38 Special Crimping Problems

WillyBow8 · April 6, 2010, 03:01 PM

I loaded some 38 specials over the weekend. I've got a problem. I noticed about 1 in 5 loads actually "wrinkling" the shell up. I tried putting more expander die to the brass before seating and crimping and still had the same problem. Any ideas anyone?

By the way I'm using 158gr sierra hp heads and 4.4gr of Unique.

rwilson452 · April 6, 2010, 03:02 PM

usually too much crimp will show this.

WillyBow8 · April 6, 2010, 03:05 PM

That makes sense. So, to reduce the crimp do I just raise the die up in the press (RCBS Rock Chucker)?

kraigwy · April 6, 2010, 03:11 PM

Simple fix, get the Lee Factory Crimp Carbide die. It gives you a good solid crimp but it has a carbide ring at the bottom of the die that irons out any wrinkles. Makes for smooth loading in the cylender or chamber.

howlnmad · April 6, 2010, 03:30 PM

WillyBow,
Yes, it sounds like you have the die run too far into the press which makes it hard to seat and crimp in the same step unless your brass is all the same length. I have to go along with the Lee FCD. Seat your bullets without a crimp and then go to the FCD, case length deviations won't affect the finished product so you'll have no problems with case buckling.

April 6, 2010, 03:01 PM	#1
WillyBow8 Member Join Date: March 29, 2010 Location: Vermont Posts: 18	38 Special Crimping Problems I loaded some 38 specials over the weekend. I've got a problem. I noticed about 1 in 5 loads actually "wrinkling" the shell up. I tried putting more expander die to the brass before seating and crimping and still had the same problem. Any ideas anyone? By the way I'm using 158gr sierra hp heads and 4.4gr of Unique.

April 6, 2010, 03:02 PM	#2
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	usually too much crimp will show this. __________________ USNRET '61-'81

April 6, 2010, 03:05 PM	#3
WillyBow8 Member Join Date: March 29, 2010 Location: Vermont Posts: 18	That makes sense. So, to reduce the crimp do I just raise the die up in the press (RCBS Rock Chucker)?

April 6, 2010, 03:11 PM	#4
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,060	Simple fix, get the Lee Factory Crimp Carbide die. It gives you a good solid crimp but it has a carbide ring at the bottom of the die that irons out any wrinkles. Makes for smooth loading in the cylender or chamber.

April 6, 2010, 03:30 PM	#5
howlnmad Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2009 Location: Harriman Tn Posts: 424	WillyBow, Yes, it sounds like you have the die run too far into the press which makes it hard to seat and crimp in the same step unless your brass is all the same length. I have to go along with the Lee FCD. Seat your bullets without a crimp and then go to the FCD, case length deviations won't affect the finished product so you'll have no problems with case buckling.