Crimp question

[joec]

I've never loaded a jacketed bullet with this kind of shape before. All I've done have been 9mm and 45 ACP FMJ which take a taper crimp.

I got a box of Freedom Arms 260 gr and 300 gr JFP recently. I'm not sure what would be the best crimp for these bullets and hope the picture below you can make out the type of crimp groove on them. I'm thinking perhaps the RD FCD for the 45 Colt but not sure. Thanks for any input on this.

bullets-11-2002.gif

[Missionary]

Greetings
Have used the FCD on numerous caliber .45 Colt loads in my two Rossi's and never had then slip. Those grooves look deep enough that there should not be any problem.
My simple crimp test I use is to crimp one, put the bullet nose on the bench edge and with a flat wood block on the case head push on it with my palm. If it can take that it will hold in a mag tube. I only weigh 150 pounds so my pressure may vary from lets say a 250 pound feller pushing.
Mike in Peru

[joec]

Thanks Mike I think I got it done. I just did one as a dummy round and it looks good.

[Tuco Ramirez]

Hey Joe....

I use the Lee factory crimp for just about everything. Thus far I have never had an issue. Anymore if it is related to reloading I buy nothing but Lee. I have had real good results with their products. Not to say the others don't make quality products.... I just like Lee. Let us know what you come up with.

[joec]

Hey Joe....

I use the Lee factory crimp for just about everything. Thus far I have never had an issue. Anymore if it is related to reloading I buy nothing but Lee. I have had real good results with their products. Not to say the others don't make quality products.... I just like Lee. Let us know what you come up with.

I use Lee also for the most part but don't have a FCD in 454 as they don't make one. I do have the Ranch Dog collet type in 45 colt and tried it which worked well at least on a dummy round. I'm going to load up some with Lil'Gun from 29 to 31 gr which is according to Hornady with the FA 300 gr JFP bullets I have. I will work up another for the 260 gr later as I have a box of them by Magtech to use first in the gun. I use a Lee Classic Turret press and have a turret setup with just 45 cal crimp dies as I use Lyman and RCBS expander dies as I just like the way they work better than the Lee expander does. At 29 gr it is 39800 CUP and 31 is 45000 CUP.

[Tuco Ramirez]

How is it grouping? Bottom line is results. Find what works best and go with it. Lee needs to get busy with a FCD for that cal.....

[joec]

How is it grouping? Bottom line is results. Find what works best and go with it. Lee needs to get busy with a FCD for that cal.....

I'll let you know on the grouping when I get to the range either Tuesday or Wednesday. Most of the Lee 454 Casull dies are really 45 Colt for the most part. The only one different is the sizing die in the 3 die set. The seating die and powder through die are both the same as the 45 Colt.

[ironhead7544]

Heavy loads for a revolver or lever gun need a good crimp. The 454C revolver has a good bit of recoil so there should be a proper crimp groove in their bullets. I would call and ask them what they recommend.