My first round...

[MarikinaMan]

It's a dummy round. Unprimed and no powder.

But it's my first round ever. It's gone through case prep, die set up, and learning on the spot through out. Got my OAL, crimp and case expansion just right.

So happy just looking and holding it.

Will run 200 rounds tomorrow of a base load from a Nosler manual. Stoked.

[Dynamic]

I think it needs more crimp. Since it's a dummy round Chamber it into a gun and see if it goes into full battery

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[Red9]

I think it needs more crimp. Since it's a dummy round Chamber it into a gun and see if it goes into full battery

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Agreed. A little more crimp. You just want the case walls even. No flare and no inward crimp.

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[Bill Steele]

Looks good. It is hard to tell from the picture regarding the crimp. Just do a plunk test, if it drops in cleanly and goes plunk, then turn the barrel upside down and it should fall freely out. If that works, load away.

I wouldn't make 200 my first batch at start load levels. It may not cycle your gun. 200 is a lot of jam clearing practice.

Good luck.

[McGuiver]

I would say just a little more crimp. I use a Dillon case gage or LE Wilson case gage to check my reloads. Remember if you put too much crimp, the 9mm round will not head space correctly.


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[stand125]

I kept a factory bullet that I had pulled to compare the crimp ring compared to my first reload when I first started reloading. I would only make about 20 rounds your first time shooting.

['ol shooter]

You're on your way, no turning back now. I make dummies for every bullet type and length I load, mark it with a sharpie on the side of the case as to weight and length. Buy a case gauge for every caliber you load, and crimp until the round drops in, no tighter. Jacketed bullets are a bit forgiving on excess crimp, but plated bullets will go loose if over crimped, brass springs back and lead doesn't.

[balmo]

Put more crimp and check for bullet setback. I'd suggest a ladder test for powder charge

[Divernhunter]

Load 10 with the start load and 10-20 with the med load in the book. The start load may not cycle but the med loads usually do better. If both cycle load more of the one you liked shooting and was more accurate if it is for plinking/range shooting.

[MarikinaMan]

I dropped the round into a Lyman case gauge, and although it would go in, it needs a light push. I put in an 1/8 of a turn on the crimper and now it drops into the case gauge very easily.

Will also follow the load advice.

Thanks guys!

[pacrat]

I dropped the round into a Lyman case gauge, and although it would go in, it needs a light push. I put in an 1/8 of a turn on the crimper and now it drops into the case gauge very easily.

Will also follow the load advice.

Thanks guys!

For setting taper crimp on rimless pistol cases. I use a steel straight edge and a light.

I load in a dimly lit room, with 2 gooseneck lamps over bench. I hold the case up to the light with straight edge against it. Either the back of my calipers or the 6" steel scale that is always in top drawer of bench. I can judge how much bell I have during adjustments by looking at the light between case/straight edge. Same goes for straightening out the bell during crimp operation. When the gap between the case mouth and case body disappears. Lock die.

JM2c

[7anthony7]

Nice. I agree with holding off on 200 to start. Once you find that perfect powder bullet crimp load then go to town

[smoothy8500]

For setting taper crimp on rimless pistol cases. I use a steel straight edge and a light.

I load in a dimly lit room, with 2 gooseneck lamps over bench. I hold the case up to the light with straight edge against it. Either the back of my calipers or the 6" steel scale that is always in top drawer of bench. I can judge how much bell I have during adjustments by looking at the light between case/straight edge. Same goes for straightening out the bell during crimp operation. When the gap between the case mouth and case body disappears. Lock die.

JM2c

Nobody uses a dial caliper to set their crimp to spec?

[Christopher761]

Nobody uses a dial caliper to set their crimp to spec?

Yes.

Harbor Freight has one with a dial on it. Remember to use the 20% off coupons.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-dial-caliper-62362.html

[Christopher761]

@OP

What is your setup? What kind of press? Etc.