Crimp Question

[BenHa]

I read somewhere that you take the bullet diameter + 2x brass thickness

[M27]

So how do you know how much to crimp? Is their a guide or a way to measure somehow?

a bullet with no cannelure doesn't really need any crimp

don't think of crimp as to hold the bullet in but use the crimp just to straighten the case neck back out from belling.

[barbasol]

If there is no cannelure, don't crimp.
Pretty simple really.
Bullets designed for crimping have a feature that allows it.
Others don't...

Quick question on this. I'm just starting to reload 223 for my ar15. I see Hornady has 55gr v-max bullets with and without cannelure. Same bullet right? Are crimps designed to create more pressure in the case?

[Horton Fenty]

So how do you know how much to crimp? Is their a guide or a way to measure somehow?

a bullet with no cannelure doesn't really need any crimp

don't think of crimp as to hold the bullet in but use the crimp just to straighten the case neck back out from belling.

This. Crimping is not the main thing that holds a bullet in place. Like M27 said don't think of it as crimping, think of it as de-belling.

Quick question on this. I'm just starting to reload 223 for my ar15. I see Hornady has 55gr v-max bullets with and without cannelure. Same bullet right? Are crimps designed to create more pressure in the case?

People prefer to crimp for semi-auto. That would be my guess as to why Hornady sells one version with a cannelure and one without.

[barbasol]

This. Crimping is not the main thing that holds a bullet in place. Like M27 said don't think of it as crimping, think of it as de-belling.



People prefer to crimp for semi-auto. That would be my guess as to why Hornady sells one version with a cannelure and one without.

Thanks for this. First loads coming!

[the led farmer]

How much is too much with the FCD??

First when it is obviously deformed. Look at factory ammo, I promise it has a crimp to it, but it's subtle. Just like a cannalure on a factory cannalured bullet. Subtle.

You can easily deform and mangle both brass and bullets with improperly adjusted dies, (someone usually posts the same picture of mangled .30 bullets in every forum/post) the lee FCD is no exception. Used properly with a subtle crimp can lead to ideal results.

It's a variable, (like bullet weight amd powder charge)so be prepared to document the level of crimp and experiment. In my experience a little goes a long way.