Here we go:
In loading for .44 magnum, there seems to be many opinions about crimping, not crimping, equipment/dies to use (or not use), role of the crimp, which bullets to crimp (or not), amount of crimp to use, sizing issues related to crimp dies (and resulting leading), etc... etc...
Maybe we can make this a resource for what works and/or how to recognize and resolve these problems. It's complex, or can be.
Selfishly, I am about to start loading 44mag and would like to avoid these problems.
In example, let's start with the following:
New Starline 44mag brass, RMR 235gr Thundercast hard cast LSWC's sized @ .429", being shot in a Super Blackhawk 7.5" bbl.
Starting loads will be on the light side.
Dies are the Lee deluxe 4-die set (includes the factory crimp die) on a Lee Classic Turret.
The plan is to set up using the 3rd die to seat and remove the flare/bell and then to add a slight crimp with the FCD in station 4.
The rationale is that by doing so, I will not need to adjust die 3 for crimping as I change loads/powders moving up to heavier, powerful loads. Crimp changes can be managed with the FCD adjustment. (It is a roll crimp BTW)
I plan to check for bullet sizing from the FCD and will modify plans as needed (either remove the FCD carbide ring, or switch to the Lee collet crimp die (roll crimp) for the 4th station.
That's a lot of data. Ok folks--have at it!
Opinions welcome!
In loading for .44 magnum, there seems to be many opinions about crimping, not crimping, equipment/dies to use (or not use), role of the crimp, which bullets to crimp (or not), amount of crimp to use, sizing issues related to crimp dies (and resulting leading), etc... etc...
Maybe we can make this a resource for what works and/or how to recognize and resolve these problems. It's complex, or can be.
Selfishly, I am about to start loading 44mag and would like to avoid these problems.
In example, let's start with the following:
New Starline 44mag brass, RMR 235gr Thundercast hard cast LSWC's sized @ .429", being shot in a Super Blackhawk 7.5" bbl.
Starting loads will be on the light side.
Dies are the Lee deluxe 4-die set (includes the factory crimp die) on a Lee Classic Turret.
The plan is to set up using the 3rd die to seat and remove the flare/bell and then to add a slight crimp with the FCD in station 4.
The rationale is that by doing so, I will not need to adjust die 3 for crimping as I change loads/powders moving up to heavier, powerful loads. Crimp changes can be managed with the FCD adjustment. (It is a roll crimp BTW)
I plan to check for bullet sizing from the FCD and will modify plans as needed (either remove the FCD carbide ring, or switch to the Lee collet crimp die (roll crimp) for the 4th station.
That's a lot of data. Ok folks--have at it!
Opinions welcome!