A bullet question

[9teenEleven]

I've only reloaded ball .45acp, but I'm just getting ready to start .380. What are the hash marks that encircle the bullet?

 

[hokeyplyr48]

They are a cannelure that you use to crimp into. Helps to keep the bullet in place. Some of the other users can give you more specifics about types of crimps. (taper, roll, etc.)

 

[NCsmitty]

Are you talking about the jacket cuts for expansion, or the cannelure for crimping?


NCsmitty

 

[hokeyplyr48]

encircle means all the way arround so the cannelure for crimping

 

[9teenEleven]

do you crimp a .380? I know I don't crimp the .45.

 

[steve4102]

I know I don't crimp the .45.

Why not? Do you just leave the flare?

 

[9teenEleven]

does the bullet seating die crimp it? I have the lee 1000. I have tested the finished rounds, and there is no movement.

 

[Kernel]

I crimp all my .45 ACP's. IMO, all cartridges for use in self-loading firearms need a firm crimp.

I even crimp my heavy hunting rounds I use in revolvers. Otherwise, the bullets will back-out under recoil. I know, cuz it's happened to me!

 

[joneb]

do you crimp a .380? I know I don't crimp the .45.

.380 acp?
The .380 acp and .45 acp normally head space on the case mouth, I crimp my acp cartridges enough to remove the flare and then a bit more say .003".
The picture shows a cannalured bullet, this is not typical for a .380 acp bullet

 

[Steve C]

does the bullet seating die crimp it?

Yes, it does if adjusted correctly.

 

[rcmodel]

What brand of bullet is that?

Never ever seen a 9mm/.380 ACP bullet with a cannelure before.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

Me either. Interesting bullet.

 

[9teenEleven]

It is a Zero .380acp bullet.

Link

I have 1k of them, so I hope I can use them. So, how should I take the cannelure into account when loading these bullets.

Can you taper crimp a cannelure?


EDIT: I think I might have goofed. The zero bullets site calls these .380 bullets, but are they actually .38 bullets? The diameter is .356...

 

[Aliencane]

I suggest you get the Lee Factory Crimp Die for .380. Also, a cartridge gauge is real handy. I use a Wilson gauge. I check every cartridge for size and proper headspace. It only takes a couple of seconds, and might save you some headaches.

 

[rcmodel]

The zero bullets site calls these .380 bullets, but are they actually .38 bullets? The diameter is .356...

Yes, they are 9mm/.380 ACP bullets.
The .380 ACP name is a misnomer. They are actually 9mm and use .355" - .356" bullets.

There should be no need at all for a Lee FCD.

Your seating die has a built-in taper crimp section.

Seat & adjust crimp till you get a .371" - .372" case mouth measurement and you should be good to go.

rc

 

[RidgwayCO]

Interesting that Zero should put a cannelure on these bullets, something I've never seen on any other 9mm bullets (which is what the .380 Auto uses). Maybe I haven't been around enough...

It makes me wonder if they anticipate someone trying them in the .38 Special or .357 Magnum. They'd probably do OK there, but I certainly wouldn't expect sterling accuracy in that usage, as they'd be a bit undersized. Late Add: I just noticed that Zero says these are hollow base bullets. Maybe they're soft enough to bump up in the .38 Special or .357 Magnum?

 

[ar10]

If the bullet is going in to a semi auto then I would definitely crimp, that includes semi auto rifles whether you use the taper on the seating die or the Lee FCD.
I shoot Horandy .308 BTHP without a cannalure and I still put a very slight crimp on them because they can, (and one of my reloads did once), get hung on the feed ramp, shoving the bullet back into the case mouth.
When I reload 7.62x39's from my CZ527 or my .38 revolver I don't need to.