Reefinmike
Member
Im looking for anyone with experience on which crimp groove to use with the 440gr lee 500 smith and wesson bullet. mine weigh in right at 460gr with a gas check and powder coat.
Hodgdon lists a COAL of 2.025" with a 440gr cast, Accurate lists 2.005 and 2.105" with different cast lead 440 bullets and my lee manual lists 2.025.
Using the lee bullet, I get an OAL of 2.010" in the first crimp groove and 2.130" in the second crimp groove. How do you choose what crimp groove you use? I will be trying to burn up a couple kegs of AA1680 but I also have some lilgun and W296. Should I just use the second crimp groove if my powder charge is getting compressed any when seated deep at the first? Im thinking about a 5 load workup of 39.0, 40.0, 41.0, 42.0 and 43.0gr AA1690 @ 2.010. Im looking for a moderate magnum load that is comfortable enough to shoot 50 rounds while avoiding those loads that get you 2800-2900ft/lbs
Hodgdon lists a COAL of 2.025" with a 440gr cast, Accurate lists 2.005 and 2.105" with different cast lead 440 bullets and my lee manual lists 2.025.
Using the lee bullet, I get an OAL of 2.010" in the first crimp groove and 2.130" in the second crimp groove. How do you choose what crimp groove you use? I will be trying to burn up a couple kegs of AA1680 but I also have some lilgun and W296. Should I just use the second crimp groove if my powder charge is getting compressed any when seated deep at the first? Im thinking about a 5 load workup of 39.0, 40.0, 41.0, 42.0 and 43.0gr AA1690 @ 2.010. Im looking for a moderate magnum load that is comfortable enough to shoot 50 rounds while avoiding those loads that get you 2800-2900ft/lbs