Trimming .357 cases for Hornady FTX?

[_Nick_]

I have a few boxes of Hornady FTX projectiles that I intend to use for my SD/HD ammo. I picked up a copy of the May issue of Shooting Times and it's got an article in it about hand loading them. On page 59 they list a few cases that require trimming and include 357 magnum.

It has occurred to me that the article is targeted at rifles, and since I'm one of those "There are no dumb questions" types of guy, I just want to ask, and be 100% sure, rather than make an assumption.

Are they talking about rifle ammo exclusively, or do they mean pistol ammo as well? I've never trimmed pistol brass. My .357 brass is all for my revolvers.

I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[trackcage]

I've never trimmed any pistol ammo before reloading. 357 mag included. But the only Hornady projectiles I've used are XTP. No first hand experience here with the ones you mentioned

[at_liberty]

I have a few boxes of Hornady FTX projectiles that I intend to use for my SD/HD ammo. I picked up a copy of the May issue of Shooting Times and it's got an article in it about hand loading them. On page 59 they list a few cases that require trimming and include 357 magnum.

It has occurred to me that the article is targeted at rifles, and since I'm one of those "There are no dumb questions" types of guy, I just want to ask, and be 100% sure, rather than make an assumption.

Are they talking about rifle ammo exclusively, or do they mean pistol ammo as well? I've never trimmed pistol brass. My .357 brass is all for my revolvers.

I'd rather be safe than sorry.

The Hornady #9 book indicates the required trim length. If you don't trim, handgun or rifle and crimp to the crimp groove, the cartridges will be over max overall length because of the long ogive of the FTX bullet. I am faced with this too and reserve Hornady head stamp brass that is color coded. What works really well is having nickel plated cases saved from periodically retiring carry rounds of Critical Defence. The cases are already the right length for FTX and should be reserved for those bullets. Frankly, I bought the bullets just to be able to use the cases, not admiring Hornady's hubris in changing the trim length spec on 357 cases. I use XTP and stay within standards whenever possible.

[Paul_R]

Load a dummy round (no powder or primer) and if it chambers, you're good to go. Lots of people shoot long rounds out of revolvers.

[JagerDog]

Load a dummy round (no powder or primer) and if it chambers, you're good to go. Lots of people shoot long rounds out of revolvers.

^^^this.

TMK the FTX isn't a very desirable HD bullet though.

[_Nick_]

Interesting. I'll measure my cases and see what length they are. I have some brass and some nickel ones. Perhaps they are different. I have some never fired brass I got in a trade. I'm interested now. This will all be for revolvers.

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[boomer135]

I trim 357 mag for one reason, to get a consistent crimp when using a projectile w/ a cantilure

[Cowboy T]

The only reason I can think of for roll-crimping is that you're shooting a rifle with a tubular magazine, e. g. many leverguns. For revolvers, I've found that .357M doesn't really require a crimp. Neck tension has proved sufficient in even my full-tilt loads to hold the bullet in place under recoil.

And personally, I don't see the benefit of the FTX bullet here. The BC isn't really better than Hornady's 158gr JHP. You can't load the FTX as hot, per Hornady's own load data. I'd just stick with the 158gr JHP.

So, if you've got FTX's, great! Have fun in yer wheelgun, pardner! :-) Then switch to a bullet that doesn't require you to violate SAAMI case length specs.

[at_liberty]

The only reason I can think of for roll-crimping is that you're shooting a rifle with a tubular magazine, e. g. many leverguns. For revolvers, I've found that .357M doesn't really require a crimp. Neck tension has proved sufficient in even my full-tilt loads to hold the bullet in place under recoil.

And personally, I don't see the benefit of the FTX bullet here. The BC isn't really better than Hornady's 158gr JHP. You can't load the FTX as hot, per Hornady's own load data. I'd just stick with the 158gr JHP.

So, if you've got FTX's, great! Have fun in yer wheelgun, pardner! :-) Then switch to a bullet that doesn't require you to violate SAAMI case length specs.

No I think one needs to either taper crimp or roll crimp. If not roll crimping, one is stuck with buying a separate taper crimp die, since revolver die sets typically include a roll crimp in the seater die. Otherwise, especially with plated, one will be deforming the bullet to some degree, when removing the belling. Taper crimping doesn't force the leading edge into the bullet. An oversize lead bullet may impart enough tension, but something must be done with the belled case mouth.

[_Nick_]

I'm going to show my novice card now and admit that I do not know the difference between a roll crimp and a taper crimp. I use the "factory crimp" die that came with my Lee die set. I'll look those up though.

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[2shotjoe]

I'm going to show my novice card now and admit that I do not know the difference between a roll crimp and a taper crimp. I use the "factory crimp" die that came with my Lee die set. I'll look those up though.

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When you get a hair cut on the sides, do they give you a roll and taper cut?

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[Paul_R]

I'm going to show my novice card now and admit that I do not know the difference between a roll crimp and a taper crimp. I use the "factory crimp" die that came with my Lee die set. I'll look those up though.

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Lee factory crimp is a roll crimp. Taper crimp is for semi autos.

[JagerDog]

Lee factory crimp is a roll crimp. Taper crimp is for semi autos.

Yes and no.

http://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/lee-carbide-factory-crimp-die

Lee uses the nomenclature throughout.

[Paul_R]

Yes and no.

http://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/lee-carbide-factory-crimp-die

Lee uses the nomenclature throughout.

What Lee is saying is that revolver dies are roll crimp and semi auto dies are taper crimp. 38/357 Lee FCD is a revolver (roll) die. I have one, it applies a roll crimp.

[JustEd]

A straight walled pistol case should not need to be trimmed.