Crimping 44 mag Hardcast Question

[Krooz]

well, I finally have some .430" 250gr WFNGCs on my bench to work up an all around hunting load for my 44 RB. My press is an RCBS Rock Chucker. I crimp my jacketed bullets in a separate operation and normally crank the die down 1/2 turn to what I feel is a "hard" crimp.

The question is - how hard should I crimp a hardcast? I don't want to over do it if you know what I mean.The crimp groove on the hardcast is a good bit deeper than the cannelure on the XTPs so I'm pretty sure the die setting will have to be different.

I plan to work with Unique to develop the load and save my 296 and 2400 for the jacketed bullets....

Thanks

Krooz

[wncchester]

"how hard should I crimp a hardcast? I don't want to over do it if you know what I mean."

I don't know what you mean.  Why should "hardcast" be crimped differently from anything else?   I sure don't for my Mod. 29.

[jhalcott]

what wnchester said +1 except I have a Ruger SBH!

[LONGTOM]

As above.
The same crimp should do just fine.


LONGTOM

[Krooz]

Alrighty then. I figured it being a lead bullet it may be possible to over crimp if I used the same setting as when crimping onto a copper jacket. The copper is harder is it not? I'll play with it and see.....

Thanks

Krooz

[Ole Man Dan]

Krooz:

I'm partial to putting a heavy crimp on all my .44 hardcasts.  It won't make that much difference with Unique, but it pays dividends with 296.  With a heavy crimp you also get better ignition of the powder.