I have a Bushmaster Varminter in .223. I am doing my first reloads and have set the O.A.L to 2.21 for 24.0 grns of Varget and using a Speer 52gr HP. If I use the bolt release on the gun the O.A.L grows to 2.232. I other words the bullet is getting forced out by the force of the bolt closing. the bullet does not have a cannelure so I have not been doing any crimping. Can I put a slight roll crimp on these bullets?
to crimp or not to crimp..
- Thread starter agd1953
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RecoilRob
Member
I wouldn't even try to roll crimp an un-cannellured bullet. You COULD use the Lee Factory Crimp Die on them as it is a collet-type and works well even if you have no cannellure.
Have shot many, many rounds crimped with the Lee FCD, both with and without cannellure, and have had good results. Highly recommended to give one a try.
Have shot many, many rounds crimped with the Lee FCD, both with and without cannellure, and have had good results. Highly recommended to give one a try.
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I was looking at the RCBS catalog and it say that depending on caliber they crimp with either a roll or taper crimp. How do I tell if these dies will taper or roll a crimp? The die has no special marking like their pistol dies ,ie T.C.
RecoilRob
Member
I'm pretty sure the RCBS die will roll-crimp only. All you will do is crush the neck/shoulder area if you don't have somewhere for the crimp to go (cannellure).
Looking at your problem a bit further, am wondering if you are using once fired brass? The neck thickness might be a bit thin...which leads to reduced neck tension.
Many people shoot uncrimped ammo in their AR's with no problems. A switch to thicker necked brass or a reduction of the expanding ball diameter might also keep the bullet from moving in the neck during chambering.
Looking at your problem a bit further, am wondering if you are using once fired brass? The neck thickness might be a bit thin...which leads to reduced neck tension.
Many people shoot uncrimped ammo in their AR's with no problems. A switch to thicker necked brass or a reduction of the expanding ball diameter might also keep the bullet from moving in the neck during chambering.
Steve in PA
Member
If the bullet is moving just by closing the bolt, you do not have enough neck tension.
The RCBS die would provide a roll crimp for the rifle round, not a taper crimp. There is nothing wrong with putting a slight roll crimp on the round even though the bullet does not have a cannelure.
I use the RCBS die, but I don't crimp my rounds. There is enough neck tension to keep the bullets from moving. And yes, I have checked.
The RCBS die would provide a roll crimp for the rifle round, not a taper crimp. There is nothing wrong with putting a slight roll crimp on the round even though the bullet does not have a cannelure.
I use the RCBS die, but I don't crimp my rounds. There is enough neck tension to keep the bullets from moving. And yes, I have checked.
30Cal
Member
Your bullet is moving too far IMHO. It shouldn't be going more than about 0.005" when you chamber it. Your expander ball is most likely too big.
Matt Dillon
Member
IMHO = "In My Honest Opinion"
mc223
Member
Or "In My Humble Opinion"
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