Crimping RMR plated bullets

[Rule3]

First off< I am not a regular plated bullet user. Years ago I used some Berrys bullets but then just went with FMJ, Cast lead and then coated lead,

Joined a new indoor range (usually shoot outside) and needed to make some ammo look like "factory" so I bought some RMR Plated 158 gr FN for the 357.
I "aged" the bullets so they where not so shiny bright to look more like fmj.

Anyway. folks need not worry about crimping these bullets. I did a practice round and crimped the heck out of it. More than any crimp I would use on any bullet!. No cracking or splitting. I then took a Dremel and cut the bullet in half (sorry no picture) the plating held, no problem and seems pretty substantial.

So do not worry (IMHO) of putting a normal roll crimp on these bullets

 

[brewer12345]

I load them in 38 for tubular magazines and wanted them to stay where they were put rather than risk having the occasional round getting pushed into the case (as has happened with some plated loads I purchased). I crimped them pretty solidly and had no issues whatsoever.

 

[Walkalong]

First off< I am not a regular plated bullet user. Years ago I used some Berrys bullets but then just went with FMJ, Cast lead and then coated lead,

Joined a new indoor range (usually shoot outside) and needed to make some ammo look like "factory" so I bought some RMR Plated 158 gr FN for the 357.
I "aged" the bullets so they where not so shiny bright to look more like fmj.

Anyway. folks need not worry about crimping these bullets. I did a practice round and crimped the heck out of it. More than any crimp I would use on any bullet!. No cracking or splitting. I then took a Dremel and cut the bullet in half (sorry no picture) the plating held, no problem and seems pretty substantial.

So do not worry (IMHO) of putting a normal roll crimp on these bullets

Yep, you crimped the snot out of them alright.

 

[Dudedog]

I can hear that bullet crying from that crimp all the way here in CA
My experience is the same no issues crimping them in .357 but then again I didn't crimp mine that much!
Glad they worked out for you.

 

[Rule3]

I can hear that bullet crying from that crimp all the way here in CA
My experience is the same no issues crimping them in .357 but then again I didn't crimp mine that much!
Glad they worked out for you.

This was only a test, had this been a real emergency................

I tried to destroy it. I do not crimp anything like this!

 

[Dudedog]

I know you wouldn't normally crimp like that, I just couldn't reset commenting however.

 

[Rule3]

More "carnage"

I put the RMR and a Hornady XTP in the bench vice (separately) Squeezed the "snoot out of them twice(flatten one way then another) then put another RMR on the anvil and smashed with a hammer,

The vice squeeze did show some plating crack on the bottom of the RMR but not the sides. The XTP did not crack. The hammer smash did not crack the RMR

Some pictures. A new RMR on the left for comparison.( far right picture)

I am not concerned at all about crimping these bullets. So for this brand the "don't" roll crimp plated bullets" is not valid IMHO
No, there is not statistical validation or controls to this test.

 

[Jack B.]

I raised a similar question last week about crimping plated bullets. I ask if anyone knew if there were any taper crimp dies out there for.357/38 special. Most of the responders basically said no need for a taper crimp just roll crimp like normally done with jacketed bullets. Well that's what I did and they shoot fine. I use them for practice in my LCR so they are not loaded hot. The bullets I am referring to are pulled Xtreme plated bullets 125gr.

 

[Rule3]

I raised a similar question last week about crimping plated bullets. I ask if anyone knew if there were any taper crimp dies out there for.357/38 special. Most of the responders basically said no need for a taper crimp just roll crimp like normally done with jacketed bullets. Well that's what I did and they shoot fine. I use them for practice in my LCR so they are not loaded hot. The bullets I am referring to are pulled Xtreme plated bullets 125gr.

I believe I responded as such.

 

[SC_Dave]

I'm loading some 9mm plated from RMR now. I am very pleased with them, both in accuracy and the way they feed through the bullet feeder. I didn't have to make any adjustments with the bullet die when switching from FMJ to the plated. Good stuff.

 

[Dudedog]

I would have to say that's a pass on your informal test.

 

[vaalpens]

What type of crimp did you apply to the bullet? I am no expert here, but the crimp does not look like a roll crimp. To me it looks more like a cannelure or a stab type crimp. i would think a strong roll crimp can cut into the plating.

 

[Dudedog]

The poor bullet started out life thinking ahh I was born/made I will sit in a dark box and have a nice peaceful rest before my one fantastic final flight and a quick and merciful death,
However little did it know it was qoing to be choked my crimping, squished by squeezing, then hammered to a slow painful death.

At least it didn't get torched at the end.

 

[Rule3]

The poor bullet started out life thinking ahh I was born/made I will sit in a dark box and have a nice peaceful rest before my one fantastic final flight and a quick and merciful death,
However little did it know it was qoing to be choked my crimping, squished by squeezing, then hammered to a slow painful death.

At least it didn't get torched at the end.

I have "torched" the Hi Tec coated bullets! Let me find those pictures!!

 

[Rule3]

What type of crimp did you apply to the bullet? I am no expert here, but the crimp does not look like a roll crimp. To me it looks more like a cannelure or a stab type crimp. i would think a strong roll crimp can cut into the plating.

HEAVY roll crimp

 

[forestswin]

More "carnage"

I put the RMR and a Hornady XTP in the bench vice (separately) Squeezed the "snoot out of them twice(flatten one way then another) then put another RMR on the anvil and smashed with a hammer,

The vice squeeze did show some plating crack on the bottom of the RMR but not the sides. The XTP did not crack. The hammer smash did not crack the RMR

Some pictures. A new RMR on the left for comparison.( far right picture)

I am not concerned at all about crimping these bullets. So for this brand the "don't" roll crimp plated bullets" is not valid IMHO
No, there is not statistical validation or controls to this test.

I'm thinking railroad tracks and a freight engine.
Any in your area?
It's been awhile, but that was always fun!

 

[Klint Beastwood]

I only reload for one? straight cased cart and it is .45 acp. So i dont know for sure with a .357 but why not taper crimp? i use only a small taper crimp on .45 and it has never failed me. bell the case mouth the bare minimum to seat the bullet.

 

[Rule3]

I only reload for one? straight cased cart and it is .45 acp. So i dont know for sure with a .357 but why not taper crimp? i use only a small taper crimp on .45 and it has never failed me. bell the case mouth the bare minimum to seat the bullet.

You can but generally revolver cartridges are roll crimped and semi autos are taper crimped.

Standard dies come that way.

Revolver bullets (lead) have deep cannelure/ crimp grooves to prevent bullet jump.
FMJ revolver bullets like a XTP have a cannelure imprinted in the jacket,