Variation in Crimping

[Glen]

I mostly crimp when reloading for handguns. This is kind of minor but mysterious. My cases are all the same brand, same number of times reloaded, I try to get them very much the same in case length, bullet diameters are of course the same...everything is the same EXCEPT the pressure I must apply in making the crimp seems to vary a fair amount from case to case.

Is there that much difference in hardness or softness of each brass case itself? Are exceedingly small variations in case length versus cannelure enough to make such a difference in feeling as the case is crimped?

It is not a problem. My cartridges come out fine. I was just wondering if I am the only one with this experience and what might cause it.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Are exceedingly small variations in case length versus cannelure enough to make such a difference in feeling as the case is crimped?

You got it right there. The term "exceedingly small variances" is a subjective term. How small. Something else is how many times the cases have been reloaded and fired, the brass gets harder with use. I trim my cases to within .001" if I'm loading maximum loads of magnum powder. If I'm using power pistol for middle of the road target loads in my .357mag (my standard load) then I don't worry so much about trimming and crimping. I usually back the crimp off a little so it doesn't hit very hard or every time, with power pistol or faster powders of any kind, you just don't need to crimp to make your powder burn correctly if your neck tension is correct.

 

[Glen]

Thanks

Yeah, that's gotta be it. I will be even more careful in the future. Thanks.