Crimping for 44mag single shot?
- Thread starter Axis II
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Not sure about 4227 but with some powders like H110, you need good neck tension for it to burn properly. I would crimp.
buck460XVR
Member
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^^^Yep IMR4227 likes a firm crimp for consistent ignition.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I figured it probably would as well.
gotboostvr
Member
Can confirm, 4227 likes to be run near max pressure with a good firm crimp. I run 240gr XTP's over 4227 as my "accuracy load" in 44mag. Shoots well in every 44 I've tried it in.
Steve in PA
Member
One of my .44 Magnum handguns is a 14” T/C Contender. H110 and 240gr XTP’s fires out of all three handguns, with a good crimp. Accuracy is excellent.
frankmako
Member
i heavy crimp 44 mag for rifes and pistols for years. then i got the lee factory crimp and never looked back.
FROGO207
Member
One of the rounds that I find necessary to use a heavy crimp on to get good accuracy. I also use the Lee FCD on this round.
The .44magnum FCD is a roll crimp-- at least mine is!
FROGO207
Member
The one I have is a collet style die like the rifle dies are. It crimps independent of brass length and this saves the need to trim each round. If using lead bullets it may post size too small and then I use the roll crimp on my seating die but all the brass need to be trimmed the same then to get a consistent crimp.
frankmako
Member
my lee die is one of the older ones and it roll crimps. you can adjust the amount of the crimp.
I would suggest you load up a few of each and see what your load likes best in your gun.
I found my 14” .357 Mag Contender shoots slightly better with a crimp. I also used the opportunity to find out this load drops around 15” at 200 yds when sighted at 100.
I found my 14” .357 Mag Contender shoots slightly better with a crimp. I also used the opportunity to find out this load drops around 15” at 200 yds when sighted at 100.
Toprudder
Member
The standard FCD has a carbide post-sizing ring, and roll crimps. The collet crimper does NOT have a carbide ring. I prefer the collet crimper, it is not as dependent on trim length for consistent crimps.
FCD
https://leeprecision.com/carbide-factory-crimp-die-44sp44ma.html
Collet
https://leeprecision.com/44-magnum-custom-carbide-factory-crimp-die.html
Note: the FCD can be adjusted for either 44 special or magnum, the collet crimper is only for magnum.
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Captcurt
Member
I don't think anyone mentioned case trimming. If you want to have consistent pressure on your crimps you need to trim all cases to the same length. I had some new brass that had .010 difference in length. I had set my die to crimp on a short case and the long case had a distinct bulge behind the crimp. It was large enough to be tight in my GP.
They have all been trimmed. I cant remember if it was these or the 38spl starline I ordered from Midwayusa that came in a ziplock baggy but they were all different lengths and all got trimmed.
Crosshair
Member
I generally don't bother putting any meaningful crimp on with the loads I use.
Arkansas Paul
Member
I have noticed unburned powder in the cases of IMR4227 when I didn't have a firm crimp.
Also, I've never trimmed pistol brass before and never will for auto calibers, but I've considered it in my .45 Colt that I plan to hunt with. I've noticed some inconsistent crimps.
Also, I've never trimmed pistol brass before and never will for auto calibers, but I've considered it in my .45 Colt that I plan to hunt with. I've noticed some inconsistent crimps.
This, you'll want a nice firm roll crimp to help get a good clean burn.
i trim all my revolver brass. one time and you're done. i haven't used new brass in years and, therefore, haven't trimmed in years. but, i can when my supply runs out (twenty years from now, maybe). i'm ocd with my pistols and even uniform all the primer pockets (another "one time and done" operation), so there is that!! i like accurate handloads for all my handguns.
luck,
murf
p.s. as to the o.p. @Axis II , light crimp for faster burning powders, heavy crimp for slower burning powders.
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