Question for you more experienced reloaders

[EMR]

Just got into reloading a few months ago with 9mm on a Lee classic turret press with the factory crimp die. Now I'm starting into .38 special for my S&W model 60. I have no clue about this crimp. Too much? Too little? Should I leave it as-is?

If it matters I'm using:
X treme plated 125gr fp
VV N320 4.7gr
1.437" OAL
Winchester WSP primers

Thanks for any insight!






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[Noonanda]

I would say a too much crimp, you only need a slight roll crimp to prevent the bullet from working its way out under recoil. And recoil in .38 special even +P ammo isnt that severe.

[EMR]

This one I backed off a 1/4 turn:


And this one I backed off a 1/2 turn (essentially it's where the instructions state for a light crimp; tighten the die until it touches the bullet and tighten 1/2 turn more) :

I honestly can't even tell there's a crimp here with the naked eye. I think I need glasses...


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[gregshin]

Pull em apart and see if there is a crimp mark.

[mjmagee67]

First picture a little excessive crimp, second picture looks good for plated bullets, third picture too little crimp. 38SPC tends to shoot better with a heavier crimp in my experience. Large case volume small amount of powder the heavy crimp gets all the powder burning before the bullet is released. Plated bullets aren't my prefered bullet for revolvers, jacketed or cast lead work better.

The bottom line on your heaviest crimp is does it cut the copper plating? If no your probably good.

[Carcassonne]

This one I backed off a 1/4 turn:


And this one I backed off a 1/2 turn (essentially it's where the instructions state for a light crimp; tighten the die until it touches the bullet and tighten 1/2 turn more) :

I honestly can't even tell there's a crimp here with the naked eye. I think I need glasses...


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The first picture you posted looks like there is too much crimp for a 38 special - especially with plated bullets. You can see the side on the bullet is crushed. That would be a good crimp for full powder 357 Magnum with jacketed bullets. They should still work, but not as good as a lighter crimp.

Out of the other two pictures you posted, the bottom one with the least amount of crimp would probably work best, but you should check the overall length of the last cartridge in the cylinder to see if the bullet pulled out. If not, than you are good to go.


.

[maxx03]

You only need enough crimp to remove the bell on the case. Turn down your crimping die until the rounds are able to chamber in your cylinder and you're done.

[MongooseV8]

I crimp between your first and second. Since that bullet does have a cannelure it might seem like you crimped too much, when in fact its just right. Id back off a smidge from your firts picture.

[___M|9||___]

Well said

[EMR]

I crimp between your first and second. Since that bullet does have a cannelure it might seem like you crimped too much, when in fact its just right. Id back off a smidge from your firts picture.

I pulled the bullets to see what they looked like. I'm a newbie but to me the first one does look really deep and the second one looks better. I didn't take a pic of the third crimp but it left a slight line around the circumference of the bullet.


First:


Second:


I'm glad I asked you guys as this crimping with cannelured bullets for revolvers is entirely foreign to me. I know crimping can increase case pressure but with revolvers you need enough to withstand recoil. I guess I need to head to the range with the micrometer!

Thanks guys!


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[Mot Mi]

Like everyone else mentioned the first one is over crimped. The secind picture would be a good crimp to start out with. I only crimp excessive if I am running hot 357 loads with blue dot or any other slower burning powder so that all the powder will burn thoroughly before the bullet is set out of the chamber.

[bigedp51]

When loading plated bullets a only a "slight" taper crimp should be used.

Below from Rainier plated bullet FAQ

Q4. What type of crimp should I use?

A. A slight taper crimp is what we recommend. Lee Factory Crimp Die and NO roll crimps.

Plated bullets only have a thin copper coating over the "soft" lead and over crimping can cause accuracy an leading problems.

NOTE: A taper crimp should only be .001 to .002 smaller than the case diameter of the case below the crimp.

[J-cat]

Why don't you seat them deeper and crimp over the shoulder. That way you won't have to worry about breaking through the plating with too much crimp or the bullets pulling out with not enough crimp.

[rdfact]

Hope this isn't thread crapping - I thought it was relevant.
Would you crimp any more or less if shooting .38 or .357 in a tube-fed lever gun?

[mulyhuntr]

I crimp my .38's just enough to remove the bell from the expander die. All of the crimps pictured are too much IMO with plated bullets.