Crimping question

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Action_Can_Do

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Hello everyone. A couple of times recently when I've been loading for revolver cartridges, I've noticed something strange. Even though my brass is no longer than it should be, the crimping groove on the bullet is seated too deeply in the brass to properly crimp. I'm very careful to match the OAL listed for the bullet I'm using, and when I do, the bullet is seated to deeply. 500 S&W is the biggest offender in this regard. Should I ignore the OAL and just seat the bullet so it crimps properly?
 
As long as your loaded rounds stay below the front of your cylinder you may continue to crimp on the crimping groove as usual. If they do start to protrude from the cylinder then you will need to trim your cases. The largest pistol round I load for is the 454 Casull and have never yet needed to trim those cases. :)
 
When I work up revolver loads, I generally trim all my cases first to the minimum length. Once this is done, I use the printed data as a guide for the powder choices and loads. Starting with the minimum listed loads and setting up your seater to put the bullet into the crimp grove on the bullet your using should not cause you much if any issue.

However, depending on the powder, case brand, and bullet, you might see issues on the top end of the scale of loads.

With the caliber you listed and considering the slower powders like 4227, H-110 2400, AA-9 and 296, are used a lot, you should be fine with the above process, starting low and working up. You will find using one over the other will give you more of a range to work with but I have generally found more accuracy in the mid range of the listed data than on the top end generally speaking.

Also when setting up for your crimp, test a few rounds with the case simply rolled into the groove, and then add a tad bit more as needed if you see any signs of slippage. This is easily checked in a revolver by shooting a couple of full powder loads with the test loads simply in the cylinder along for the ride. Measure them after 1 shot then after each repeated shot. If you see any length change from the original OAL simply give the crimp a little more. Also note that the different amount of crimp will also effect pressure and groups as well. Far too many times I have seen loads with way more crimp than needed, and had done it myself for years. Once I started testing how much was really needed both my loads and accuracy became more consistent.

Hope this helps.
 
Should I ignore the OAL and just seat the bullet so it crimps properly?

That's what I do.
Yep...


I also trim all my revolver cases, usually to minimum, and then you just load the bullet so the cannelure matches up and crimp in the cannelure. Then you have your O.A.L. for that bullet.
 
If you are crimping in the cannelure (groove) forget AOL. I would, however, like Walkalong, trim all revolver cases to the same length (I keep them within +/-.001 or .002 depending) to insure a consistent crimp from one cartridge to the next.
 
I agree, crimp in the groove BUT only if you're sure you are buying the correct bullet for that caliber. You can buy a bullet that's longer than a handgun bullet because it's really meant for a rifle. I know it's unlikely but it happens.
 
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