LeviSS Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 I got some bayous the other day. I had read on here that you should make up a dummy and pull the bullet to see if the crimp is ok. I did and this is what I ended up with. It's got a slight ring around it...you can feel it with your fingernail, but its not bad. Is this too much crimp or is it acceptable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyOne Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 It's very difficult to tell with a picture. Can you take your calipers and measure any difference where the ring is versus a non used bullet head? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 From the pic I'd say slightly too much. You don't want to "crimp", you merely want to straighten the side of the case. Neck tension is what is supposed to hold the bullet in place. Only crimp if loading ammo for a revolver and crimping into the groove provided. If your sizing die sizes the case so you end up with the "wasp waist" look that is the very best, as you won't ever have any bullet set back with that result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDA Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 There really should be no mark. Especially a ring that looks like it cut through the coating. All you need to do is remove the flare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeviSS Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 Thanks guys. There's no difference that I can tell with a caliper. I just loaded these using my dies set up exactly as they were for reloading the plated bullets I've been using. I had never pulled a bullet after crimping to check for this. Is it bad for plated too? I'm kinda nervous to change my crimp...I hate setting crimp. I have noticed the slight "wasp waist" look with my loads. I've never had a problem with setback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhand Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 If you can see the bare lead underneath, then that's too much crimp. Depending on which powder you use, having exposed lead will generate more smoke. I crimp to about .377-.378 with coated bullets and don't have any issues with smoke. Though I can see a slight indentation in the coating, the coating is still intact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilkMyDuds Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 Too much. Here is mine. You don't have to "crimp" it. Simply remove the bell of the case mouth is more than sufficient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeviSS Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 Ok. I can see the lead in the ring. I'll play with it a little tomorrow and back it off some. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevadabob Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 When I first started reloading/crimping, I pulled a few commercially produced bullets. What I saw was an everso slight score, barely noticeable. You had to do a double take to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDA Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 When I first started reloading/crimping, I pulled a few commercially produced bullets. What I saw was an everso slight score, barely noticeable. You had to do a double take to see it. I presume those were copper jacketed bullets? If so, that sounds about right as a max "crimp". With these coated lead bullets, you really don't want to score or mar the coating. You can, and it will likely only make your results worse if anything at all, but it isn't necessary, just remove the bell as many have stated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Service Desk Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 (edited) give 'em a test fire.... If they shoot OK and there is no leading you are good to go. If there are problems, back of a quarter turn on the crimp and try again. You will soon get the hang of dealing with coated bullets, I have been shooting them since 1994 in one form or another and am almost there ! Edited September 8, 2015 by Service Desk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeviSS Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 (edited) Thanks guys. I adjusted my die out about 1/8 of a turn. It looks perfect now...no mark. And it passed the push (setback) test, so I think I'm good to go. Edited September 8, 2015 by LeviSS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwhpfan Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 Really, I just knock out the bell. If you took your nail from the bullet to case, you'll get stuck on my loads. If I break a bullet down there is the slightest ring. I shoot a Glock with a KKM barrel and I've shot a few 1" groups from 25 yards; YMMV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noylj Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 If I can see ANY marks on a cast or cast/coated bullet from the crimp, it is TOO MUCH CRIMP. All you want is to remove enough case mouth flare that the rounds chamber easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9x45 Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 (edited) Only enough crimp to get rid of the bell, and only enough bell to seat the bullet. I run .005" bell on a side, and use the wipe test to check for enough crimp. Mark the case with a black marker, and after it goes thru the crimp cycle, it should wipe .010-.015" off the case length. Edited September 12, 2015 by 9x45 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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