Author Topic: Difference of opinion (Read 630 times)

djh · « **on:** January 03, 2005, 02:16:47 PM »

A couple of my buddies have a difference of opinion with me concerning bullet crimping.

I load a Lyman 457124 385 grain round nose bullet for my Browning 1885, 45/90. I do not crimp my bullets. After extensive testing, I have found that this bullet in my 1885 is more accurate without a crimp.

Both my buddies load the Lyman 457125, a 525 grain round nose. Both of them crimp their bullets with a heavy crimp. Both feel their single shots are more accurate with a heavy crimp.

I would like to hear some of your experiences concerning crimping for a single shot rifle.

I'm sure Marlinman93 has some great imput on this subject, let me hear from you all.

By the way, I load smokeless powder as do my buddies.

djh

marlinman93 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2005, 03:45:43 PM »

In my single shot rifles, I either don't crimp at all, or very lightly crimp. When I'm working up loads, I sometimes leave the bullet loose enough to seat it against the riflings when chambered. By leaving it without a crimp, I can easily check for the maximum OAL the chamber will allow. I then seat the bullets progressively deeper, until I get the best accuracy. Often the best accuracy in my guns is acheived with a slight "jump" into the riflings.
I've never seen any increased accuracy by crimping heavily, and I believe that it's almost impossible to get the exact same crimp each time, but with no crimp, it can be the same each time. It also does no harm to the bullet without a crimp, but too heavy a crimp can distort a bullet's shape. Even slightly distorted can cause a change in the bullet's flight.
I'll stick with you on this one!

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2005, 04:36:46 PM »

Personally I don't think there is much difference. Consistency in the crimp is the key. I feel its easier to get a consistent crimp by using a fairly light crimp. But thats just me. KN

Awf Hand · « **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2005, 04:41:19 PM »

The only advantage you may have with doing crimping is that, with certain powders, you will have a more complete burn.

I usually crimp my .357 in the NEF, as I've found this gives the best results with the Acc #9 that I use. The big thing here is to start with cases of uniform length or your cartridges will not have consistant crimps.