First reloading question

[Ernie]

New Starline case length 1.278 so .002 under suggested trim length. Seems ok.
I have fmj 158 gr flat & round point bullets for target shooting. Manual info for jhp bullets. Should I make any adjustments?
Have 2400 & H110 powder. Velosity is for pistol. Will I get more velosity out of a rifle barrel?

[Headhog]

Any straight walled pistol case like 38 Spl, or 357 Mag. head spaces off the case rim so no problem with them being shorter than trim length. I wouldn't even worry with .002" shorter on bottleneck cases. As for overall length just follow what your load data shows for a similar bullet. It doesn't have to be the exact bullet just same material and general shape. A jacketed hollow point and full metal jacket round nose usually have very similar load recommendations.

Yes you will get additional velocity by shooting pistol loads from a rifle. This will vary with powder choice. Slower powders produce more velocity the longer the barrel. Faster powders not so much. Depending on the powder it can be as much as 150-300 fps more.

Paul

[Ernie]

Thank you. That was helpful Paul.

[Hatchdog]

Some reloading manuals offer data for pistol caliber rifles in the rifle section. Not all unfortunately.

[Ernie]

I will look.
Thanks

[JEBar]

Some reloading manuals offer data for pistol caliber rifles in the rifle section. Not all unfortunately.

I find that I get the best info from a reloading manual made by the same company who makes the bullets we use .... example : we use Nolser bullets so we use Nosler loading manuals

[Ernie]

Have another question about how much to taper crimp on 357 fmj flat point bullet. Set up dies today and set slight crimp so the diameter of the casing was constant where the bullet is seated. I do not see any gap between case and bullet with 5 power magnification and slight RCBS die instructions say to measure base of case and very edge of case at bullet. Should be ,001 -.002 less at bullet than base but my case expands about .002 where bullet is seated. Seems like .002 less than base of case will deform bullet. Any input?
Thanks
Ernie

[Rifletom]

Ernie, You'll be getting a roll crimp on .38 spl/.357. I crimp just enough to straighten out the flare for seating and a wee bit more. Light to medium crimp. With 2400 and 158gr JSP or coated cast, 13.5gr 2400 seems ideal for target loads. OAL for mine are 1.585". What are your dies and will you be using a Lee factory crimp die to set your crimp?

[220]

First priority with the amount of crimp when loading for a rifle is to ensure it is heavy enough that the bullet doesnt get set back into the case under recoil while in the magazine.
The amount of crimp can effect accuracy and a bit more can help get more consistent and a better burn with some loads.

[Ernie]

I have RCBS carbide 3 die set including one to set bullet and crimp. I also have a Lee crimp die but don't think I need to use it. I don't have a cannelure on these bullets so I don't think I would use a roll crimp if I am reading correctly.

[Rifletom]

Yeah, the only bullet I can think of that doesn't have a cannelure I use, is a plated 230gr RN for my 1911 and that is a taper crimp. Everything else does have a cannelure. I crimp in a seperate step as that seems to work for me. Just keep at it Ernie, no need to hurry and the bumps will iron themselves out.

[leverjc]

I have always used a light to medium Lee factory crimp on everything I load and have never had a problem with srt back from recoil.

[Ernie]

Thanks guys. That helps.

[Kissmybrass]

I have always used a light to medium Lee factory crimp on everything I load and have never had a problem with srt back from recoil.

I'm a huge fan of the Lee factory crimp as well.

[Ernie]

Got my things together to load some 357. Set my dies according to lee instructions, set up the powder measure and double checked the drop on digital and beam scale.

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Sized casing, installed primer then flared casing and dropped powder. Mangled case,

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too much flair so I raised die and tried again. Set bullet, checked COL (1.588) then crimped.

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Guess I am set to try these 5 out. My big question is what do I do with the 2 cases that are damaged and have a primer installed?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ernie

[Rifletom]

Put a drop or two of oil in the case then squish case with pliers, toss. From what I can see Ernie, things are looking good. Whats the powder charge?
You have a lot of very good equipment there on your bench. Well done!

[Ernie]

Thanks for your help!!
11.4 gn 2400.
I have been gathering stuff for a couple years (so it wouldn't hurt too much), until I had the time and space to use it.

[Rifletom]

Ernie, where did you get your load info from? And what bullet maker?

[fortyshooter]

Nice setup Ernie especially that Kennedy Toolmaker/Machinist box! I have one just like it....and almost 50 yrs. old!
Do you have a chrono to check bullet speeds? I have a nice collection of loading boo boos too!

[Ernie]

Ernie, where did you get your load info from? And what bullet maker?

Got the load information from Lyman as a starting charge and I am using bullets from Berry's.