Tapered crimp for .357?

[buck460XVR]

already did a search and couldn't find an answer. so here goes.


Finally getting things narrowed down to what I need to start reloading. Looking at dies for my .357 there are die sets listed as taper crimp. Whats the difference between the taper and the standard crimp and which one do I need or do I need both? There are no die sets listed as taper crimp for the .460 (not that I have found.)

 So in other words what are the different crimps and what are their applications?

[Badnews Bob]

Taper crimps are usually used in auto loaders, Revolvers and lever guns usually use a roll crimp, Factory crimp dies I use for stout rifle loads mostly in bolt guns.

 If your reloading for a revolver in .357 I would recommend the roll crimp, I use Lee dies for all my pistols and have very good luck with them. If you haven't ordered your dies yet have a look a Lees 4 die carbide set for .357, works very well for me.

 I don't load to many big bore pistols but I would venture a guess that they have the same thing for the .460.

 Enjoy, I think I enjoy reloading as much as I do shooting.

[Luckyducker]

The taper crimp doesn't work the mouth of the brass as much as the roll crimp, which is okay unless you are loading anything but very light loads in a revolver.  The only loaders that opt for the taper crimp for a wheel gun, that I am aware of, are the competitors shooting light target loads.  The recoil from a revolver will move the bullets in the case unless they are firmly crimped and that means a good roll crimp.  I agree with all that Badnewsbob said except I am not a fan of Lee dies.  I would recommend RCBS for pistol cartridges and Redding for rifle, so I guess that makes me a bit of a snob, but oh well.

[buck460XVR]

thanks for the info guys.......just the answers I was looking for. I have not ordered anything yet but am leaning towards the RCBS Rockchucker and their dies, altho I have heard good things about the Hornady dies, especially if changing calibers alot.

While we're at it,  what is the difference between 3 die sets and 4 dies sets for handguns and is there an advantage to either?

BTW, the .357 will be loaded for revolver and lever action and the .460 for revolver and a TC Pro. Both will be loaded to hunting type cartridges.

[Luckyducker]

I believe the Lyman four die set comes with a separate taper crimp die and the Lee comes with a factory crimp die.  Since you are only loading revolver cartridges, even though some will be shot through a rifle, the FCD is not necessary.  The RCBS three die set with carbide sizer die and seating die with roll crimp will be enough dies to get the job done.  Hope you enjoy "rolling you're own" as much as I do, and if you have any other questions just holler right out.