44 Mag "heavy crimp"??

[CSAR]

Questions for you guys.... Just starting to handload .44mag and have not reloaded with a roll crimp before. I've read where a heavy crimp can sometimes be required for it. With the tamper crimps I'm used to for the .45ACP it's easy to measure the crimp but for the .44 how do you measure the roll crimp? How do you know when you have enough crimp? When do you have a heavy crimp?

I've looked at the factory loads I have and can see how they're crimped and some have what looks like a taper crimp (factory Rem 180 gr loads) and some have a roll crimp (factory Black Talon loads).

I'm reloading with H-110 and using the Hornady XTP 240gr bullet with the Cannelure groove in the bullet. Bullet is seated so the roll crimp is in the groove. Using a Dillon 550b with Dillon dies.

Any insight or instructions are appreciated.

 

[MALLARD]

Re: 44 Mag "heavy crimp"??

im not sure how to measure that , but if your crimping your pistol loads excessively they will start to split after firing.

I usually crimp enough to get the rounds to fit in the cylinder, however much that is


this link talks about roll crimps , though i couldnt really see the picture

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/crimp.cfm

 

[SnkBit]

Re: 44 Mag "heavy crimp"??

It's done more by appearance than anything. Just slowly ease the crimp die down onto the loaded round a little at a time and check the crimp. When it rolls deep into the cannelure groove,just touching the bottom of the groove, it ought to be good.

 

[Falar]

Re: 44 Mag "heavy crimp"??

This is something I've always struggled with too. Just have to eyeball it as best as you can.

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: 44 Mag "heavy crimp"??

Make the crimp look like a factory round and all will be good.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: 44 Mag "heavy crimp"??

could always use a cannalure bullet if you have a light gun with heavy loads. Pretty much the only reason for heavy crimps.

 

[Diablo]

Re: 44 Mag "heavy crimp"??

Yeah, it's a good thing to do.

It sucks when the cylinder on your wheelgun won't turn or open cause the recoil made a bullet ease out far enough to jam things up.

You just need enough crimp to keep the bullet in place.

 

[CSAR]

Re: 44 Mag "heavy crimp"??

Mallard, that link helps. Since the Seachickens are getting killed already in Chicago, I'll load up few rounds and head to the range. I'm lucky it's only 7 minutes away

These loads will eventually be worked up to max loads going through a Redhawk.

 

[bohem]

Re: 44 Mag "heavy crimp"??

I take a caliper and measure visually about how much of the case length has been deformed and record this value. A "heavy crimp" to me is when I get 0.010-0.015" of engaged length on the roll. It's not an exact science but that at least gets me a reference to work from.