Good evening guys. I try to load 308s and 6.5 cm to duplicate factory performance. The 308s seem to go easy enough but the cm has been more of a challenge. I've never used a crimp die but it was recommended to me earlier this week. Looking for second opinions on how great factory crimp dies are.
Factory crimp dies
- Thread starter g7spring
- Start date
^this, though I dont crimp my gas loads either. As a matter of fact, I haven't crimped anything in years.
Mainly bolt. I had an issue with bullets sliding in necks after full length sizing. Switched dies and that seemed to stop but damage to confidence was done. I'm having a heck of a time beating the factory 120gr AMAX load with anything I put together. It's the only cartridge I have this issue with.
Factory match ammo has a crimp and many try to duplicate factory match loads. I use the FCD fir both my bolt gun and semi loads. I tried not crimping my bolt gun loads but my numbers were not where I wanted them, once I used the FCD my number are almost into the single digits. All my rifle loads get the treatment...
buy a box of factory ammo and adjust your die on that. pretty simple really, why reinvent the wheel.
cheers.
cheers.
Two thoughts; I shoot 308 in an M1A---never crimped unless shooting 147 grainers with the cannelure. My bolt gun has never used ammo with a crimp, except for the 147's. In both cases, it's never been an issue. I have used the Lee Factory crimp die---for bullets without the cannelure---I noticed no change in performance. Why did I use it? 2 reasons; curiosity and---for a friend who did not reload--who (insisted, he) wanted a cartridge made with a crimp-----??? It was worth the $17 to find out.
