crimping 223 do you

Alec

Alec

New member
Ive got a new R-15 VTR carbine comming. I'll be loading 60gr v-max as other members are haveing great success with this bullet. Are others crimping or not for 223 loads used in an AR . Alec
 
When I was developing my loads, I tried crimped and un-crimped. No real difference across the chrony or in the groups. I've never had a feed issue with my AR, so I can't really say if crimps help with that or not.
 
Originally Posted By: WishboneNever crimped a round for the AR and haven't had a problem. Not necessary IMO and experience.
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I crimp cannelure or not. Lee Factory Crimp Die, I dont max it out (crimp force) but there is a visable crimp on the brass.The first reloads I ever made I shot 5 no crimp then put a crimp on 5 and seen an improvement.I think the crimp die cost $12.00 so wether or not you decide to crimp your not out a fortune.
 
Never saw a need to crimp any mag fed centerfire rifle ammunition. Never had any problems. If your rifle groups better with crimped ammo, you've probably got other issues working against you!
F1
 
Most factory loaded ammunition is crimped. However, this is a function of the Camdex and plate press type machinery used in loading high volume ammunition. The vast majority of these systems bell even rifle necks before the bullet is seated. There will be one or even two stations afterwards, designed to restore the neck and crimp.
John
 
I should add, I do not crimp or recommend that any one crimp the .223/5.56 cartridge. If you are having neck tension problems, it is because something larger is wrong.
John
 
I've loaded thousands of rounds for M1, M1A/M14 and not so many for the AR's in recent years. Never crimped a round and never had a bullet slip in SA rifles. Tubular magazines and big bore (heavy recoil)rifles are a different story.

As pcammo said, if you have slippage, your neck tension is not sufficient.

Regards,
hm
 
Thanks for the responses All. Although I have never owned an auto load rifle before,except a 10-22, and thus disqualify myself as an expert an the crimping subject I have loaded for bolt actions for almost 40 years now. And do have an opinion as thus : the recoil on a 223, especially a gas operated auto, is way less then the other rifles I load for. I have never crimped on an rifle reloading before. The amount of contact the cases neck has is a lot, a 60 grain bullet with an OCL that dictates full contact the entire case neck length is a very firm grip. bullets heavier then the 60 grains might dislodge easier in the magazine with heavy recoil. It doesn't sound like AR reloaders like to seat bullets .0010 off the lands like bench rest guys, I guess its because of action cycling issue. Full length sizing and not neck only eliminates the possibility of the neck be sized only part way down, and should eliminate jam problems that might ruin bullet alignment or OCL. The idea that crimping could improve group size, in my opinion, doesn't hold water, but certainly could happen for some. I think I'm going to order a set of RCBS 223 competition dies for this gun with the intention of not crimping. thanks again Alec Nemon
 
If I am reloading plinking ammo whare I am just blasting off in an AR, I usually put a light crimp on the bullets with a Lee Factory crimp die. Even though the recoil of the .223 is negligible, the cycling of the AR action can be a bit rough on a cartridge. So a crimp gives me peace of mind.

If I am loading for real accuracy where few shots are being made, I dont crimp.
 
Originally Posted By: AlecThanks for the responses All. Although I have never owned an auto load rifle before,except a 10-22, and thus disqualify myself as an expert an the crimping subject I have loaded for bolt actions for almost 40 years now. And do have an opinion as thus : the recoil on a 223, especially a gas operated auto, is way less then the other rifles I load for. I have never crimped on an rifle reloading before. The amount of contact the cases neck has is a lot, a 60 grain bullet with an OCL that dictates full contact the entire case neck length is a very firm grip. bullets heavier then the 60 grains might dislodge easier in the magazine with heavy recoil. It doesn't sound like AR reloaders like to seat bullets .0010 off the lands like bench rest guys, I guess its because of action cycling issue. Full length sizing and not neck only eliminates the possibility of the neck be sized only part way down, and should eliminate jam problems that might ruin bullet alignment or OCL. The idea that crimping could improve group size, in my opinion, doesn't hold water, but certainly could happen for some. I think I'm going to order a set of RCBS 223 competition dies for this gun with the intention of not crimping. thanks again Alec Nemon Not loading .010" off the lands is more of a what COL will fit in the magazine.The idea of crimping improving group size, as claimed by Lee Die is a more uniform starting pressure.I have used a(hammer type)puller to pull an uncrimped bullet and I can agree crimping is probably not necessary.
 
Bench rest shooters never crimp and they, of course, are shooting for the tightest groups. The idea being that a case neck that is champford,pordon my spelling, or reamed on the inside, and out side edge. This takes away any burrs, and gives an even release prventing the bullet from canting to one side on release. As far as presure gos I would think that once the powder starts the crimp will be immaterial. Alec
 
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