Crimping Lead Bullet w/o crimp groove

[jbrown13]

I have seen some lead revolver bullets offered for sale that do not have a crimp groove. Would this style bullet still be roll crimped, which would deform the bullet, or would it be better to taper crimp this bullet.

 

[zxcvbob]

You'll have to try it both ways. I've gotten better accuracy with a roll crimp even though it did deform the bullet (really surprised me.) The taper crimp looked better.

 

[pete950]

I use the Lee factory crimp!
Works great.

 

[cougar1717]

You can taper crimp to straighten out the bell. It would not be a good idea to load these very hot, but target/practice loads with fast to medium burn rate powder would be appropriate. Are these .358 for a .38 special?

 

[jbrown13]

You can taper crimp to straighten out the bell. It would not be a good idea to load these very hot, but target/practice loads with fast to medium burn rate powder would be appropriate. Are these .358 for a .38 special?

Cougar, they are actually .361 for a 38 S&W I am thinking about trying in place of the ones I now use, which have a crimp groove. All loadings in 38 S&W could be considered light, since it is such a low pressure round.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I've got several loads that completely ignore the crimping groove for cast bullets, but I still roll crimp them and get great accuracy. Those loads are mostly for leveraction rifles in pistol calibers, but I'm afraid worrying about deforming a cast bullet with a crimp groove isn't real high on my interest list.

Just load some and see how they perform. That's the best way to answer your question.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[ReloaderFred]

That actually makes it even easier. I bump .358" diameter bullets to .361" for the .38 S&W all the time in a swaging die. This irons out the crimp groove that was originally on the bullet and I just crimp into the bullet for the proper OAL and call it good. The bullets shoot better than the guns are capable of anyway........

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[jhansman]

I also use the Lee FCD with great success. My .45ACP bullets are moly coated, so no need for lube.

 

[Presto]

It isn't really surprising that the roll crimped loads are getting al least as good accuracy, even though they deform the bullets. They will have more consistent bullet tension. The consistency you gain from that will override any problems created by bullet deformation. Bullet deformation in lead bullets is usually ironed out while it is travelling down the barrel anyway. Bullet deformation also doesn't cause as much of a problem as people think anyway. You aren't losing bullet weight, so it shouldn't change point of impact. If you ever get the chance, check out the Mythbusters episode on curving a bullet. It's amazing what you can do to a bullet and it still fly straight!

 

[Barbara Ann]

I have used a rolled crimp but now tend to use only tapered crimps on lead bullets.

 

[8emem]

I roll crimp very lightly into the cast bullet where there is no groove. You have to look closely at the loaded round even to see the crimp, which is just enough to remove the bullet seating flare and go slightly into the bullet. I load 200gr semi-wadcutters and 225gr cast flat points meant for .45 ACP into .45 colt cases. Case neck tension on these types of bullets is very strong in the 45 colt cases that have been sized on my press. Accuracy is excellent.

 

[918v]

Depending on bullet hardness, roll crimping may not be an option. Taper crimping will work just fine unless you wanna use magnum loads.

 

[Fishslayer]

I also use the Lee FCD with great success. My .45ACP bullets are moly coated, so no need for lube.

You won't be wanting to roll crimp those ACP rounds anyway. They headspace on the case mouth.