Crimp for M14 loads?
- Thread starter DasJager
- Start date
I dont crimp, neck tension should be enough, but if it makes you feel safe then put a lite crimp (dont over crimp you will bulge the case)
trigger'06
CGN Regular
- Location
- Abbotsford B.C.
If you're worried try both methods. Iv'e tried with and without in my mini 14 with no conclusive results.
My AR's and M14's don't show any setback with only neck tension.
Happy experimenting.
My AR's and M14's don't show any setback with only neck tension.
Happy experimenting.
The M14 has a fairly violent chambering process. I would definitely crimp. Budget Shooter Supply has the Lee Factory Crimp Die for $15. Best way to go!
Other than safety, a good reason to crimp is constant starting pressure which means constancy in accuracy.
Other than safety, a good reason to crimp is constant starting pressure which means constancy in accuracy.
jcuffe6240
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central Alberta
I am also dealing with this dilemma. The manual says that the minimum OAL be 2.800". I am also using Varget with Hornady 150 gr FMJ. If I go down to the cannalure for the crimp, I will be really under the OAL.
- Location
- ON in the 519
What if the bullet doesn't have a cannelure?
then you DON'T crimp- simple as that- what you DON'T do is INTRODUCE a crimp into a bullet where there is none- even though there are dies to do this, they crack the bond between the jacket and the core, and sometimes leave the jacket in the bore- can we say bore obstruction?
Yeah, they have a section just for the M1A and that's the max OAL they specify.
I think I'll just try a few both ways and see if there are any inconsistencies...with my limited skill I doubt I will.
nemesisincanada, I never thought about that. If I was ever to switch to A-MAX bullets, which I normally use, they don't have a cannelure. So I guess It's not really a big deal either way.
Rocket Surgery
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
It's hard to fit anything longer into an m1a magazine. This is partly why I don't only run non-match bullets with a cannelure through my m305, other reasons include:
2) It's a military rifle which was designed for FMJ ball ammo, which is probably why the magazine doesn't have the extra length like the AI ones do.
3) People say running bullets hotter than 168g (IE 175g SMK) will damage the internals.
4) Your maximum accuracy $4000.00 M1A can be outshot by a $750 bolt gun. The same bolt gun would be lighter and actually bush worthy, whereas people with a $4000.00 semi may not want to scratch it.
5) You load M1A's first for pressure, then for accuracy. It can't be done the other way around unless you're lucky or you like a 10lb straight pull rifle.
6) All reloading manuals I have read say you should crimp for semi's, pumps, and levers. I realize that the M1A is special because you can get away with neck sizing the brass. I also understand that in Canada we have only 5-6 rounds being shot, so the likelyhood of setback is less than having a full 20 round mag. The issue is also feeding, it's not just setback you need to watch for.
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I emailed Hornady. Here is the exchange with their techs :
Comments:
I am reloading some Hornady 150gr. FMJ-BT .308 bullets using RL-15 powder. The Hornady book tells me to make the C.O.A.L length 2.780 but if I do that, I am not catching the cannelure even partially if I want to crimp and I am using these reloads in an M1A service rifle; crimping is necessary due to recoil and violent chambering.
In order to catch the cannelure, I have to reduce the C.O.A.L. to 2.715. Would it be safe to go .065 shorter than the book recommends and seat these bullets at 2.715 with the entire range of recommended powder quantities?
Please advise!
Thanks!
****
John, in our current manual we have the COL set at 2.700 so you will be fine at your seating depth Thanks
With the Lee Factory Crimp Die you don't need a cannelure to crimp so you can crimp any bullets.
Rocket Surgery
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
There was a guy in the reloading forum a few years back that did some load development and all he changed was the COAL of his 308 cartridges. It's funny because the end result was best accuracy with a crimp right in the middle of the cannelure. The group sizes were all over the place, so this is certainly a factor when you're loading some rounds. I find with the M305 that it's highly sensitive to the slightest powder charges, more than half a grain in my rifle was the difference between 1.5 inches and 2 inches @ 100 yards.
I don't recall which powder, primer, brass, bullets or gun that he used but it was nice to know that the manufacturers put the cannelure in the right place.
I don't recall which powder, primer, brass, bullets or gun that he used but it was nice to know that the manufacturers put the cannelure in the right place.
