CajunRebel
06-16-2011, 08:19 AM
I have C.Sharps Arms reproduction Winchester Highwall (Schuetzen) in .32-40. I was contemplating buying a Lee Factory Crimp (LFC) to ensure consistent ignition for fixed cartridge loads. Well, the real reason is lead bullets (no GC) are often falling into the loaded case (Winchester .32-40) when handled since I’m not roll crimping. Cases may even last a little longer.
With fired cases, I use a RCBS neck sizer (.319). [I also have a RCBS Cowboy expander (.320) to flare the mouth but not using it now.] For seating, I use Hornady New Dimension die with the floating in-line sleeve to align the bullet. Bullets go right in, snug, but no shaving. I guess the cases are springing back a little, like I said, bullets (sized/lubed .321) often fall back into the case, some completely. With a good grip I can pull the bullets back out.
.32-40 not being offered by Lee as standard, I have to submit a cartridge. .32-40 max overall length is 2.55. I bought a Hochs .322/200gr (~208gr) non-tapered mould. It’s the match of the tapered one they sell for breech loaders. I took several bullets, sized .321, and dropped them into the chamber and, using a cleaning rod, measured the difference between the bullet face and the breech block - for absolute maximum OAL.
Anyway, once dropped, not one of the (6) bullets were marred by the lands - just sitting there, barely held in place . The OAL measured is 2.64. Loading a bullet in an empty case, 2.64 OAL puts the bullet up to the back 1/5 of the first band (counting from the nose).
QUESTION #1: What do you think of using the Lee (LFC) for taper crimping? I read several people believe more damage than help occurs.
QUESTION #2: If I purchase the LFC, for what OAL do I want it made, e.g., 2.55 (covers first band), 2.64 (just resting on the lands and covering the back 1/5 of the first band), or adding a little more length (.006???) to have the lands slightly “bite” into the lands, (maybe 2.70 OAL).
With fired cases, I use a RCBS neck sizer (.319). [I also have a RCBS Cowboy expander (.320) to flare the mouth but not using it now.] For seating, I use Hornady New Dimension die with the floating in-line sleeve to align the bullet. Bullets go right in, snug, but no shaving. I guess the cases are springing back a little, like I said, bullets (sized/lubed .321) often fall back into the case, some completely. With a good grip I can pull the bullets back out.
.32-40 not being offered by Lee as standard, I have to submit a cartridge. .32-40 max overall length is 2.55. I bought a Hochs .322/200gr (~208gr) non-tapered mould. It’s the match of the tapered one they sell for breech loaders. I took several bullets, sized .321, and dropped them into the chamber and, using a cleaning rod, measured the difference between the bullet face and the breech block - for absolute maximum OAL.
Anyway, once dropped, not one of the (6) bullets were marred by the lands - just sitting there, barely held in place . The OAL measured is 2.64. Loading a bullet in an empty case, 2.64 OAL puts the bullet up to the back 1/5 of the first band (counting from the nose).
QUESTION #1: What do you think of using the Lee (LFC) for taper crimping? I read several people believe more damage than help occurs.
QUESTION #2: If I purchase the LFC, for what OAL do I want it made, e.g., 2.55 (covers first band), 2.64 (just resting on the lands and covering the back 1/5 of the first band), or adding a little more length (.006???) to have the lands slightly “bite” into the lands, (maybe 2.70 OAL).