No. The reason that you taper crimp is to remove the remaining flare from the belling step so that the cartridge will feed correctly and headspace properly (this is more theory though because most auto pistol cartridges actually are headspaced by the extractor). You can actually reload an auto pistol cartridge without having to bell and taper crimp if you choose a bullet that has a rebated base. Since the purpose of the belling step is to flare the case mouth just enough to allow the bullet to get started seating, this doesn't have to be done if the bullet has a rebated base. Below is a picture of a Zero 147gr JHP bullet with a rebated base.
I see. Thanks!
I fired my first reloaded ammo today.
First I made sure my chrono was working correctly with 5 rounds of CCI .32 acp Blazer (low-po even for .32) from my Beretta 81FS. (about 850 fps)
Then I ran 5 rounds of factory Ultramax Cowboy .44 Russian 200 gr.
750, 788, 775, 762, 782.
H: 788
L:750
Avg: 771
ES:38
Then I ran my reloads. 1st shot: 1300 fps!
But if felt like the Ultramax and I've fired .44 mag before and this wasn't it. The casing came out easily so, bad read.
2nd shot: 1700 fps. Really? 10 test rounds it works fine but NOW it wants to mess up?
Anyway, the other 8 rounds measured fine.
739, 727, 775, 740, 739, 746, 755, 733.
H:755
L:727
Avg: 744
ES: 28
Not bad!
The Ultramax is quite accurate from this gun but I didn't have any more reloads to test accuracy and point of impact. Judging from the target way down range it seemed on par with the Ultramax.
So, I'll definatly load up more with this 4.0 grs, but shouldn't I load up a couple other batches with more or less powder to compare POI and precision?
How much powder should I add or take away? 5%? 10%? 15%? 20%?
I'd load up a few more for testing, perhaps 15-20 of each powder charge.
It was nice to finally fire ammo I'd put together after buying so much gear and learning and learning.
Thanks for the help!
doubletap
Not bad at all! Those extreme spread numbers are enviable: You're doing it right.
How far were you from the chrono? IME, if you're too close (within 10-15'), then the chrono will "see" the muzzle blast and produce absurd readings.
Assuming the other readings are correct, then it looks like you've approximately matched the factory ammo.
If it were me, I would just keep loading 4.0gr, or perhaps step down to 3.5gr and see what happens...
Also, if you can, shoot 10 or more over the chrono: That'll balance out oddball readings and give you more accurate average and (probably) a lower SD.
Most definitely move the charges around some and see what is most accurate in that particular gun. Would be absolutely normal for you to notice a difference and does not always take much of a change in powder throws / weights to see the difference in accuracy...
Last pistol I worked up a load for it was plain as day how the groups got smaller and smaller as the charge increased from 4 to 5 grains of powder.
Awesome to hear you making progress and getting to fire off your OWN loads sir!
Thanks! Being patient with the Lee beam scale paid off.
I'd say the muzzle was within 15 feet of the chronograph. I'll go further back next time.
I haven't inspected the gun yet for leading but, I fired 45 more rounds of the Ultramax after my ammo so I'll have to clean it and check that next time.
It's such a fun gun to shoot I cant put it down without firing at least a box. 😄
Still waiting on small primers for my .32 Long and primers and bullets for my .25 acp.
Once I get those going my first attempt at rifle will be .308 win.
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