Bullet for 45LC and crimping

[wiiawiwb]

I'm confused about crimping a bullet for 45LC.

I have a Ruger SRH and it was my understanding that for revolver rounds, if a jacketed or plated bullet is used to reload it should have a cannelure or if a lead bullet is used it should have a crimp groove. Both would get a roll crimp when reloading.

I've read postings on various reloading forums and some people mentioned they will use a plated or jacketed bullet without a cannelure and then simply taper crimp it.

Is it acceptable to taper crimp a non-cannelured or non-crimp-grooved bullet for a 45LC?

 

[buck460XVR]

Roll crimping for a revolver does two things. It helps along with the neck tension to keep the bullet from jumping the case under recoil from stout loads. It also holds the bullet a nanosecond longer when the powder is ignited to aid hard to ignite slow burning powders to burn properly. If you are shooting a reduced load that has little recoil using a faster burning powder that ignites easily, a taper crimp will work fine with bullets with no cannelure....as long as you have sufficnet neck tension.

 

[BigBore45]

well buck460xvr is spot on with that answer.

 

[gwpercle]

If you are reloading for a 45 Colt it is best to avoid the smooth sided plated bullets for now. There are ways to use them, but it will take some trial and error with crimps, why make things hard for yourself. Cast bullets are ideal and have crimp grooves just made for the roll crimp. Or you can use jacketed bullets designed for 45 Colt, they will have a cannelure for the roll crimp . 45 Colt dies are designed to roll crimp, unless you buy a special taper crimp die, or know how to adjust for a light roll/sorta taper crimp , you are just adding to the difficulty of assembling good ammo.
Some people try using 45 acp bullets in 45Colt, it can be done, if you know how, otherwise it could cause problems. Using the correct bullet just makes life easier.
Gary

 

[TimSr]

If there was ever a round made for shooting lead cast bullets, its the 45LC. I agree with gwprcle. Make it easy on yourself, AND less expensive!

 

[Trent]

I load 45 colt with 185gr golden saber - or whatever random stuff I happen to have on hand for my 45 ACP - and really haven't concerned myself at all with minor details like crimping.

But then again, I'm shooting them out of an old Armi Jager SAA clone so they're powderpuff loads.