New to rifle reloading - crimp question

[jpdavis423]

After several years of reloading straight walled pistol cartridges I've just started to reload 30-06. So far I've loaded and fired about 40 rounds through my bolt action.
My question is about crimping. I tried a Redding seating and crimp die. On an empty case (and cranked down much further than you normally would) it looks like a roll crimp. The Lee rifle factory crimp die does not appear to have as much "roll". It seems to push straight in. I know you don't use much crimp for a rifle so is there any advantage to one or the other? Or is this a case of as many reasons for the Lee as the Redding?

Jeff

 

[rcmodel]

You do not need to crimp 30-06 for use in a bolt-action.

The only reason to crimp 30-06 would be for use in a semi-auto rifle like an M1 Garand to prevent bullet set-back during feeding.

If you have proper neck tension on the bullet, it ain't going anywhere in a bolt-action rifle except down the barrel when you pull the trigger.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

rcmodel is right of course. You do not have to crimp for a bolt action if you don't want to.

You are right about your Redding die having a roll crimp feature built in. It works great if you want to crimp into a cannelure. You will need to trim your cases to have a good consistent crimp. It would look something like this.

You are also right about the Lee crimp die. It uses a collet that pushes inwards. It works well, and case length (assuming it is not to long for the chamber) is not critical. It would look something like this.

 

[TonyAngel]

Lots of guys say that they never crimp, especially for bolt guns. I don't have any bolt guns right now, but I have been loading for my AR15. I don't need to crimp because I've never had any problems with set back or the projectile jumping out of the case during chambering, but when I started using the Lee Factory Crimp Die, my groups tightened up.

Maybe it has something to do with giving the rounds more consistent neck tension. I don't know. I only know that it did something for me.

 

[joed]

I don't even crimp the .223 for use in an auto. Never had a problem as they have always functioned flawlessly. Neck tension should be adequate to hold the bullet unless you have it touching the rifling.

 

[USSR]

The only reason to crimp 30-06 would be for use in a semi-auto rifle like an M1 Garand to prevent bullet set-back during feeding.

And, you don't even need to crimp them for the M1 Garand. I'm currently feeding 3 of them, and suitable neck tension is all that is needed. The only rifle cartridges I WOULD crimp are, those that are used in an under-the-barrel tube magazine, and for a big bore, heavy recoiling rifle such as used to hunt dangerous game.

Don