Question about plated bullets for 357mag.

[357shooter]

Just like to know what crimp you use on the plated bullets for 357 tapper or rolled??

[bigdawg86]

I would like to know as well... also whats a safe FPS? I have a box of no-name copper plated SWC (I think) that need some loading. Not sure if to load as 38 special or 357... if I can't shoot them above 38 velocity might as well not waste 357 brass.

[Grizzled Bastard]

I pretty exclusively shot West Coast or Rainier TCP bullets in my GP100 or 686 when I dabbled in ICORE. They are also roll crimped. I'd have to bust out that box from the rafters to tell you what die I used since it's been a while since rolling my own .38/.357 loads. I'll post up tomorrow after I get that stuff down.

[AJD]

Every plated bullet I've seen has an almost non-existent cannelure on it. There really isn't much of any groove to get a real roll crimp on the bullet without deforming the bullet, which does nothing for accuracy and can even cut into the plating. Basically I've found that I can only use what amounts to a very light roll crimp, and it really is more like a firm taper crimp on the xtreme plated bullets I've used. Anything more deforms the bullet. That's not necessarily a problem if you're using light or medium range loads with faster burning powders, but when you are using slower burning powders like 296, 2400 etc. you need a firm bullet crimp to prevent bullet jump under recoil as well as a good pull on the bullet to aid in complete combustion of the slower burning powders. Just my 2 cents.

[Magana559]

I use a light roll crimp

[M27]

cannelure = roll crimp

no cannelure = taper cripmp

most plated bullets should not be pushed past 1250fps

I have reloaded 38 special with berrys 125gn and AA#5. Because berry's have a decent rounded base, with just a light chamfer on the brass to keep from shaving, the bullet can be seated without flaring the case mouth. Then I use no crimp, just neck tension.

[357shooter]

cannelure = roll crimp

no cannelure = taper cripmp

most plated bullets should not be pushed past 1250fps

I have reloaded 38 special with berrys 125gn and AA#5. Because berry's have a decent rounded base, with just a light chamfer on the brass to keep from shaving, the bullet can be seated without flaring the case mouth. Then I use no crimp, just neck tension.

Sounds good, good nick tension and little crimp. Thanks