H2OFUZZ
Well-Known Member
I am shooting the 180SMK out of a 7mmSTW at 3140fps would you guys recommend crimping or not? Also do you think that is a good speed for this caliber? Thanks in advance
H2o
H2o
I was on board initially regarding using Lee Factory Crimp dies but now I am on the fence trying to decide if it is even worth the ammo and testing time.
The Positive:
I "think" I got closer ES groups. The reason I say "think" is because one just can't tell with 20 rounds. One would truly think with the logic that smaller ES, the tighter the groups. Again I think I got tighter groups but will have to test some more.....
The Negative:
I work extremely hard in my reloading to get everything as consistent and exact as possible and that goes for my seating depth (for every single bullet). regardless if there is or is not a cannelure, using the Lee Factory Crimp die can and does move the seating depth. If moved, it can be +- .003-.007. Sometimes it doesn't affect the bullet seating depth. If this was predictable, then great, i could take that into consideration when performing the initial seating depth, but it is not.
I called Lee and asked about this. I get an affirmative that it can affect bullet seating depth. So one might get smaller ES groups but if one is changing the seating depth, you can increase your POI groups. Like any other tool, I might probably find the very happy medium for each caliber, but then again not so sure so .......
Thanks
3382Winmag