crimp needed for 38 spl. ??

autotech6 · January 9, 2010, 11:39 PM

using lee pro 1000 for 38spl. 158g. hp/xtp how vital is a crimp on this load?

powder HP-38

bullet weight 158

bullet xtp hp/xtp

o.a.l. 1.455

charge disk .37

drail · January 9, 2010, 11:40 PM

Well you need to at least apply some crimp to remove the flare you put in the case.

Jim Watson · January 9, 2010, 11:47 PM

I don't know how much powder a .37 disk is supposed to deliver, but it probably delivers less than they say.

An important step when loading jacketed bullets lightly is to be sure each one hits the target before you shoot another. Stuck bullets are not unknown. Stuck jackets are also possible, I have seen it done.

SwampYankee · January 10, 2010, 08:02 AM

The less crimp you apply, the less pressure which is generated in the case when fired. If too little pressure is generated, you will get squibs. I have actually done this with jacketed bullets using very low Hp-38/W231 charges in cold weather (see below). Too much crimp can also be a problem- generally I see that as tumbling bullets and inaccuracy. DO NOT go below minimums with this combination.

Randy 1911 · January 10, 2010, 08:38 AM

A crimp on any revolver bullet is necessry to prevent bullet jump on recoil.

In my Speer #12 manual it says not to use 158 gr. jacketed bullets because of the risk of bullets getting stuck in the barrel. Like SwampYankee showed in his picture, it's a bad idea.

jal5 · January 10, 2010, 10:07 AM

I crimp mine, its only another quick step in the process and you avoid a bunch of problems like have already been posted here. So why not?

NCMountain · January 10, 2010, 05:08 PM

I always use a slight to medium roll crimp with my .38 loads.

ka041a · January 10, 2010, 11:16 PM

I like to use the Lee factory crimp die. It puts a real nice crimp on, like all the reloading manuals say we should do, and also does a final sizing on the finished round to make sure it will fit the chamber. There are people who say they never bother to crimp their ammunition, but I personally cannot imagine why! My own opinion is that simply following the instructions can save a person a whole lot of pain and suffering!

January 10, 2010, 10:07 AM	#6
jal5 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 419	I crimp mine, its only another quick step in the process and you avoid a bunch of problems like have already been posted here. So why not? __________________ We live in the greatest country on Earth- always be thankful!

January 9, 2010, 11:39 PM	#1
autotech6 Junior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: Colorado Springs Co. Posts: 12	crimp needed for 38 spl. ?? using lee pro 1000 for 38spl. 158g. hp/xtp how vital is a crimp on this load? powder HP-38 bullet weight 158 bullet xtp hp/xtp o.a.l. 1.455 charge disk .37

January 9, 2010, 11:40 PM	#2
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	Well you need to at least apply some crimp to remove the flare you put in the case.

January 9, 2010, 11:47 PM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,591	I don't know how much powder a .37 disk is supposed to deliver, but it probably delivers less than they say. An important step when loading jacketed bullets lightly is to be sure each one hits the target before you shoot another. Stuck bullets are not unknown. Stuck jackets are also possible, I have seen it done.

January 10, 2010, 08:02 AM	#4
SwampYankee Registration in progress Join Date: November 1, 2008 Location: I can be found on a number of other forums. Posts: 1,333	The less crimp you apply, the less pressure which is generated in the case when fired. If too little pressure is generated, you will get squibs. I have actually done this with jacketed bullets using very low Hp-38/W231 charges in cold weather (see below). Too much crimp can also be a problem- generally I see that as tumbling bullets and inaccuracy. DO NOT go below minimums with this combination.

January 10, 2010, 08:38 AM	#5
Randy 1911 Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2009 Location: Western Arkansas Posts: 273	A crimp on any revolver bullet is necessry to prevent bullet jump on recoil. In my Speer #12 manual it says not to use 158 gr. jacketed bullets because of the risk of bullets getting stuck in the barrel. Like SwampYankee showed in his picture, it's a bad idea.

January 10, 2010, 05:08 PM	#7
NCMountain Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2009 Location: western, NC Posts: 121	I always use a slight to medium roll crimp with my .38 loads.

January 10, 2010, 11:16 PM	#8
ka041a Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: marysville,wa Posts: 28	I like to use the Lee factory crimp die. It puts a real nice crimp on, like all the reloading manuals say we should do, and also does a final sizing on the finished round to make sure it will fit the chamber. There are people who say they never bother to crimp their ammunition, but I personally cannot imagine why! My own opinion is that simply following the instructions can save a person a whole lot of pain and suffering!