Author Topic: crimping bullets (Read 503 times)

22savage · « **on:** April 29, 2004, 01:30:32 PM »

hey guys, i'm new to this reloading thing, the only thing i have loaded up so far are some 22-250, and was planning to load for 300 win mag. my question is that i bought some sierra 200 grain bullets but they have no crimp groove. how do i crimp them, or do i need to? will the recoil work them loose if i don't crimp them? if i need to crimp them, which tool would you recomend, i'm thinknng about getting the lee factory crimp die.
thanks
travis

BruceP · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2004, 04:03:08 PM »

I personally have never crimped rounds loaded for my bolt actions or single shots. I don't have any auto or lever action rifles so the only thing that I crimp are my handgun loads.
BruceP

Kragman71 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2004, 04:14:28 PM »

Savage,
My personal Credo is to only crimp when you have to.
In my case;the 30/30 levergun,with a tublar magazine. The only loads that I actually crimp are Hunting loads,that have to withstand going through the magazine.
Frank

22savage · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2004, 02:20:20 AM »

thanks guys. i will be loading for a bolt action savage, don't know if that makes a difference or not. i am hoping i will not have to crimp as i do not currently have anything to crimp with and am tight on cash this month.

thanks
travis

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2004, 05:59:03 AM »

You may not need to crimp. Bullet jump (in the magazine) is one of the reasons for crimping. Load a few heavy loads, measure OAL or mark the bullets where they enter the case,load them in your guns mag and fire through a series, checking each round to see if the bullets are jumping. Dont fire the last 1 or 2 rounds in the mag and leave them in for a few more series of shots. If they make it through without the bullet moving you ar probably OK to go. If they move an alternate option may be to hone down the sizing button on your die to get a tighter fit on the bullet.

22savage · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2004, 04:56:29 AM »

dakotashooter2, that is a great idea about measuring OAL before and after. i will try it the next time i go to the range.

thanks,
travis

Iowegan · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2004, 06:22:47 AM »

It is rare to find a bolt rifle where you need to crimp, even the heavy hitters. Some magazine fed lever, pump, and semi-autos need a crimp, not for the recoil issue, but for bullet pulling when chambered. The action slams home and acts like a kinetic bullet puller. All tube fed rifles need a hard roll crimp.

Your 22-250 will not need a crimp. Dakotashooter2 has a good idea for the 300 Win Mag. Even with the heavy recoil of the 300, I doubt you'll need to crimp.