crimping groove, or cannulere

[j two dogs]

When casting your own bullets, is there a cheaper way (other then the expensive machines for making cannuleres or grease groves) to make a crimp groove in your cast bullet ie where your particular gun likes it. Thanks.

[jtaylor1960]

 There a few companies that make a cannelure tool .CH4D is one.With it you can put a groove in the bullet where you need it.Another option is to buy a Lee factory crimp die.They allow you to crimp your bullets in about any spot without the need for a crimp groove.

[Veral]

  The Lee Factory crimp dies are excellent for all rifle cartridges and for levergun use are superior to having a crimp groove cut in the mold.  However, I definitely don't recommend them for revolver ammo if bullets are larger than nominal for the caliber, i.e. larger than jacketed bullets.

  If ordering any revolver bullet mold from I put a crimp groove wherever the customer asks for it, or to fit the gun of interest if the gun name is given.  All other mold makers put crimp grooves in their revolver bullets, but the customer doesn't get a choice where they are.  I also cut crimp grooves in rifle bullets on customer request if a swaged throat slug is sent with the order, but recommend against it if a Lee Factory crimp die is available for the cartridge.  This because throats tend to wear quite rapidly and it is best to be able to seat at whatever length gives best accuracy and feeding.