Acceptable crimp 9MM? - Page 2

g.willikers · May 26, 2013, 09:29 AM

Accuracy is probably one of the hardest variables to determine.
If you are satisfied with the all around results that you are getting, don't sweat it.

Real Gun · May 26, 2013, 09:31 AM

I know from pulling bullets that an effective "crimp" leaves little evidence on the bullet, which should be reusable. My trick that works for me is to use magnification to see if there is the barest of raw brass ring around the case mouth. I use that only on 9mm, on which I use a crimp die only for anything that does not drop freely into my "plunk" gauge. I load with three stations, relying on precise bullet insertion station adjustment to remove the flare from the case. I have an FCD on a $27 Lee single stage. It's been awhile, but as I recall, few rounds needed rework. I do cull cases for known headstamp related issues, so that certainly helps maintain the progressive flow.

primerman · May 26, 2013, 06:30 PM

I believe that my cases are around .377 + or - a little for the platted bullets and a little more for the lead bullets. Each of these loaders are telling the truth about what is needed to reload but I look at what Willikers says makes a lot of sense when it comes to reloading. If you and your gun (your gun my words) likes the way they shoot then don't sweat it just load them and go have fun.

Oh yea, welcome to the world of reloading...

May 26, 2013, 09:29 AM	#26
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Accuracy is probably one of the hardest variables to determine. If you are satisfied with the all around results that you are getting, don't sweat it. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

May 26, 2013, 09:31 AM	#27
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	I know from pulling bullets that an effective "crimp" leaves little evidence on the bullet, which should be reusable. My trick that works for me is to use magnification to see if there is the barest of raw brass ring around the case mouth. I use that only on 9mm, on which I use a crimp die only for anything that does not drop freely into my "plunk" gauge. I load with three stations, relying on precise bullet insertion station adjustment to remove the flare from the case. I have an FCD on a $27 Lee single stage. It's been awhile, but as I recall, few rounds needed rework. I do cull cases for known headstamp related issues, so that certainly helps maintain the progressive flow.

May 26, 2013, 06:30 PM	#28
primerman Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2011 Posts: 153	I believe that my cases are around .377 + or - a little for the platted bullets and a little more for the lead bullets. Each of these loaders are telling the truth about what is needed to reload but I look at what Willikers says makes a lot of sense when it comes to reloading. If you and your gun (your gun my words) likes the way they shoot then don't sweat it just load them and go have fun. Oh yea, welcome to the world of reloading...