How much FCD crimp?

[hikingman]

For .357 cases and (1) 140 gr. HP and (2) 158 wc, how much crimp would you apply for each with the Lee FCD. There's a whole turn of the die to play with or more between light and heavy crimp. Recommendations?

 

[jdmick]

A revolver round like the .357 always needs some crimp. How much depends what how fast or slow a powder you're using. A relatively fast burning powder like Bullseye won't take near as much crimp as a load of slow burning and much more powerful H110.

 

[rwilson452]

There is no real answer to your question other than what has already been stated. but as you said you have a whole turn to play with. so play with it. I would suggest using 1/4 turn steps.

 

[Unclenick]

I will add that the heavier you crimp, the faster it fatigues case mouths and lets them start splitting. So, it behooves you to find the least crimp that performs satisfactorily for you. In revolvers, watch for recoil backing the bullets out of unfired chambers and jamming the cylinder. That's too light a crimp for the level of recoil the round generates. If you have a chronometer, watch for velocity extreme spread increasing when the crimp is too light.