Too much Crimp on .357

[dtalley]

I loaded some .357 mag last night with 158 gr. SWC. The very first one, I did not have the seater die adjusted correctly and I seated the bullet a little deep and it crimped the bejeepers out of it. I readjusted the seater die and got it to seat the bullet to the crimp line but it put one heck of a crimp on it. I mean a real real good crimp. It almost looks like it has shoulders about a 1/16th inch from the case mouth.

My question is can you crimp one too much???? Is it safe to shoot or should I attempt to pull it and start over? I only boogered up 2 rounds before I got my head out :banghead: and got it adjusted right.

I just started reloading again after about a 12 year layoff and It is like I am having to start with training wheels all over.

If it wasn't for all of you here I don't know if I could go on another day.

Thanks a bunch for your replies.

 

[Bottom Gun]

I think a heavy crimp will raise pressure some.
If it's a target load and not a max or near max load, I would go ahead and shoot them provided they will fit into your cylinder.
Can you post a pic of one?

 

[The Bushmaster]

Most of the .357 magnum powders require a heavy crimp. But you could get to exuberent and over crimp the case you could end up deforming the bullet. If they (the ones that are the proper length) fit in the chamber and the firearm is in good contition shoot-em. If you are in doubt...Pull the bullets and start over. No big deal. Bullets, cases, powder and primers are cheaper then a new gun...

 

[dtalley]

Sorry, I've been gone for a few days. Finally got a picture. The one on the left is seated too deep and heavly crimped and the one on the right is just got a monster crimp. :banghead:

Shoot them???? or Pull them???

It has been about 12 years since I reloaded so I am trying to get back into it and I'm having just a few problems to work through.

Everyone here has been a great help and I am sure I will have some more questions as my memory doesn't recall much from back then.

Thanks again.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Wow...You really did crimp those suckers...Didn't ya...I'd pull them, resize and start over...

 

[dtalley]

That's what I figured. I'll get the ole' hammer style (what's it called) bullet puller out tonight.

Thanks again Bushmaster....




dt.

 

[dakotasin]

holy buckets! now... that's a crimp!

i'm far from an expert in revolver loading, but i would pull those, too. when i think 'heavy crimp', your picture is not what comes to mind.

good luck.

 

[Steve C]

If they chamber and are a moderate load I'd shoot 'em. The case will iron back out. As much crimp as you have on those you'll be hard pressed to pull them.

 

[Sport45]

If it was me, I'd toss 'em in the dud bucket and be done with them. I can see a crimp like that sending a ring of nickel plated brass down the bore with the bullet. Even if you managed to pull them I'd still suspect that ring at the case mouth to be weak. Brass and bullets just don't cost enough for the risk.

 

[Starter52]

I agree with Steve C. I don't think those loads will be too easy to pull. Common sense says toss them. Me, I'd shoot them anyway (in a good strong revolver) and check the brass carefully.

 

[fecmech]

Dtalley--I think you need to back your seat die out of your press a turn or two. All you really want to do is just roll over the front edge of the case into the crimp groove. All you should have totally is just the first 1/32" of where your current crimp starts. Nick

 

[birddog]

If it was me, I'd toss 'em in the dud bucket and be done with them.

Yep.