this is easy.
Jeff
RV4driver
US Veteran
BTW, the DEWC wasn't my first choice. Sometimes you have to go with what you can find.
Jeff
Jeff
cmort666
Member
With 148gr. wadcutters, I always seat slightly below the case mouth and roll crimp over it. That way they can be used in any of my .38 or .357 revolvers or in my Giles .38 Special M1911.
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Smithboomer
Member
I load the same as cmort666. . . seating just below the case mouth and roll crimp. I just finished a batch of Berry's plated .38 wadcutters with 3.7 gr. 231 for indoor winter shooting at the range.
