Hi-Speed
06-30-2022, 03:19 PM
When loading my 357 Magnum loads using 358429 bullets, I usually adjust OAL to 1.553” (per Lyman manual). I’ve been doing this for years when I had S&W Model 28s which cylinders were to short to accommodate the 358429 crimped in its crimping groove (I did this practice using 38 Special cases when loading 38-44 level loads). I still use a roll crimp on the 358429 and crimp over the front shoulder band an age old practice. I also like how the bullets performs seated short and it looks are reminiscent of old 357 Mag loadings with their SWC bullets.
However, I also like using Rim Rock’s 170 gr Keith SWC but when loading these “short” using Lyman OAL specs, I use a taper crimp since I’m on crimping on (not over) the first driver band. I do not crimp over their front shoulders since this would bring the OAL down to 1.525”. I never have bullet creep with a taper crimp using either the Lee or Redding taper crimp dies. Even with my standard magnum Keith SWC load using 11.0 grs of 2400 (1,130 fps avg in Ruger 4 5/8”) in 357 Mag cases, the taper crimp keeps the Rim Rock Keith’s SWC securely in place. I also get better accuracy with a taper crimp.
When using the 358156GC I crimp those in the first crimp groove always when using my std 13.5 grs 2400 load using this bullet.
I also see others use a taper crimp with cast bullets when not crimping in their crimp grooves. It was something that I was taught years ago, roll crimp in crimp grooves, taper crimp when not using the grooves.
Appreciate any your comments regarding taper crimping with cast bullets
However, I also like using Rim Rock’s 170 gr Keith SWC but when loading these “short” using Lyman OAL specs, I use a taper crimp since I’m on crimping on (not over) the first driver band. I do not crimp over their front shoulders since this would bring the OAL down to 1.525”. I never have bullet creep with a taper crimp using either the Lee or Redding taper crimp dies. Even with my standard magnum Keith SWC load using 11.0 grs of 2400 (1,130 fps avg in Ruger 4 5/8”) in 357 Mag cases, the taper crimp keeps the Rim Rock Keith’s SWC securely in place. I also get better accuracy with a taper crimp.
When using the 358156GC I crimp those in the first crimp groove always when using my std 13.5 grs 2400 load using this bullet.
I also see others use a taper crimp with cast bullets when not crimping in their crimp grooves. It was something that I was taught years ago, roll crimp in crimp grooves, taper crimp when not using the grooves.
Appreciate any your comments regarding taper crimping with cast bullets