Couple questions from a newbie reloader

[bcboarder]

I've just started to reload for my blr in 358 win and I was wondering if any of the veterans out there could share some experience. First do you find any advantages to using a factory crimp die? Second how many rounds do you load up for each powder charge/bullet combination? Thanks
Brad

 

[Bigbubba]

For Q2 the answer is 5. Others will say the answer is 3,5, x, etc

But I like 5 per powder charge

 

[tjhaile]

Crimping is unnecessary for your application. In general, crimping is used for the following applications:

1. Tubular magazines.
2. Very heavy-recoiling rifles
3. Possibly self-loading firearms. Crimping is common practice, but I have successfully loaded .223 and .308 for semi-auto rifles without crimping.

 

[OverUnder725]

I load .30-06 for my BLR's, no crimp, no problems.

 

[bcboarder]

Thanks for the info.
Brad

 

[pig boots]

I don't crimp never seen a need in a tube mag it may be necessary
10rnds per combo 2 5 shot groups

 

[Ganderite]

I use a factory crimp die in 223 (in addition to the applications mentioned above) if I am loading ball powder. It helps ignition.

When starting off with a new rifle or a new powder, I start low and work up in o.3 gr increments, 5 shots each, all the way to 0.6 gr over max.

I often have to come home with unfired rounds, to be pulled, because I ran into pressure signs. The first sign is usually a slight change in how the bolt feels as it opens.

This initial survey usually gives me an idea if the powder has potential and where to start detailed load development.