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Posted: 2/18/2010 5:24:38 AM EDT
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Hey all. Just a couple questions here on a new round I'm about to start reloading.
I recently decided to reload 38 special. I've been reloading for awhile now. 44 mag, 300 winmag etc etc. I bought 158gr fmj Barrys bullets from cabelas, some new Remington brass, a set of lee 357 carbide dies, and an RCBS 38 seating die. Accurate No. 5 powder, and small pistol primers. After getting home and opening the bullets, I noticed they had no crimping groove. So, onto the questions. Apparently you need a taper crimp with these types of bullets. How is it done? I don't have any experience with it. Also, any personal data on this powder with 158gr bullet would be appreciated. These are just going to be for friendly target shooting. |
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Quoted:
Hey all. Just a couple questions here on a new round I'm about to start reloading. I recently decided to reload 38 special. I've been reloading for awhile now. 44 mag, 300 winmag etc etc. I bought 158gr fmj Barrys bullets from cabelas, some new Remington brass, a set of lee 357 carbide dies, and an RCBS 38 seating die. Accurate No. 5 powder, and small pistol primers. After getting home and opening the bullets, I noticed they had no crimping groove. So, onto the questions. Apparently you need a taper crimp with these types of bullets. How is it done? I don't have any experience with it. Also, any personal data on this powder with 158gr bullet would be appreciated. These are just going to be for friendly target shooting. I wouldn't worry about crimping the 158gr bullets in 38 special. It really just doesn't need it. Apply just enough crimp to remove any flaring of the case mouth if that was a necessary step (although I find with Berrys bullets, it's usually not). |
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First, you have Berrys bullets and they don't make FMJ bullets, they make plated bullets; hence the lack of a cannelure. Second, plated bullets use very soft lead centers with thin plating on the outside to prevent leading. This means that you have to be careful when crimping so that you don't cut the plating. A roll crimp for a plated bullet is a definite no no. You should use a taper crimp only enough to remove the belling and no more. Third, because plated bullets use soft lead centers, you use reloading data for an equivalent lead bullet weight not the data for a jacketed bullet. This is because the softer bullet will obturate into the rifling more effectively than the harder jacketed bullets, thereby sealing the opening better and allowing for higher initial peak pressure. Sectioned Barrys (lf) and Rainier (rt) 45 bullets showing the .006"-.008" thick plating and the soft lead center.  |
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