44 rem mag reload and crimp

[rooster22]

I have been told 2 things about crimping, yes crimp, and no don't crimp.
If I do crimp use the lee factory crimp die, gives longer case life.
I want to reload some targetloads with some 240 hornady wadecutters and some unique powder. ( already bought)

Now the big question crimp or not to crimp, and if I do crimp use the lee or just use the RCBS bullet seater/crimp which I already bought?

And if i use the seater/crimp die from RCBS, what is the case life going to be like compared to the lee factory crimper?

I know there are some other threads that discuss crimping but I did not find the answer I seek

 

[Cummins4x4]

I seat with the seater and crimp with the FCD for revolver. The FCD gives a nicer more consistant crimp IMO

 

[caperbound]

For a wadecutter I would still crimp but just a slight one as the wadecutter doesn't take much powder and it's not meant to shoot at magnium pressure. You will be fine with the factory RCBS seating/crimping die. The lee factory crimp is nice, just put it on your list next time you make an internet order or whatever. Unique is a nice powder IMO, people will say it's dirty and they are correct, it just lets you know where to clean you gun

 

[tjhaile]

Crimping with the seating die will work, but separating seating and crimping operations makes for more convenient adjustment and may be more consistent. If you are using a progressive press, it isn't any more work, anyway.

The Hornady 240 grain SWCs don't have a crimp groove, so I suggest you seat them so that you can crimp over the shoulder of the bullet. You don't need a heavy crimp for light target loads, but there should be some crimp to keep the bullets from jumping out of the cases under recoil.

 

[Boomer]

If the cartridge is loaded for a revolver or a tube feed rifle, then yes, I would crimp. The Lee factory crimp pistol die not only produces a very nice crimp, it it also insures that you will be free of chambering issues from bulged brass by means of secondary resizing. IMHO, this is Lee's top product. There is no reason why you cannot use the RCBS's crimp feature in the seating die, but the best results are realized when crimping and bullet seating are done as separate operations. The only down side here is that you don't get the secondary loaded cartridge resizing, so be sure to check to ensure each loaded cartridge chambers easily prior to using it.