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Big Lou · August 11, 2001, 02:39 PM

I mostly agree with the other postings. Here's some additional clarification.

If I'm using soft swaged SWC (like the Speer), I try to keep the velocities in the 800-900 fps range to avoid leading problems. I seat the bullet based on OAL (regardless of where the groves are) and then adjust the crimp die just so that it takes the flare out (essentially no crimp). Since these are such light loads, I don't have to worry about recoil impact on the other bullets.

Now if I'm shooting cast SWC at higher velocities (usually 1000-1200 fps), I still seat the bullets based on OAL (regardless of where the groves are) but at these levels, I find that you need to use a light crimp to secure the bullets during recoil.

If you are using even hotter loads, the recoil will become a greater factor and you may need a little heavier crimp. Also note that if you go to a slow burning powder (Like Hogdon H110 or Winchester 296), a heavy crimp is necessary to insure proper burning of the powder.

Hope this helps!

August 11, 2001, 02:39 PM	#6
Big Lou Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2001 Location: Outside Houston, TX Posts: 156	I mostly agree with the other postings. Here's some additional clarification. If I'm using soft swaged SWC (like the Speer), I try to keep the velocities in the 800-900 fps range to avoid leading problems. I seat the bullet based on OAL (regardless of where the groves are) and then adjust the crimp die just so that it takes the flare out (essentially no crimp). Since these are such light loads, I don't have to worry about recoil impact on the other bullets. Now if I'm shooting cast SWC at higher velocities (usually 1000-1200 fps), I still seat the bullets based on OAL (regardless of where the groves are) but at these levels, I find that you need to use a light crimp to secure the bullets during recoil. If you are using even hotter loads, the recoil will become a greater factor and you may need a little heavier crimp. Also note that if you go to a slow burning powder (Like Hogdon H110 or Winchester 296), a heavy crimp is necessary to insure proper burning of the powder. Hope this helps!