Crimping on a .223 round

[Memphis]

Just a query does crimping help or hinder when reloading,

I for some reason have had a few loads having loose heads checked everything can think of but maybe 3 out of 20 last few batches. so I crimped them to make sure the heads are locked in and I was wondering if this had much effect on the zero?
will take the usuall sarcasm in the replies incase I have not explained it propery

but thanks in advance for any guidance

 

[Rewulf]

Just a query does crimping help or hinder when reloading,

I for some reason have had a few loads having loose heads checked everything can think of but maybe 3 out of 20 last few batches. so I crimped them to make sure the heads are locked in and I was wondering if this had much effect on the zero?
will take the usuall sarcasm in the replies incase I have not explained it propery

but thanks in advance for any guidance

Never crimped, never needed to.
If you have inconsistency with tension, I would check your dies, and brass, and adjust if necessary.

Different neck tensions will affect accuracy/consistency.
What bullet/brass/dies are you using ?

 

[Memphis]

Hornady cases 3rd time reloaded no cracks or visible damage. Hornady V Max 55gr. never had it before checked all dies even reset and cleaned, just cannot find a simple epanation but in trying a head in before filling with powder can tell which ones will be loose as the head can push right in on the odd one.

 

[Jagged77]

No, I wouldn’t recommend crimping, you need to get to the bottom of what’s causing the issue. It’s one of three things - bullets / brass / dies. Check dia of bullets and make sure all ok.
What dies are you using? How are you setting them and have you tried removing the expander ball?
Brass - measure OD and wall thickness if possible. Can you try annealing? They could have work hardened to such an extent they’re springing back. Simple annealing can be done with a hand drill, a deep socket and blow torch (loads of YouTube tutorials I’m sure).

Die set up or work hardened brass would be my first thoughts

 

[Rewulf]

Hornady cases 3rd time reloaded no cracks or visible damage. Hornady V Max 55gr. never had it before checked all dies even reset and cleaned, just cannot find a simple epanation but in trying a head in before filling with powder can tell which ones will be loose as the head can push right in on the odd one.

Measure the inside of the necks with a micrometer for starters.
Then check the bullets, its not beyond the realms to have abnormal bullets.

 

[ASHCROFT9491]

Yes different meck tension crimp/no crimp may change point of impact but only way to confirm 100% is on a target

Shouldn't be need for bolt.guns with the right neck tension

Semi automatic I would personally crimp but sure millions don't with no issue

 

[Miki]

I for some reason have had a few loads having loose heads checked everything can think of <snip>

Loose heads is a serious problem. Can you see the cracks or any indentation/stretch marks on the case above or close to the rim ?
Are there any pressure marks visible around the headstamp ?
A case head blowout can be/is very very serious.... please don't continue to fire these rounds until you get to the source of the issue.

 

[ashray]

if its the case HEAD thats loose bin the brass ,IF its the bullet fitting loosely in the neck make sure your sizing die is set correctly and DONT NECK SIZE

 

[Memphis]

Loose heads is a serious problem. Can you see the cracks or any indentation/stretch marks on the case above or close to the rim ?
Are there any pressure marks visible around the headstamp ?
A case head blowout can be/is very very serious.... please don't continue to fire these rounds until you get to the source of the issue.

No cracks or any markings around neck and shoulders

 

[Memphis]

if its the case HEAD thats loose bin the brass ,IF its the bullet fitting loosely in the neck make sure your sizing die is set correctly and DONT NECK SIZE

Will go through my brass thank you

 

[Memphis]

Yes different meck tension crimp/no crimp may change point of impact but only way to confirm 100% is on a target

Shouldn't be need for bolt.guns with the right neck tension

Semi automatic I would personally crimp but sure millions don't with no issue

Will go through my brass and recheck

 

[Memphis]

No, I wouldn’t recommend crimping, you need to get to the bottom of what’s causing the issue. It’s one of three things - bullets / brass / dies. Check dia of bullets and make sure all ok.
What dies are you using? How are you setting them and have you tried removing the expander ball?
Brass - measure OD and wall thickness if possible. Can you try annealing? They could have work hardened to such an extent they’re springing back. Simple annealing can be done with a hand drill, a deep socket and blow torch (loads of YouTube tutorials I’m sure).

Die set up or work hardened brass would be my first thoughts

Will check you tube and go through my brass cheers

 

[Smallholder]

I've crimped light loads in some cases to get a round more consistant round, but not .223. I have had a problem in .223 with 55gr Hornady FMJs where two boxes from different batches were different sizes and result in loose bullets.

 

[Stumpy2]

I’ve found Hornady brass quite hard and on a third reload (4th firing if originally factory ammo) it could be work hardened. Seems to ‘spring back’ a little after full length resizing. Not enough for the bullet to fall out but enough for inconsistency when seating, I could feel the difference through the press when seating bullets on third time fired Hornady cases.

Anneal or new brass?

For the price of starline brass I’d start again and work up a new load.

Hope you get it sorted

And yes, I lightly crimp (rightly or wrongly)

 

[paul o']

Try removing the expander ball when sizing and use a mandrel to get the the correct ID for a good tension.
I have never crushed a boltgun reload i'v only done this for S/A's

 

[Memphis]

I've crimped light loads in some cases to get a round more consistant round, but not .223. I have had a problem in .223 with 55gr Hornady FMJs where two boxes from different batches were different sizes and result in loose bullets.

Will double check thank you

 

[Memphis]

I’ve found Hornady brass quite hard and on a third reload (4th firing if originally factory ammo) it could be work hardened. Seems to ‘spring back’ a little after full length resizing. Not enough for the bullet to fall out but enough for inconsistency when seating, I could feel the difference through the press when seating bullets on third time fired Hornady cases.

Anneal or new brass?

For the price of starline brass I’d start again and work up a new load.

Hope you get it sorted

And yes, I lightly crimp (rightly or wrongly)

I will put some more work into it thanks

 

[Memphis]

Try removing the expander ball when sizing and use a mandrel to get the the correct ID for a good tension.
I have never crushed a boltgun reload i'v only done this for S/A's

Thank you

 

[Memphis]

Loose heads is a serious problem. Can you see the cracks or any indentation/stretch marks on the case above or close to the rim ?
Are there any pressure marks visible around the headstamp ?
A case head blowout can be/is very very serious.... please don't continue to fire these rounds until you get to the source of the issue.

No cracks no marks all looks spot on

 

[NP435]

Just a query does crimping help or hinder when reloading,

I for some reason have had a few loads having loose heads checked everything can think of but maybe 3 out of 20 last few batches. so I crimped them to make sure the heads are locked in and I was wondering if this had much effect on the zero?
will take the usuall sarcasm in the replies incase I have not explained it propery

but thanks in advance for any guidance

If the projectile has a crimping groove should be no problem with a roll crimp, if it does not a taper crimp die is the ticket, I do not crimp anything other than 44 magnum.