How much crimp on target 357 loads (38s in 357 cases)

[Macchina]

I'm loading 158 grain hard cast bullets over 4 grains of 231 in .357 magnum cases. The bullets have a nice crimp groove. How much crimp should I be putting on these guys? I use the 4-die Lee set and usually crimp my magnum rounds tightly.

 

[Fishslayer]

I would use very light (if any) taper crimp. Just enough to be sure the flare is gone.

You don't need to worry about jumping crimp in those light loads & W231 doesn't really need a crimp to burn.

And your brass will last longer.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Another light crimper here, too.

 

[joneb]

I have been loading 38spl with 158gr LSWC with 4.2gr of W-231 with a mid to heavy crimp with very good accuracy. But I trim my cases so a heavier crimp is not a issue for me.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would use the same amount of crimp you use on your .38 Special loads. Just because you're loading in .357 Magnum brass doesn't change the fact you're really loading a .38 Special.

I use a light roll crimp on all my .38 Special rounds and that works well for me...

 

[Walkalong]

Agreed, use the crimp groove as designed, just don't get carried away with the amount of crimp. Something like this.


Medium Roll Crimp on a D&J 125 Gr RFN - Using a Hornady seater to seat and crimp in one step.

 

[Macchina]

Any problem with a tight crimp like I use on my magnum loads? I loaded a few up that way before I thought that I may want to give light loads less of a crimp...

 

[Macchina]

Also, thanks for the picture. A picture of a crimp is worth more than a paragraph trying to explain it!

 

[Walkalong]

Any problem with a tight crimp like I use on my magnum loads?

It won't hurt a thing.

 

[sirsloop]

IMHO crimp em light... no need to work over your brass too much. I dont think there's issues with the bullets moving until you get into some max loads or larger calibers. I guess it depends on what you are shooting it outta too... light gun will put more G's on the bullet.

 

[4895]

I agree with a light crimp and saving the work on the brass. If you ever want to try different bullets, consider moly coated. I get less smoke and very little fouling with 4.2 grains of W-231 and 158 grain rnfp from Bear Creek Supply bullets in 38 special. I haven't tried them in .357 but would expect the same performance at medium velocities. I shot quite a few Missouri bullet company lead and was pleased, but indoors I would get a lot of lube smoke and a headache from poor ventilation. I haven't had those problems with moly at all. I keep the plain lead for outdoors only now.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It won't hurt a thing.

Other than overwork your brass for no good reason...

 

[Walkalong]

Tis true.

 

[joneb]

I agree with a light crimp and saving the work on the brass.

I find a mid to heavy crimp has little effect on the case life of my revolver brass. I have split more 45acp cases that have very little to no crimp do to hot loads

 

[Hondo 60]

Walkalong's crimp looks very good.

Too light & you run the risk of unburned powder.
Too heavy & you reduce the life of the brass - you run the risk of the case mouth cracking or splitting.