Crimp or no crimp for self-loading rifles?

[jason8251]

I'm fairly new to reloading and wanted ya'lls thoughts on crimping cases for self loading rifles. I've read that crimping cases in semi-auto's is a must because the bullets will "walk" in/out of the cases from the recoil of the rifle so that's what I have been doing for the last year or so with a Lee Factory Crimp die.
I was bored the other day and popped in the DVD from JP Enterprises that I got a few years ago that came with my CTR-02 and they say not to crimp because it is detrimental to accuracy and the case neck tension should be enough to hold the bullet securly in place. What gives?
I'll be home in a week or so and make up some crimped and not crimped to see for myself just wanted ya'lls thoughts on the matter.

 

[tiNdvenTFHwMdqKW]

Re: Crimp or no crimp for self-loading rifles?

Bolt action target shooting = no crimp.

Otherwise, it's probably a good idea to crimp unless you really know what you are doing and the conditions the ammo will be used in.

 

[johncamino]

Re: Crimp or no crimp for self-loading rifles?

The only semi-auto I load for is my M1 Garand. I think the concern is that the bullet will move forward and possible come in contact with the lands when it is loaded. If you have sufficient neck tension it shouldn't be a problem. If you want to check measure your COAL of your reloads, and then cycle a few through your gun at the range only and re-measure the COAL . I don't think you'll have a problem unless you load-unload-load the same round a bunch.

 

[samnev]

Re: Crimp or no crimp for self-loading rifles?

I've been shooting high power bolt and semis in many calibers for 40 years and have never had to crimp any of my rounds. If the expander ball is dimensionally correct you shouldn't have to crimp. Although a Lee factory crimp dies wouldn't hurt if you have a progressive press. The only caliber I have had to crimp is the 44 magnum.

 

[jason8251]

Re: Crimp or no crimp for self-loading rifles?

Yeah I hear no crimp is the way to go for accuracy so I'll give it a try at the range like elcam suggested. I'm still shooting sub-moa with crimped ammo but if I can away will skipping that process I'll definately not crimp. Thanks for the input fellas.