bullet cannelure

[Brandn2551]

What is this? Is it a good thing or something that doesn't really matter? I'm getting ready to order some rifle bullets and just don't have much knowledge with a bullets cannelure. I realize with 62gr bullets my rifle will shoot alittle better but 55gr's are so much cheaper. I won't be shooting in any matches but would like good groups. Will the 55gr work well enough? Thanks Brandon

P.S. I'm brand new to this forum thanks for the help.

 

[Jacka L Ope]

Here is a decent article on crimping for which cannelures are designed for:

http://exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/crimp.cfm

You did not mention what type of rifle you're reloading for, i.e. bolt or semi-auto. Knowing that would help the next person that comes along to assist.

 

[jmorris]

Yep the bullet cannelure is the “crimp grove”. http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/2,350.html sells a tool for this purpose. Semi autos, revolvers and lever actions are a few common places where bullets with a cannelure are the norm. It just makes the bullet that much harder to knock out of place.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Brandn2551...More input please...Rifle, calibre, etc...

 

[Brandn2551]

More info

It's for my bushmaster 16in M4 Patrol with a 1:9 twist in 223. I won't be doing any match stuff just moving and shooting. It's my patrol rifle for work and I just want something decent for practice.

 

[Jacka L Ope]

I should think either of those bullets would perform just fine in your rifle. All of my current handloads for 5.56mm are the 55gr FMJBT. The particular bullet I'm using has a cannelure for which I apply a taper crimp. Other bullets without a cannelure and relying on neck tension only will work just as well.

Have fun!

 

[Airborne Falcon]

Just understand that a crimp of any kind, may cause the pressure to vary.

 

[Walkalong]

Standard bulk 55 Gr FMJ-BT bullets will work just fine, just don't expect great accuracy from them. If you want better acuracy, you will need better bullets. Folks usually get 3 or 4 inch groups with them, but some report better than that. The Hornady bulk 55 Gr FMJ-BT is reportedly better, but I have not tried mine yet.

They are "cheap bulk bullets" for a reason.

I lightly roll crimp all my blasting/plinking ammo with 55 Gr bullets just for an added measure of safety and function. Crimping in and of itself does not cause pressures to "vary". If anything, properly done, it can help consistency. It does make a difference as far as crimped vs non crimped. As always, if you change anything in a max load, reduce and work back up. That includes changing from crimped to non crimped or vice versa.

Most folks who load .223 for accuracy do not crimp. They rely on good consistent neck tension.

Welcome to THR

 

[The Bushmaster]

Wow!! Almost a year old. Wonder if he (Brandn2551) is still around?

 

[Walkalong]

Good question, I did not notice the date on the OP.

 

[rcmodel]

Dang!
Another Zombie post brought to life!

And the answer was wrong!

See post #8 for the correct info on crimp changing pressure.
It actually has so little effect on pressure as to be inconsequential unless you are already blowing primers!

The crimp becomes uncrimped, and the bullet is already moving well before maximum chamber pressure is reached.

rc