Taper Crimp?

Sieger · 05-08-2009, 02:45 PM

PhilOhio:

Part of the reloading process is the fun we derive from reloading, as I'm sure you will agree that making that last little adjustment that brings a group down that extra bit is the essence of the effort itself.

Friction fit has always worked just fine for me. My typical targets are one inch or less at 25 yards (hand held over a sand bag) with my Lugers. The trick with a good friction fit is the diameter of the expander die used. Too tight and it shaves, too loose and it slips.

I differ from you on your approach to lead bullets, however. When loading lead, I typically let a "micro" bell at the case mouth, so as not to shave the soft lead off while the bullet is moving out of the case. This technique I discovered while loading black powder cartridges. Care must be taken in making the proper adjustment of the case mouth so as not to hang it up while feeding, however, into the bottleneck 9mm chamber of the Luger.

For me, reloading has been a great part of the enjoyment of shooting over the last 31 years.

Respectfully

Sieger

PhilOhio · 05-08-2009, 09:25 PM

Sieger,

I pretty much agree with what you say. I also try to do what you refer to as "micro belling"; I would prefer not to bell at all, so I do the minimum necessary to let ram pressure seat the bullet without shaving lead.

It's all about fun, and I really enjoy reloading. I've spent the whole week working up loads for my newly acquired 1937 S/42 Luger, and finally have it licked; reliable functioning; and with much less powder than expected.

But just this evening I learned something new about taper crimping (or maybe not having to taper crimp, I hope). While ordering some Lee parts, I learned that they claim their new generation of pistol dies are made to such tolerances THAT NO TAPER CRIMPING IS REQUIRED on cartridges such as 9mm Para, etc. They say the powder die puts on a minimum bell, and the seating die is made so it removes even this...and, I guess ends up with a very tight bullet fit, having the effect of a taper crimp.

I've been using other non-Lee dies for 9mm, such as RCBS or Lyman. For those, I still feel it is prudent to taper crimp.

BUT...

I also have a Lee carbide set in 9mm. So maybe that one is the way to go; eliminate case lubing and taper crimping, and test the result for awhile, to see how it works out. Easier is always better, if the result is acceptable.

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05-08-2009, 02:45 PM	#1
Sieger User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,579 Thanks: 2,154 Thanked 402 Times in 251 Posts	PhilOhio: Part of the reloading process is the fun we derive from reloading, as I'm sure you will agree that making that last little adjustment that brings a group down that extra bit is the essence of the effort itself. Friction fit has always worked just fine for me. My typical targets are one inch or less at 25 yards (hand held over a sand bag) with my Lugers. The trick with a good friction fit is the diameter of the expander die used. Too tight and it shaves, too loose and it slips. I differ from you on your approach to lead bullets, however. When loading lead, I typically let a "micro" bell at the case mouth, so as not to shave the soft lead off while the bullet is moving out of the case. This technique I discovered while loading black powder cartridges. Care must be taken in making the proper adjustment of the case mouth so as not to hang it up while feeding, however, into the bottleneck 9mm chamber of the Luger. For me, reloading has been a great part of the enjoyment of shooting over the last 31 years. Respectfully Sieger

05-08-2009, 09:25 PM	#2
PhilOhio User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 145 Thanks: 5 Thanked 17 Times in 14 Posts	Sieger, I pretty much agree with what you say. I also try to do what you refer to as "micro belling"; I would prefer not to bell at all, so I do the minimum necessary to let ram pressure seat the bullet without shaving lead. It's all about fun, and I really enjoy reloading. I've spent the whole week working up loads for my newly acquired 1937 S/42 Luger, and finally have it licked; reliable functioning; and with much less powder than expected. But just this evening I learned something new about taper crimping (or maybe not having to taper crimp, I hope). While ordering some Lee parts, I learned that they claim their new generation of pistol dies are made to such tolerances THAT NO TAPER CRIMPING IS REQUIRED on cartridges such as 9mm Para, etc. They say the powder die puts on a minimum bell, and the seating die is made so it removes even this...and, I guess ends up with a very tight bullet fit, having the effect of a taper crimp. I've been using other non-Lee dies for 9mm, such as RCBS or Lyman. For those, I still feel it is prudent to taper crimp. BUT... I also have a Lee carbide set in 9mm. So maybe that one is the way to go; eliminate case lubing and taper crimping, and test the result for awhile, to see how it works out. Easier is always better, if the result is acceptable.