yet another crimp question.

[SSN Vet]

preface....

the only time I've re-loaded bullets without a cannelure, they were 150 gr. Berry's plated FNs that I down loaded for my .30-30. These have a pretty soft (waged?) core and I applied a light crimp with the Lee FCD, which made a uniform indent in the plate. These seem to shoot pretty well, with no indications that the plating was spinning off (though the drop at 100 yds was significant).

Now my question....

I'm setting up to reload .223 for a new AR (16" 1-9 barrel) and I purchased a box of Sierra 69 gr match kings, thinking I would work up a 'premium' load in addition to my best M193 clone. (first time every buying such pricey bullets)

Sure enough...no cannalure on the Match Kings

Are these intended for use in bolt guns?

Should I seat to OAL per my manual and then apply light crimp? and if so, what should I expect to happen to the bullet?

Should I return them and get something different?

or...

Should I load them with not crimp and very carefully shoot them, checking for set back untill I'm satisfied they'll stay put?

Thanks in advance

 

[Bullet]

In my AR I load to mag length with no crimp using the 69gr SMK’s. Works good. For Sierra data you might look here -

http://www.6mmbr.com/223Rem.html


.

 

[SSN Vet]

great link! thanks.

any other opionions on criimping? vs. not crimping

 

[mswestfall]

You'll get both to and not to crimp arguments.

I load to magazine length (about 2.270) and put a very light crimp on my non-cannelured Nosler 69 grain Competition Bullets.

That's what works for me...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The general rule is, ask the gun.

I only crimp rifle rounds when a crimp is needed -- for example, in .30-30, where magazine followers tend to push bullets back in the case.

I would start out not crimping. If I found bullets being pushed back into the case, then I would apply a light crimp.

 

[David Wile]

Hey Vet,

I agree with Vern. I full length resize auto feed cases and have never had to crimp. Why crimp if you don't need to do it? Match King bullets? I think they are great for accuracy, and I use them in several calibers (.223, 6mm, 6.5mm, .308).

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

 

[taliv]

i don't know anyone who crimps SMKs for HP. Why would you? They're very popular at the short ranges (200, 300 yrds) which include the "rapid fire" stages.

i wouldn't worry about OAL much because you'll run out of room in the magazine long before you get close to the lands in most AR15s.

don't crimp, just shoot them.

and in the extremely unlikely event that you DO get setback, I'd first attempt to address the problem with neck tension (i.e. use a bushing die and get a bushing that's .001" smaller than the last one to add a bit of tension.)

 

[dave from mesa]

My test is to leave 2-3 rounds in the bottom of the mag and at the end of shooting see any have moved. I do check every once in a while just in case. Hopefully you will have enough bullet tension to hold the bullet.
I don't crimp.