Crimp for .38 SPC Revolver

[whitetail2]

Getting ready to start reloading for a .38 special revolver, and not sure which die set to get. Should I go with roll crimp or taper crimp. None of these loads will ever be hot for the gun in question.
Thanks

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Roll crimp is standard, but I like the redding profile crimp which is a combination of both. Very easy to use and reload with. All my revolver rounds get a profile crimp.

 

[idoono]

Roll crimp.

Idoono

 

[whitetail2]

Thanks guys. That's what I thought ,but figured I best ask first. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Magnum Shooter]

I don’t crimp target loads in the 38spl at all. For the more stout loads a roll crimp is standard.

 

[ReloaderFred]

The crimp in revolver rounds is to prevent the bullet from walking out of the cases under recoil. If not crimped, especially harder recoiling rounds, the bullets will work out far enough to lock up the cylinder.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[joneb]

I use RCBS 38spl/357mag. w/a carbide sizer the seat and crimp die is a roll crimp.
I picked up a taper crimp die that I use for plated bullets and WCs.
Having a another seating die is convenient for seating and crimping in separate steps.

 

[918v]

I use a taper crimp. A heavy taper crimp works just as well as a roll crimp. That way you can load HBWC and regular SWC or jacketed. Also, a taper crimp is alot easier on the brass so it will last longer.

 

[Walkalong]

While I agree a heavy taper crimp can work very well on a canellured jacketed bullet, I went back to roll crimps with them. I use a taper crimp with plated bullets in .38 Spl.

Light taper crimp on a 148 Gr plated bullet

Heavy taper crimp on a 125 Gr plated bullet

Roll crimp on a 125 Gr lead with a crimp groove

Roll crimp on an 85 Gr JHP

Light Roll crimp on a 200 Gr plated bullet

Roll crimp on a 265 Gr lead SWC