how to crimp a reload

Put it in a vice or pliers and crimp it that way.

What calibre are you reloading? Which set of rcbs dies?

If they are like Lee dies, once you have your OAL figured out, you back off the bullet seating stem (not the die) then slowly screw in the die until you get the crimp you want.

That's all I got.
 
sounds about right ;) then screw the seater plug back down in-till it touches the bullet, tighten the lock-nut and call the die set! Don't forget to make a "dummy round" so you can easily set your die again in the future!
 
my bullet seater offers no option to crimp at all, and I think that's the way they should be. set up is a breeze since the shell holder/plate is supposed to contact the die. (I wish they made all bullet seaters like this honestly)
crimping with the seating die is not the best way to go about it, it relies on uniform trim length of brass in order to be consistent... or even crimp at all (if some of your brass is shorter then others)
I use a lee FCD and think if anyone wants to crimp any rifle round, it is the only way to go.

what are you loading for? do you even really need a crimp? I only crimp my AR15 (semi auto) rifle rounds, I wouldn't even consider crimping for my bolt action rifles.
 
Last edited:
I use the lee FCD for all pistol ammo.
crimps, and does a fit check at the same time.
ensures all your rounds will chamber.
 
Les "Factory Crimp Dies" are just the easiest way to go.
If you use the seating die to roll crimp, make sure all your cases are the same lenght, as you may crush some and / or doing unsufficient crimp on others...
 
"...my bullet seater offers no option to crimp..." Depends on the cartridge. Most don't need crimping, but some do if depending on how hot the load is.
"...a bunch of .303's..." They don't need a crimp. Neck tension is enough.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom