Crimp or No Crimp

[Cowboyjoe67]

I am new to reloading. I just bought a Dillon 550, so I can play with my own loads. I bought the Dillon dies when I bought the press. The dies come with a crimp die, and my question is do I want to use it or not? All I shoot is target and I have asked some people who reload at the range and get mixed answers. So, I thought I would ask the best reloader's in the world (always give a nice gesture when you need advice)!
I am reloading the following calibers: 5.56, 308, 300 blackout, 6.8 SPC, 338 Lapua, 45ACP, 357, 9mm, 40cal.
Any good advice?
Sorry for asking if it offends anyone.
Thanks
Joe

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

Pistol rounds need crimping to remove the "bell" in the case the powder die makes to ease bullet seating. Other than pistols, I prefer not to crimp on any of the centerfire rifle rounds, even for 223 with the canalure, just never found a need for it or any benefit when I have crimped.

Kirk R

 

[K_4c]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kirk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pistol rounds need crimping to remove the "bell" in the case the powder die makes to ease bullet seating. Other than pistols, I prefer not to crimp on any of the centerfire rifle rounds, even for 223 with the canalure, just never found a need for it or any benifit when I have crimped.

Kirk R </div></div>

+1

 

[Cowboyjoe67]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

Thanks Kirk, if you do crimp, does it effect accuracy? Just asking for my own knowledge.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

Crimping just introduces a new variable which may or may not affect the accuracy. Crimp the pistol for feeding and recoil absorption. Leave the rifle plain to avoid the chance of flyers due to the varying crimp. JMHO

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Crimping just introduces a new variable which may or may not affect the accuracy. Crimp the pistol for feeding and recoil absorption. Leave the rifle plain to avoid the chance of flyers due to the varying crimp. JMHO </div></div>

Exactly. I tried many crimped vs non in a GAP AR10 308 using the Lee Factory crimp die, I noticed more occasional fliers with the crimped rounds, remember that variations in neck thickness or brass OAL will effect the ammount of crimp on the bullet. As former naval person mentioned, its another vairable.

Kirk R

 

[MtnCreek]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

IMHO:
Don’t crimp the rifle cartridges you listed. You’re not likely to gain anything (other than group size).
On your auto pistols, ‘crimp’ just enough to remove the bell.
On your revolver cartridge, apply visible crimp (heavy crimp if loading w/ 296).

 

[Cowboyjoe67]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

Just wanted to thank everybody for their input. I am getting ready to run my first run of 5.56. I am using once fired LC brass (already swaged), Hodgdon BL-C(2) powder, Hornady 55 gr V-MAX for the first 100 rounds. Then I am keeling everything the same other than switching to 55 gr Nosler Balistic Tips for the next 100 rounds.
Hopefully I will see good results.

Again, thank you.

 

[Genius.]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

I crimp all my handgun stuff with a Lee FCD. My 223 blasting stuff also gets crimped.

Anything I'm shooting for accuracy does not get crimped

 

[aloreman]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

Only rifle i crimp is my 375 h&h

 

[ZiaHunter]

Re: Crimp or No Crimp

I reload 223, 308 as well as numerous pistol calibers as on a 550B. There is really no need to crimp in the final stage for the rifle rounds. With the exception of the 357 which uses a roll crimp, the pistol calibers you mentioned will use a taper crimp. Follow the instructions and take your time in setting up your dies especially the roll crimp. You may want to look into setting up individual tool heads for each caliber if you load different calibers on a frequent basis.