05-25-2020, 12:01 PM
Im a crimper - always have been and always will be.
I like the added buffer between me and pressure spikes due to bullet setbacks during recoil.
For loads that I dont crimp - very rare - I will discard the chambered round after 2 or 3 chamberings (hunts that didnt produce a shot).
Really it is quite simple .
Chamber a round 10 times , crimped and uncrimped and measure the OAL. Crimped shouldnt move - uncrimped (Handloads) will probably move.
Apply just enough crimp to pass this test and carry on.
DO sacrifice a firing pin and when youre chambering these loads at home use a cut tip firing pin that allows the BCG to operate but in no way contacts the primer - safety !
Lastly, I have some pretty accurate loads in many chambers that have been crimped - I have a box of .30 cal Berger bullets that look like yours after pulling them down. Is it too much crimp - yea probably, thats why I now test like I outlined above or just crimp by feel now.
In any case youre on your third barrel and deciding to crimp or not but I would ask -
Have you been trying different COALs of the same charge weight to see if that tightens your groups and what method are you using to see how far off the lands your bullet ogive is.
These two things will change accuracy much more than crimping, or not.
I like the added buffer between me and pressure spikes due to bullet setbacks during recoil.
For loads that I dont crimp - very rare - I will discard the chambered round after 2 or 3 chamberings (hunts that didnt produce a shot).
Really it is quite simple .
Chamber a round 10 times , crimped and uncrimped and measure the OAL. Crimped shouldnt move - uncrimped (Handloads) will probably move.
Apply just enough crimp to pass this test and carry on.
DO sacrifice a firing pin and when youre chambering these loads at home use a cut tip firing pin that allows the BCG to operate but in no way contacts the primer - safety !
Lastly, I have some pretty accurate loads in many chambers that have been crimped - I have a box of .30 cal Berger bullets that look like yours after pulling them down. Is it too much crimp - yea probably, thats why I now test like I outlined above or just crimp by feel now.
In any case youre on your third barrel and deciding to crimp or not but I would ask -
Have you been trying different COALs of the same charge weight to see if that tightens your groups and what method are you using to see how far off the lands your bullet ogive is.
These two things will change accuracy much more than crimping, or not.