Crimping rifle boolits?

[chirodr1]

I am beginning to load cast rifle boolits and have a question regarding crimping. I am considering a Lee factory crimp die. My question is do I need a die for each caliber or will one die work for 30-30, 30-06, 308, etc.? If one will work for all these calibers which one should I purchase? Thanks!

[GRUMPA]

I crimp my 06 cast loads but it's a very lite/mild crimp that I do. In my mind it's more for a uniformed ignition than anything but it's just what I do. I also use the LEE FCD in 06 and when it comes to using it for 308 and 30-30 or pretty much anything in 30cal I rest the cartridge on something to elevate it enough on the RAM in order for it to work. Don't know about you but I'm a tight SOB and if all I need to do is find something (like a nut) without paying for a specific die I'm going to do it.

[Baja_Traveler]

One Lee factory crimp die will work for all 30 caliber cases that will fit into the die. I have one for my 30-30, but it can also be used for my 30-06, 7.62 x 54 etc... by readjusting the height stop. That being said, I only crimp my 30-30 where it goes into a tube fed rifle, all my other rifles use clips and magazines - so neck tension only and no crimp required.

[chirodr1]

Thanks Baja_Traveler, It sound like the 30-30 or 308 would work without having to find a spacer. Don't get me wrong Grumpa I am like you when it comes to economizing or making things work that you have available. Because I would be reloading mostly 30-30 that would require a crimp, I will go with the 30-30 and adjust it for the other 30 cals. What a great site this is and thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[Dale in Louisiana]

I crimp the stuff I'm going to use in matches because I'm going to be shooting from the magazine and even though 16 grains of 2400 isn't going to do much recoil in an M1903A3, I'm not really sure that feeding from the magazine won't relocate a boolit. I don't want the chance a boolit shoved back into a case in the middle of a rapid fire string.

I don't go nuts about it, though. Just the tiniest bit of crimp is enough to keep the boolit in place. Too much crimp and you're overworking your brass.

dale in Louisiana

[Mk42gunner]

I'm chea-- I mean frugal, I use the roll crimping shoulder that is in the seating die I already have, until I prove that I need to buy another die.

So far the only rifle type Lee factory crimp die that I have is one for .38-55 that came in a gunshow deal with just about everything needed for both the .38-55 and the .40-65.

Robert

[A pause for the COZ]

I have them for all my rifle calibers. I have shot plenty with out using them, So its not absolutely needed.
I just put a slight crimp on mine. Just to take out the case bell that I put onto them and to help with ignition on my lighter loads.
You pay your money, you get to use what you like. I like them.

[Lead Fred]

tube mags need crimpin, 45/70, 30-30 etc.
I see no reason for single shots or mag/clip fed machines

[chirodr1]

Thanks for all your insight.