deadeye74 5 Posted July 28, 2012 Just wanted to say I loaded my first 5 rounds of 38 special today, test fired, and success! Never thought I would feel so satisfied from firing my own ammo! Now I'm going to go ahead and run 100 more through the press. 3g of Bullseye, PMC brass, and federal primers with Speer 158gr LSWC bullets. I do have a question for you all regarding the crimp. How much "roll" do you put in? To me it looked like I went a little too far, but the rounds fired just fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeteF 1,044 Posted July 28, 2012 You don't need much of a crimp for light loads. If you can see it you went to far. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted July 28, 2012 What press? The Dillon only does taper crimps, which I prefer. It's the strong loads with slower powders that need a tight crimp. The bullet needs to be held in place for the pressure to build up. You will know you don't have enough crimp if you find unburnt powder flakes in your cylinder. Fast powders like Bullseye don't need that tight crimp. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deadeye74 5 Posted July 28, 2012 What press? The Dillon only does taper crimps, which I prefer. It's the strong loads with slower powders that need a tight crimp. The bullet needs to be held in place for the pressure to build up. You will know you don't have enough crimp if you find unburnt powder flakes in your cylinder.Fast powders like Bullseye don't need that tight crimp. Lee Classic Cast with Hornady titanium nitride dies. I'm gonna try backing the die off a hair when I run the next batch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob0115 1,107 Posted September 16, 2012 The feeling doesn't go away, it only gets more addicting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old School 611 Posted September 16, 2012 Congratulations !!! Shooter!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bully 749 Posted September 16, 2012 It's shockingly addicting. Maybe a little more so than shooting. For me at least. Very relaxing in a zen way to be downstairs for an hour blocking it all out. Good on you. Good luck and keep it safe. C Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob0115 1,107 Posted September 16, 2012 I know exactly what you mean. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njJoniGuy 2,133 Posted September 16, 2012 Congrats on your first safe rounds! Now, keep them ALL that way Typically, revolver rounds get a roll crimp (brass is rolled, towards under) Semi auto rounds get a taper crimp (edge of brass stays flat, towards merging with the projectile) The paperwork with the specific Lee seating die you're using should specify whether it's a roll or taper crimp. And don't overlook the use of the great Lee Factory Crimp dies as a separate step, using the seating die to only seat the bullet, not crimp it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deadeye74 5 Posted September 17, 2012 Thanks everyone. The .38 loads have been going very well. I just started using the CJN casting LSWC and RN bullets and have noticed a significant improvement with accuracy and very little leading. Definitely a happy camper. Next up is going to be .44 Mag. Got the supplies, just need to sit down and start loading! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NJKen 23 Posted September 18, 2012 Once you figure out that you can make better ammo than you can buy for cheaper than blazer ammo you will hit your peak of satisfaction with reloading! I dont do pistol reloading but in riffle I can make my own 308 XM118LR ammo that shoots more accurately and cleaner than the lake city ammo. Its a very rewarding hobby for me Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sig226GuyNJ 128 Posted September 18, 2012 So jealous. I just loaded up my first 10 rounds, but won't be able to get to the range until this weekend. Can't wait! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zoid 24 Posted September 18, 2012 Happiness of your first few rounds depends on how your first few rounds came out. Here were mine: Glad you got it right! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sig226GuyNJ 128 Posted September 18, 2012 Happiness of your first few rounds depends on how your first few rounds came out. Here were mine: Glad you got it right! LOL. I have to admit, I have around 5 "rounds" that look very similar! Maybe I'll post up pics tonight when I get home. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deadeye74 5 Posted September 22, 2012 Happiness of your first few rounds depends on how your first few rounds came out. Here were mine: Glad you got it right! It took 3-4 attempts to get it right. I actually seated and crimped the true first rounds in unprimed/empty cases. I wasn't counting them since they were "unloaded". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites