First hand loads- questions (pics)

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Poppa Necktie

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Hi,

I just reloaded my first batch of ammo ever. I loaded some 44 Magnum rounds with 250 gr Sierra Match FPJ bullets. I followed the OAL to a T listed in the VV manual. The cannelure looks a LITTLE too exposed from what I've seen in other pics.

Second, I adjusted the roll crimp to the point JUST where I could tell the flare was out of the mouth and was starting to bend into the bullet.

I've posted some pics. So, my questions are: Is the bullet seated deeply enough? Is the crimp good on these?

Thanks for your input!
 

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If that is a fairly hot load, the isn't enough crimp. If it's a light load, you should be ok.
 
#1 No.
#2 No.
I like to seat any bullet with a cannelure to where I can just barely see/feel the bullet cannelure. This will place the crimp right on the serrations.
For your heavy loads you need a FIRM roll crimp. As stated before, your crimp on your loads would be OK for mild loads, but not for the Heavy Weights..
If you get a chance, check the firm roll crimp on any jacketed factory load, and you'll see that my advise is correct..:)
 
Thanks fellas, I suspected that was the case. I'm still trying to learn how to reconcile OAL with seating correctly on the cannelures and how deep is too deep, etc.
 
Seat/Crimp Die Adjustment:
1. Seat a bullet to the foreword edge of the cannelure without crimping.
2. Back the seating stem out a little.
3. Screw the die body in until you have the proper amount of crimp.
4. Lock the die lock ring.
5. Re-adjust the seating stem down in firm contact with the seated & crimped bullet.
6. Lock the lock nut on the seating stem.
7. Done!

rc
 
"I'm still trying to learn how to reconcile OAL with seating correctly on the cannelures and how deep is too deep"

Considering all we read, especially on the web, that's understandable. But, truth is OAL is MUCH less touchy for most cartriges than many suggest. Seating deeper does raise peak pressures some but it's far more touchy in small volume cases and heavy bullets than in larger ones such as yours.

Seat/crimp as RC says, in the cannalure of whatever bullet you use, and you will be fine.
 
So, my questions are: Is the bullet seated deeply enough? Is the crimp good on these?

The proof is in the testing. Your bullet is seated deeply enough if it fits into your revolver cylinder and doesn't protrude past the front cylinder face. Your crimp is tight enough if you don't get any bullet pulling from recoil and is sufficient to provide proper powder ignition.

For my taste I'd seat the bullet a bit deeper to put the case mouth and crimp into the center or upper portion of the cannelure. When I crimp its enough to turn the case mouth into the cannelure and against the bullet but not enough to get any flattening of the case above the crimp. Have not had any problem with bullet creep using this amount of crimp. I try to duplicate the level of crimp used by factory ammunition (see picture below).
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Ain't Walkalong's photos purdy? rcmodel and walkalong are "spot on".....
Walkalong takes the best pictures of bullets, presses and shellplates you will ever lay your eyes on. The man must be a pro photog (maybe papparzzi) in another life. His pics are worth a thousand words.
 
Many thanks for the compliment, but I am an amateur, trust me. I probably take at least 10 or more for everyone I keep. Sometimes I will take 40 to get one. A pro could figure out the light in a couple of tries. I am just hard headed and persistent. AC
 
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