Do you crimp your 30.06 loads

CowboyinIL · May 30, 2012, 08:33 AM

Just started loading. This is my first batch actually. Do you guys crimp your 30.06 loads with the Lee Die Factory Crimp?

Thanks

Rifleman1776 · May 30, 2012, 08:34 AM

Don't crimp.
Don't use Lee dies.

CowboyinIL · May 30, 2012, 09:01 AM

Thanks Rifleman

Strafer Gott · May 30, 2012, 09:16 AM

Call BS. I've been using Lee for my 30-06 forever. Even load 130grn varmint loads. Furthermore, many many loads benefit from a crimp. If you run them through a crimp die, they even work in semi auto rifles. You'll never eject a live round and leave the bullet behind still in the bore. No crimp might as in maybe be alright with single loaded rounds. Bench rest guys load single rounds for single shots, but most of us will profit from a crimp.

twins · May 30, 2012, 09:41 AM

Nope. I only reload for bolt-action rifles so there's no need for crimping. As for semi-auto, crimping is recommended.

William T. Watts · May 30, 2012, 11:12 AM

Nope, I agree with Rifleman1776, crimp only if used in a tubular magazine. Further, if a projectile doesn't have a cannelure don't crimp because you may distort the bullet. Sierra took Lee to task a few years ago and subsequently Lee retracted there crimp for accuracy campaign especially if there isn't a cannelure. With that said I do have Lee crimp dies for a couple of rifles, it's important to know when it's O.K. to use a crimp! There can be a case made for heavy recoiling calibers to crimp if a cannelure is present, without a cannelure I would not crimp.. William

zxcvbob · May 30, 2012, 11:21 AM

I use Lee dies, and I set the seating die to just start to crimp.

Powderman · May 30, 2012, 11:28 AM

Crimp for ammunition for use in semiautomatic rifles--M1 Garand as an example.

Don't crimp for ammo used in bolt action rifles.

mehavey · May 30, 2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Crimp for ammunition for use in semiautomatic rifles--M1 Garand as an example.

Not even there.
(Match 168's and 175s used in M1s & M1As' don't even have crimping grooves)

Crimping is neither required nor even desired for most North American-rated cartidges and normal bullet shank seating depths.
(Note: I do crimp the likes of heavy 375H&H and my 458WinMag, and those bullets do have crimping cannelures)

Hardcase · May 30, 2012, 11:58 AM

I don't crimp for either bolt-action or for my M1, but I do use Lee dies (just not the factory crimp die).

F. Guffey · May 30, 2012, 03:39 PM

bullet crimp: I am the fan of bullet hold, I want all the bullet hold I can get. Neck tension? I can not measure neck tension.

Crimping bottle neck cases, the bottle neck case must be trimmed to the same length when crimping, When crimping bottle neck cases that are not the same length problems are created when the shoulder of the case collapse and or bulges.

F. Guffey

firewrench044 · May 30, 2012, 04:31 PM

I never crimp 3006 (not needed)
I load for M1 garands and bolt rifles
I do not crimp on any of the rifles I load for
( 223, 6.5X55,303, 308, 3006, 7.62X54R, 7.92X57 )

Waldog · May 30, 2012, 04:50 PM

Been loading over 40 years. Never crimped a rifle bullet. Not even my Garand

CowboyinIL · May 30, 2012, 05:01 PM

Thank you all very much for your replies. I tried as hard as I could to pull out the bullets with my fingers without success. That was good news and I'm leaning towards not using the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Just wanted to validate my thoughts with you seasoned reloaders.

Thanks

PS

It is for a bolt action.

mehavey · May 30, 2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Just wanted to validate my thoughts with you seasoned reloaders...

Some of us are more "seasoned" that others.
(But at least we all have strong opinions.)

tomt53 · May 30, 2012, 05:43 PM

I have Lee Factory Crimp Dies for all six calibers, the only time I use a crimp is when I can't get a load to shot good, less than MOA. For the most part I don't use them. The best part about handloading, is you get to go shooting and when you find a load that works there is a good deal of satisfaction. Work up two identical loads one without a crimp one with a crimp. You'll probally come to the same conclusion as most everybody else, no crimp necessary on a bolt gun. So if you buy the crimp die and doesn't work out you're only out 12 bucks and you will have the piece of mind knowing it is not necessary in most cases.

Tom

Toolman · May 30, 2012, 07:36 PM

I put a 'slight', emphasis on 'slight',,, crimp on all my handloads. It's barely noticable with mics. It doesn't matter to me if the bullet has a cannelure or not. Consistency is the goal & that way they're all the same. M1 Garand, 1903 bolt action, semi-auto AR's, whatever.
I don't shoot match so the only time I load one round is when I'm doing load development & I'll still crimp,,,,'slightly'. My ammo isn't handled with kid gloves. Ammo gets bounced around in the truck, ect. I've never had bullet set-back or extension. Just my opinion but crimping works for me.

sserdlihc · May 30, 2012, 07:59 PM

Use Lee dies without any issue. Never crimp.

10-96 · May 30, 2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

I tried as hard as I could to pull out the bullets with my fingers without success.

If you have an inertia (hammer type) bullet puller- make up a dummy ctg and see just what it takes to coerce that bullet out of there. The first time I had to use one of those... it was certainly an eye opener. I thought I was going to beat my work bench to death.

I've never crimped a bottleneck rifle ctg.

Bamashooter · May 31, 2012, 12:36 AM

I dont crimp for bolt action or single shot handloads but I do crimp with a Lee FCD for my .223 handloads. I put a ever so slight crimp. Very light, I guess for piece of mind more than anything else. It also puts even neck tension on my rounds which aids in accuracy IMHO.

Bear River · May 31, 2012, 12:57 AM

I use some Lee Dies they are OK for low volume loading jobs. Back 20 years ago the factory crimp dies were in style for awhile. It did not take shooters long to figure out the Lee Crimp Dies was not an aid to accurate loads. I never crimp for M1s never had a problem.

tobnpr · May 31, 2012, 06:21 PM

I don't crimp for any of our bolts or semi's...
IMO, it just adds another variable that can increase pressures, and I don't see the need for it.

With semi's, some crimp because they are concerned about bullet travel in the case either while being chambered, or bounced around in the field.

Haven't noted an issue with the former, and since I'm not deployed military, the ammo/clips don't get abused so no concern for the latter.

Toolman · May 31, 2012, 07:54 PM

Ya know, to crimp, light crimp, or not to crimp it seems to be a matter of opinion. Form you own opinion, do what works best for you/your gun. What else needs to be said?

capodastro · May 31, 2012, 08:12 PM

sometimes Ill put uncrimped rounds in the mag and run them through the action, almost all the time the neck tension will be enough to hold the col when I remeasure them. I'm just saying most of the time it seems like a crimp is not needed. but then again factory ammo is always crimped....tubular mags are a diff matter. I also like to crimp my revolver magnum rounds, just to be safe.

Ethan.G · June 1, 2012, 02:38 PM

I use Lee dies and the Factory crimp on my 30.06 bolt action and i noticed more consistent pressures, and tighter accuracy. i love it

May 30, 2012, 08:33 AM	#1
CowboyinIL Member Join Date: May 29, 2012 Location: Midwest Posts: 23	Do you crimp your 30.06 loads Just started loading. This is my first batch actually. Do you guys crimp your 30.06 loads with the Lee Die Factory Crimp? Thanks __________________ He who hesitates is lost. Think of the solution, not the problem.

May 30, 2012, 09:01 AM	#3
CowboyinIL Member Join Date: May 29, 2012 Location: Midwest Posts: 23	Thanks Rifleman __________________ He who hesitates is lost. Think of the solution, not the problem.

May 30, 2012, 11:12 AM	#6
William T. Watts Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2010 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 1,074	Nope, I agree with Rifleman1776, crimp only if used in a tubular magazine. Further, if a projectile doesn't have a cannelure don't crimp because you may distort the bullet. Sierra took Lee to task a few years ago and subsequently Lee retracted there crimp for accuracy campaign especially if there isn't a cannelure. With that said I do have Lee crimp dies for a couple of rifles, it's important to know when it's O.K. to use a crimp! There can be a case made for heavy recoiling calibers to crimp if a cannelure is present, without a cannelure I would not crimp.. William Last edited by William T. Watts; May 30, 2012 at 11:53 AM.

May 30, 2012, 11:21 AM	#7
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	I use Lee dies, and I set the seating die to just start to crimp. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

May 30, 2012, 11:28 AM	#8
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	Crimp for ammunition for use in semiautomatic rifles--M1 Garand as an example. Don't crimp for ammo used in bolt action rifles. __________________ Hiding in plain sight...

May 30, 2012, 08:34 AM	#2
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	Don't crimp. Don't use Lee dies.

May 30, 2012, 09:16 AM	#4
Strafer Gott Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,315	Call BS. I've been using Lee for my 30-06 forever. Even load 130grn varmint loads. Furthermore, many many loads benefit from a crimp. If you run them through a crimp die, they even work in semi auto rifles. You'll never eject a live round and leave the bullet behind still in the bore. No crimp might as in maybe be alright with single loaded rounds. Bench rest guys load single rounds for single shots, but most of us will profit from a crimp.

May 30, 2012, 09:41 AM	#5
twins Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2010 Posts: 393	Nope. I only reload for bolt-action rifles so there's no need for crimping. As for semi-auto, crimping is recommended.

May 30, 2012, 11:58 AM	#10
Hardcase Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2009 Location: Sunny Southern Idaho Posts: 1,909	I don't crimp for either bolt-action or for my M1, but I do use Lee dies (just not the factory crimp die). __________________ Well we don't rent pigs and I figure it's better to say it right out front because a man that does like to rent pigs is... he's hard to stop - Gus McCrae

May 30, 2012, 03:39 PM	#11
F. Guffey Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2008 Posts: 7,249	bullet crimp: I am the fan of bullet hold, I want all the bullet hold I can get. Neck tension? I can not measure neck tension. Crimping bottle neck cases, the bottle neck case must be trimmed to the same length when crimping, When crimping bottle neck cases that are not the same length problems are created when the shoulder of the case collapse and or bulges. F. Guffey

May 30, 2012, 04:31 PM	#12
firewrench044 Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2007 Location: Fort Pierce, Florida Posts: 381	I never crimp 3006 (not needed) I load for M1 garands and bolt rifles I do not crimp on any of the rifles I load for ( 223, 6.5X55,303, 308, 3006, 7.62X54R, 7.92X57 )

May 30, 2012, 04:50 PM	#13
Waldog Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2007 Location: SOCAL Posts: 359	Been loading over 40 years. Never crimped a rifle bullet. Not even my Garand __________________ I am the Christian Conservative that CNN warned you about!! “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy.” Winston Churchill

May 30, 2012, 05:01 PM	#14
CowboyinIL Member Join Date: May 29, 2012 Location: Midwest Posts: 23	Thank you all very much for your replies. I tried as hard as I could to pull out the bullets with my fingers without success. That was good news and I'm leaning towards not using the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Just wanted to validate my thoughts with you seasoned reloaders. Thanks PS It is for a bolt action. __________________ He who hesitates is lost. Think of the solution, not the problem.

May 30, 2012, 05:43 PM	#16
tomt53 Member Join Date: April 2, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 15	I have Lee Factory Crimp Dies for all six calibers, the only time I use a crimp is when I can't get a load to shot good, less than MOA. For the most part I don't use them. The best part about handloading, is you get to go shooting and when you find a load that works there is a good deal of satisfaction. Work up two identical loads one without a crimp one with a crimp. You'll probally come to the same conclusion as most everybody else, no crimp necessary on a bolt gun. So if you buy the crimp die and doesn't work out you're only out 12 bucks and you will have the piece of mind knowing it is not necessary in most cases. Tom

May 30, 2012, 07:36 PM	#17
Toolman Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 514	I put a 'slight', emphasis on 'slight',,, crimp on all my handloads. It's barely noticable with mics. It doesn't matter to me if the bullet has a cannelure or not. Consistency is the goal & that way they're all the same. M1 Garand, 1903 bolt action, semi-auto AR's, whatever. I don't shoot match so the only time I load one round is when I'm doing load development & I'll still crimp,,,,'slightly'. My ammo isn't handled with kid gloves. Ammo gets bounced around in the truck, ect. I've never had bullet set-back or extension. Just my opinion but crimping works for me. __________________ Crime Control. NOT Gun Control.

May 30, 2012, 07:59 PM	#18
sserdlihc Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2008 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,454	Use Lee dies without any issue. Never crimp. __________________ Familiarity breeds contempt, while rarity wins admiration. Aupleius If someone doesn't like you, that's their problem! Milton Childress

May 31, 2012, 12:36 AM	#20
Bamashooter Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2010 Posts: 1,860	I dont crimp for bolt action or single shot handloads but I do crimp with a Lee FCD for my .223 handloads. I put a ever so slight crimp. Very light, I guess for piece of mind more than anything else. It also puts even neck tension on my rounds which aids in accuracy IMHO.

May 31, 2012, 12:57 AM	#21
Bear River Member Join Date: May 20, 2010 Location: The Cowboy State Posts: 45	I use some Lee Dies they are OK for low volume loading jobs. Back 20 years ago the factory crimp dies were in style for awhile. It did not take shooters long to figure out the Lee Crimp Dies was not an aid to accurate loads. I never crimp for M1s never had a problem.

May 31, 2012, 06:21 PM	#22
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	I don't crimp for any of our bolts or semi's... IMO, it just adds another variable that can increase pressures, and I don't see the need for it. With semi's, some crimp because they are concerned about bullet travel in the case either while being chambered, or bounced around in the field. Haven't noted an issue with the former, and since I'm not deployed military, the ammo/clips don't get abused so no concern for the latter.

May 31, 2012, 07:54 PM	#23
Toolman Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 514	Ya know, to crimp, light crimp, or not to crimp it seems to be a matter of opinion. Form you own opinion, do what works best for you/your gun. What else needs to be said? __________________ Crime Control. NOT Gun Control.

May 31, 2012, 08:12 PM	#24
capodastro Member Join Date: March 16, 2012 Location: bondurant, wyoming Posts: 41	sometimes Ill put uncrimped rounds in the mag and run them through the action, almost all the time the neck tension will be enough to hold the col when I remeasure them. I'm just saying most of the time it seems like a crimp is not needed. but then again factory ammo is always crimped....tubular mags are a diff matter. I also like to crimp my revolver magnum rounds, just to be safe.

June 1, 2012, 02:38 PM	#25
Ethan.G Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2012 Posts: 127	I use Lee dies and the Factory crimp on my 30.06 bolt action and i noticed more consistent pressures, and tighter accuracy. i love it