RealGun
Member
I did my first .357 magnum last evening and found that to get a good alignment with the cannelure of 125 gr XTP HP and using an average case trim length of 1.280 (didn't case trim) I was getting a COL of 1.690 instead of the book's 1.590. After crimping, the cannelure is barely detectable under magnification, so I believe the bullet is fully inserted to its intended alignment with the case mouth.
Am I okay here? I appreciate that the pressure may be low, but they dropped easily enough in my cylinder and compared pretty directly with purchased ammo COL.
On another note, I sorted out nickel plated cases that were way shorter than the 1.280 case trim length of brass. These apparently are the 1.240 trim length cases mentioned for use with 140 gr FTX bullets. So I'm just sayin' to watch out for those nickel plated jobbies. Might want to set those aside.
Am I okay here? I appreciate that the pressure may be low, but they dropped easily enough in my cylinder and compared pretty directly with purchased ammo COL.
On another note, I sorted out nickel plated cases that were way shorter than the 1.280 case trim length of brass. These apparently are the 1.240 trim length cases mentioned for use with 140 gr FTX bullets. So I'm just sayin' to watch out for those nickel plated jobbies. Might want to set those aside.