Bullet crimping?

[its only light]

Got another question. The extent of my loading so far has been for single shot rifles, so obviously I've had no reason to want to crimp so I've never attempted it before. I own a savage 338 lapua with a DBM on it which I've always just single loaded anyways. I've had some thoughts about using the mag since its there. I probably know the answer to this but do I absolutely have to crimp in this situation or would I be fine leaving it uncrimped and loading it in the mag. Any input will help alot!

 

[CJ6]

Most Rifle seaters allready have a TAPER crimp built it to them. It's a matter of die adjustment.

 

[LawrenceHanson]

A crimp is not neccessary in your situation. Other than handgun and shotshell reloading, the only crimp I have ever used for rifle ammunition was with 7.62X39 amunition destined for an AK-47. The Ak-47 functions in a very violent manner and ammunition for it must be equally robust. But in your case, with a bolt action rifle, you will be fine without the need for a crimp.

As long as you have sufficient grip on the bullet you should be fine.

LE Hanson

 

[its only light]

Cool thanks! That's what I was hoping for. I have a good load worked up for it that will fit in the mag. I was almost sure everybody was going to tell me with the recoil of the 338 that I should crimp but you made me happy. I will try it out.

 

[Catfish]

Actually you may have to crimp them. Just put some rounds in your mag and shoot a few rounds. If the bullets don`t pull your good to go, but it really depends on how much hold you have now and how much recoil the rifle has.

 

[ar10ar15man]

yeo put in a magfull plus one in the chamber..shoot all but the last one. measure it and see if it moved from original length( so yes you have to measure it before it goes in the mag...)
if it moves you need more neck tension..or a crimp.
if you crimp..the brass must be trimed to the same length so the crimp is the same each time....else accuracy will suffer.

 

[Shynloco]

Got another question. The extent of my loading so far has been for single shot rifles, so obviously I've had no reason to want to crimp so I've never attempted it before. I own a savage 338 lapua with a DBM on it which I've always just single loaded anyways. I've had some thoughts about using the mag since its there. I probably know the answer to this but do I absolutely have to crimp in this situation or would I be fine leaving it uncrimped and loading it in the mag. Any input will help alot!

Personally, I've done it both ways and did not crimp. I too have a Savage with the DBM and frankly couldn't care less about the mag when I'm on the range. It also depends on the neck tension you are putting on your loads because a bolt gun (in my experiences) simply doesn't provide the issues a gas gun does in terms of moving bullets that have a light (.001 - .002) neck tension. Obviously if you are out hunting or even plinking, the mag comes much more into play and practical use. Just my thoughts.

Alex

 

[its only light]

I will do the shoot and measure thing once and see what happens. I'm like you I really don't care to use the mag. I've always been fine with single loading. But I thought maybe I will try the mag and like it.

 

[Kingfisher]

My 338/378 does not have a muzzle brake, so it's virtually guaranteed to have more recoil than your Lapua. I have never crimped a single round (I've loaded thousands), and I've never had trouble with bullet setback in the magazine. Assuming you have good neck tension, and you're not using a bushing die with a bushing that's too large to provide proper tension or similar, you have NOTHING to worry about.