358156 crimp groove question

[ScottJ]

To run it over a light charge of Bullseye in .38 cases for an old S&W would I want to use the lower (toward the base) or upper crimp groove?

I'm not clear if the lower crimp band is for loading it hot into .38 cases for use in a .357 mag chamber or if it's for building .38s period.

[btroj]

I would go with the upper groove. Reduces case volume. I use the lower groove for hot loads in 38 cases.
I would suggest you try both and see which works better. You never know how things are going to work out as each gun is a different beast.

[Tazman1602]

Scott,

Check this article:

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/st_friend357_200810/


"My friend presented him with a double handful of my favorite handloads, made from a recipe of the 358156 hollowpoint bullet held in its lower crimping groove by a Remington .38 Special case. The powder charge was 13.5 grains of 2400 fused with CCI Small Pistol primers. A few hours after loading up with these homebrews, the cowboy tumbled a running buck with a single shot through the spine at 50 yards."

This is "Elmers" load also.........................USE YOUR LOAD MANUALS...

Art

[btroj]

He was asking about a light charge of Bullseye, not for Skeeters load.

[Tazman1602]

He was asking about which CRIMP GROOVE to seat the bullet in for .38 Special cases. Article is CLEAR as to which crimp groove to seat in with .38 special cases IF YOU bother to read it which you did NOT...........

No reason for you to come across like that.

QUOTE=btroj;1134303]He was asking about a light charge of Bullseye, not for Skeeters load.[/QUOTE]

[fecmech]

Nothing set in stone on crimp grooves and IMO would make little difference in light .38 loads. Basic ballistics (given the same load) means that less case capacity equal more pressure and conversely more case capacity means less pressure. As long as one is working with light loads (in a .38 special gun) accuracy would be my determining factor.

[oso]

I thought the bottom crimp was there "for building .38s period." But what do I know?
Could it be useful in the .357 Max?
A quick review of C.O.L.'s on a few recipes suggests either crimp groove may be useful in .38s.

[ScottJ]

FWIW, I went with the upper groove. I'm trying 3.5gr Bullseye and no gas check to see howit works.

I pan lube and in the process get lube into both crimp grooves. If I left the top one sticking out of the case I'd feel compelled to clean it out. If I just crimp into that groove I only have a little lube to wipe up.