.003 under COL a problem?

[coondogger]

Using Hogdon's data, a 38 spl load with a 125 gr jacketed XTP bullet should have a minimum COL of 1.455. But using an FP/XTP, it leaves too much cannelure exposed. Crimping at the forward end of the cannelure yields a length of 1.452. Well. Anyone have any experience with this bullet? Think I can come in .003 under the the COL and still have an acceptable pressure? This is the sort of stuff that drives me nuts since I tend to overthink things.

 

[Texas10mm]

.003 on a .38 special isn't going to cause any pressure issues.

 

[beag_nut]

Yes, you are overthinking. What you suggested is one of my fav's. COL on a .38 spl. is pretty much irrelevant. The pressures are very low, assuming you are using a revolver made during the last 50 years.

 

[rfwobbly]

Not a problem.

 

[coondogger]

Thanks guys. I whumped up five for testing. Used Universal at a starting load. The pressure is 12,600 copper units. I'll report back.

 

[Walkalong]

No problem at all, but forget what the data OAL is, crimp the case mouth into the center of the cannelure and call it good, because that is the correct OAL for that bullet.

A 180 Gr XTP in .44, but you get the idea.

 

[GRIZ22]

I've been reloading 38 special for 45 years. See the above responses.

 

[jmorris]

It wouldn’t be uncommon to have variances in 50 rounds by .003 with some components.

 

[coondogger]

Thanks.

 

[Rule3]

Hornady data 8th edition is actually 1.450 for that bullet 125 FP XTP

 

[mdi]

I started reloading, 38 Special in '69 and have always seated the bullet to the crimp groove/cannalure and disregarded book OAL. Same for all my revolvers (.357., .44 Sp/Mag). I figger the bullet designers/manufacturere (and mold manufacturers) determined the placement of the crimp groove/cannalure considering how much bullet is in the case and resulting pressures...

 

[bbqreloader]

I have always used a .005 variance for all my rounds without an issue. I tend to load on the lower end of charges also as most of my rounds are just plinkers and paper punchers.

 

[coondogger]

I have always used a .005 variance for all my rounds without an issue. I tend to load on the lower end of charges also as most of my rounds are just plinkers and paper punchers.

.005 under the minimum COL?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The OAL in your manual is NOT the minimum, it only reports what the OAL is in their load. I can't remember the last time I even checked the OAL of a .38 Special round because (read post #6 from Walkalong)

 

[nettlle]

I just wonder what the COAL tolerance is for modern progressive presses. I have never seen one in print.

 

[Walkalong]

A .005 spread isn't unusual, but with seater plugs that fit the bullet nose great you can do better.

 

[1KPerDay]

Plus if you trim your brass to min vs. max that can vary OAL by .010", regardless of whether you're crimping to cannelure.

 

[nettlle]

....trimming brass has nothing to do with COAL. Much less crimping.

 

[murf]

....trimming brass has nothing to do with COAL. Much less crimping.

trimming brass has everything to do with a consistent crimp.

murf

 

[1KPerDay]

....trimming brass has nothing to do with COAL. Much less crimping.

It doesn't, huh...

 

[jmorris]

....trimming brass has nothing to do with COAL. Much less crimping.

To steal a photo already posted in this thread.

Let’s say you trimmed the right case .025, .050 or any different than the one on the left, how would that not effect the crimp between the two?

 

[FROGO207]

^^^ The correct way to crimp that round would be to the center of the cannalure and if the brass was a different length the OAL would be different due to the different brass length.
Where things get dicey is if you are loading a max load and THEN shorten the OAL below minimum length.

 

[Rule3]

Trimming brass only changes OAL if you are seating a bullet to a cannelure or a crimp groove and want it to end up in exactly the same spot.

 

[jmorris]

Trimming brass only changes OAL if you are seating a bullet to a cannelure or a crimp groove and want it to end up in exactly the same spot.

I can’t disagree with that but different case lengths will most certainly have different amounts of crimp unless you are adjusting the crimp die up and down for the various case lengths.

 

[1KPerDay]

Trimming brass only changes OAL if you are seating a bullet to a cannelure or a crimp groove and want it to end up in exactly the same spot.

Which is kinda what this thread is about. Loading for a revolver, crimping to the cannelure, worried about OAL. Shorter trim length=shorter OAL. I'm not addressing you. I'm addressing mister case trimming has nothing to do with OAL or crimping up there.