Compare my crimp before and after please,

[Davey]

Here are two pics of a crimped and uncrimped 45 ACP round

Round on the left is crimped, the one on the right is right after seating with no crimp.

Does it look like I have enough crimp applied?

Apparently I'm limited to the size of the images. The originals are much bigger. I'll post the originals if needed.

Thanks

 

[mrawesome22]

If they function is the only thing that matters.

Neck tension is all that is needed.

This cartridge just needs the flare removed to ensure smooth cycling.

Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e using Tapatalk 2

 

[Ethan.G]

my test is if i can pull the bullet out by hand, then its not enough, other then that you should be solid, looks square to me be safe and have fun shooting them

 

[chris in va]

45's don't need a crimp unless you get feeding issues.

 

[Powderman]

The best way to tell for sure is to measure at the case mouth with calipers. The crimp specification for the cartridge calls for a case mouth diameter of .465 to .470. I crimp to .470, with a taper crimp die. No problems yet!

 

[mikld]

The term "crimping" should not be used when talking about 45 ACP reloading; it just causes confusion for new reloaders. A taper crimp die is used to straighten out the flare applied to the case mouth to facilitate bullet seating, and neck tension should keep the bullet in place. "Case mouth reshaping die" is a better term "Reshape" the case mouth (crimp) enough to straighten out the flare to enable free chambering, but not too much that the case won't headspace on the case mouth. Hey, jes an old guy's opinion, but it works for me...

P.S.; a lot of guys measure the "crimped" case mouth and suggest .470" as a targer measurement.

 

[Lead Express]

As stated above, the term "crimp" for auto pistol cartridges is misleading. You should only be removing the flare from belling the case, just enough to seat a new bullet. Run your finger over the lip of the case, and if you see or feel the case mouth is still flared outwards, "crimp" a little more.

 

[Mal H]

An admin note - that image size is just right, no need for anything larger.

To me, both of your rounds look fine. And that makes me wonder if you're belling your cases at all before seating the bullet. If so, the crimp you have on the "non-crimped" round is just about right.

 

[moxie]

.470" is the correct crimp.

 

[Davey]

I can hand fit a bullet into an expanded mouth with no problem. The measurement of the case at the very edge where it meets the bullet ranges from .4695 to .470 on my semi cheapo digital caliper before running through the crimp die. There doesn't seem to be any change in diameter at all after running them through my Lee factory crimp die.

 

[Powderman]

The measurement does seem to be on the tight side, if you're measuring before you seat the bullet. The measurement is correct, though, if measuring after the bullet is seated.