My first round...

[Carcassonne]

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

Not me. I have the Lee factory crimp die. I chose 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or 1 full turn. 38 Special and 44 Special get 1/4 turn. 357 Mag, 44 Mag, and 454 Cassul gets 1 full turn. 9mm, 45ACP, and 40S&W get 1/2 turn.




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[pacrat]

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

Well maybe some do. I don't, as stated, I use the back of the calipers as a straight edge.

[MarikinaMan]

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

Im a newb. None of the 4 books Im referencing, plus the dies intructions, says to use a caliper. I do own caliper.

How does one use a caliper to set the crimp. OD?

[MarikinaMan]

@OP

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

rock chucker with RCBS carbide dies. Hornady LNL bushings installed.

[smoothy8500]

Im a newb. None of the 4 books Im referencing, plus the dies intructions, says to use a caliper. I do own caliper.

How does one use a caliper to set the crimp. OD?

Crimp should be .380" OD

http://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/9mm-luger-parabellum/

I don't reload 9mm, but I'm sure one of the four books (Maybe all?) have all the SAAMI spec drawings somewhere in it. I'm sure using the calibrated eyeball will be "close enuf" but is it right?

[Bill Steele]

Crimp should be .380" OD

http://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/9mm-luger-parabellum/

I don't reload 9mm, but I'm sure one of the four books (Maybe all?) have all the SAAMI spec drawings somewhere in it. I'm sure using the calibrated eyeball will be "close enuf" but is it right?

That will work as well.

As far as one way being more "right" than another, that is probably more right brain, left brain than "right" and "wrong".

I can say from personal experience, with many tens of thousands of reloaded rounds, it won't make any difference operationally. The only significant difference you will see with any of these pet methods operationally is if you chamber check your ammo, that will make a significant percentage difference on stoppages.

[MarikinaMan]

That will work as well.

As far as one way being more "right" than another, that is probably more right brain, left brain than "right" and "wrong".

I can say from personal experience, with many tens of thousands of reloaded rounds, it won't make any difference operationally. The only significant difference you will see with any of these pet methods operationally is if you chamber check your ammo, that will make a significant percentage difference on stoppages.

Great. Then checking with a case gauge should be fine then. Thanks!

[bubbala]

Im a newb. None of the 4 books Im referencing, plus the dies intructions, says to use a caliper. I do own caliper.

How does one use a caliper to set the crimp. OD?

My lyman 49th shows specs at the base and at the edge of the case.
Lyman is one of the best manuals. The 50th is out now.

[MarikinaMan]

My lyman 49th shows specs at the base and at the edge of the case.
Lyman is one of the best manuals. The 50th is out now.

Gotcha. My bad. I see the diagram. I'll be checking crimps against the diagram moving forward.