7003006
Member
Im loading some 38 specials with lazer cast bullets.How much crimp do I need ?Right now I'm screwing the die down till it just makes contact then going sbout 3/4 of a turn more.O.K?
thanks
thanks
how much crimp
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butchd
Member
Amount of crimp is more dependant on powder charge than projectile. I mean the main function of crimp is to keep the remaining rounds in the mag/cyl from being "pulled" by recoil. .375 turn sounds about right. .38 special is not noted for recoil problems. If you really get into the science of ballistics there might be a case when crimp may become an issue as in a slow burning powder. Most of us are reloading hand gun stuff for pleasure. So long as the cartridge fires consistently and the bullets aren't walking forward to affect the gun's operation, we have enough crimp. If in doubt, check its appearance to a similar factory load.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Chad,
The type of load determines the type of crimp you use MOST of the time.
Powder selection is the next criteria that plays a part as well.
The third thing is the firearm. It will tell you what it likes, that is if you will listen!
With target loads in a revolver I use very little crimp. Sometimes I just close the case on the last driving band.
Using the same bullet but sending them into the stratosphere, I will seat the bullet shallower in the case and roll crimp them in the groove.
That does two things too. Keeps the bullet in place, as was mentioned above, under heavy recoil and gives the powder a chance to build proper pressure before the bullet begins to move. The later being critical for proper combustion.
Then there is your firearm. It may like bullets that aren't crimped at all. If it likes medium velocity rounds that are crimped spit-less, that's what you need to give it. Select your powder and bullet accordingly.
Last of all, for bottom feeders (semi-autos) I taper crimp every round. It aids in feeding and such.
Hope this helps!
The type of load determines the type of crimp you use MOST of the time.
Powder selection is the next criteria that plays a part as well.
The third thing is the firearm. It will tell you what it likes, that is if you will listen!
With target loads in a revolver I use very little crimp. Sometimes I just close the case on the last driving band.
Using the same bullet but sending them into the stratosphere, I will seat the bullet shallower in the case and roll crimp them in the groove.
That does two things too. Keeps the bullet in place, as was mentioned above, under heavy recoil and gives the powder a chance to build proper pressure before the bullet begins to move. The later being critical for proper combustion.
Then there is your firearm. It may like bullets that aren't crimped at all. If it likes medium velocity rounds that are crimped spit-less, that's what you need to give it. Select your powder and bullet accordingly.
Last of all, for bottom feeders (semi-autos) I taper crimp every round. It aids in feeding and such.
Hope this helps!
