first batch -- please double check my work

[beetle]

Hi There.

I'm new to reloading. This is my first batch and I'd to make sure I'm not going to blow myself up! I specifically have a question about the taper crimp.

Here are the components I'm using:

Caliber: .45ACP
Brass: Once fired Federal
Bullet: Hornady 230gr LRN FMJ
Powder: Winchester W231
Primer: Winchester Large Pistol

I'm using the following Load Data:

5.0gr of W231
OAL: 1.260

The question I have is around how much crimp to apply. I'm using a Hornady taper crimp die at the last step. Since my reloading manual doesn't specifiy the amount of crimp, I measured a factory round at the case mouth. It measured to .469. I then adjusted my taper crimp die until my reloads measured the same at the case mouth: .469

However, with this amount of taper crimp I do notice "waviness" on the brass at the base of the bullet. In other words, I can faintly make out where the base of the bullet is due to the brass being compressed around the bullet. In fact I can feel the base of the bullet through the brass. My factory rounds do not exhibit this characteristic.

I then pulled the bullet to see the amount of crimp on the bullet itself. Below is a pic.




So, am I applying too much crimp based on my description and the pictures above? If a measurement of .469 at the case mouth is too much crimp, what is an appropriate amount?

Any advice, pointers, etc would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks very much!

[XDRoX]

The bulge is normal. The crimp is too much. You should not be denting the bullet. Back it off until there is no dent.

[gadjeep]

Looks like the bullet didn't seat squarely and its in cockeyed. Try flaring your cases a little more before seating.

[sammy]

.469 is perfect for .45acp and should work well in just about any pistol. I like running my 230g. Ball loads at 1.255 but I don't think it makes any difference. Unique is my favorite powder for that bullet. 6.1 grains pushes that bullet out of a Baer TRS to 910fps and is fairly clean if that matters to you. 231 isgoing to be softer shooting but will give slightly less velocity. Nice looking ammo BTY.

[c20rj]

The bulge is normal. The crimp is too much. You should not be denting the bullet. Back it off until there is no dent.

Yes, too much crimp. Back it off a little.

[LGB Loader]

The crimp is too much.

yup!

[Chief-7700]

Yeah back the crimp die off a bit. You just want to have the crimp die remove the belling.

[maderashooter]

They are horrible send them to me lol jk to much crimp

[bruce381]

back off crimp i run .471 in all my stuff match and otherwise with same load you are using but I'm using home cast SWC 200 gr.

[racky]

i agree with everyone else. bulge is normal. crimp to remove the bell.

[Bill Steele]

Like everyone else before, the crimp die should only take the belling off the case. There should be a step between the case and the bullet the thickness of the case.

Hornaday bullets have a pretty soft jacket, so they can be a little more sensitive to your setup. You might try a bullet with a harder jacket, like Montana Gold, you may find them a little less sensitive to your setup. They are also a lot less expensive to buy.

[beetle]

thanks everyone! I'll go ahead and back off on the crimp. Do you think the ones I made already are safe to shoot? No big deal if not, I only made 10 so far.

Thanks again!!!

[f4tweet]

I seat and crimp on separate operations now.

[Markus]

I'm also starting my first batch of reloads these two are pilots no primer or powder. I was looking at your pics and I think I have too much crimp as well. What do you guys think? The rOunds are 40 s&w with 180 gr berrys plated bullets.

[zfields]

the bottom one deffintly.