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March 28, 2019
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I’ve just started reloading for my 445 supermag in my Lee Loadmaster using new starline brass and 300gn Hornady JHP. I immediately got case buckling in the Lee 44mag/445supermag factory crimp die. I have the die adjusted about .34” higher than 44 mag and slowly adjusted the crimp screw but as soon as I start to get some crimp the case buckles. Even with that there’s still not enough crimp. Any help would be appreciated.
I have been reloading 357 mag/supermag, 44mag, 45 LC, 454casull, 500mag, 50beowulf, and 45/70 with no such problems. I have some ideas, but would like to get other opinions first. I always use collet crimp dies where available. There are none for the 445.
This picture shows my general setup. (pic of .357 magnum loads )
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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Are you seating and crimping in one step or a separate crimp step? Try backing the die body out of the press 1/4 turn or so... you want to crimp at the very end of the stroke...
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
March 28, 2019
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I seat the bullet separately from the Crimp. The crimp occurs only near the end of the stroke. I have tried different die positions (up/down). With each position I reset the crimp screw with the round engaged so it is snug then add 1/8 turn and cycle the round until I see signs of a crimp, but the case buckles after a few 1/8 turns.
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February 22, 2009
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Then my guess is that the issue is with the internal dimensions of the die. Is it a 44 magnum die or a 445?
I must not be familiar with the type of crimp die you are using- can't figure out what you mean by crimp screw... It's the die body to shell plate distance that provides the crimp on the dies I own. The screw (stem?) adjusts the seating depth of the bullet.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
March 28, 2019
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It is a lee carbide factory crimp die:
| Lee 44 SPL Pistol 4-Die Set. Includes Carbide Full Length Sizing Die, Bullet Seating Die, Powder Thru Expanding Die, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, Universal Shell Holder, Powder Dipper and Instructions/Load Data. Note: These dies can be used to reload 44 Magnum and 445 Super Mag. |
https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/lee-carbide-factory-crimp-die/
This is the set for 44sp/44mag/445supermag which I am using.
https://leeprecision.com/4-die-set-44spl-carb.html
I have ordered a Lyman 7153105 Taper Crimp Die for 445 Supermag in hopes that will solve my problem.
March 19, 2016
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I had a bulge issue when I reloaded ETG 445 brass. It bulged near the bottom. I switched to Starline brass and the problems went away. I do use a Redding taper crimp die. When I purchased my gun it included 4 dies. I used the taper crimp because some where I read it was the best crimp for hard recoil guns. The taper crimp would probably be the best crimp on plated bullets also. A heavy roll crimp can sometimes crack the plating which is not a good thing. The 4 die Lee sets I have basically crimp the very end of the bass to factory mouth diameter. Good for semiautomatic pistols. If you go with too light of crimp your bullets will pull out under the heavy recoil. I think the taper crimp die you ordered will fix your problems.
March 28, 2019
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You were right. The Lyman taper crimp die works great. No more buckling and I’m getting .002-.003” of crimp which should be good.
February 16, 2016
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J4L3PP said
I’m getting .002-.003” of crimp which should be good.
Time to do some testing. Measure the OAL of each round and note the chamber it is loaded into. Fire the first round and then re-measure the remaining cartridges for crimp jump. Repeat for each shot as you work you way around the cylinder. If you are going to see bullet jump, you should by the last round, once all other rounds have been fired.
March 19, 2016
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I use to shoot 300 gr bullets and the recoil was pretty stout. Never had a bullet pull out with the taper crimp. Let’s see some target pictures now.
March 28, 2019
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Here is a target from the range today. 445 Supermag both 240 and 300 gn JHP bullets at 25 yards and no scope. I was pleased with the results and there was no bullet jumping in the cases. I did not adjust the sights yet.
March 19, 2016
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Can I ask your powder of choice and charge weight? I am curious what primer you used also. I think you will be surprised with a little tweaking how your group is going to shrink. You are already looking good for your first time out. You just need a little muscle memory on the trigger squeeze. 4” groups will be there shortly.
March 28, 2019
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300gn JHP and 30.5gn of AA1680 1316’/s 1155ft-lb
240gn JHP and 29gn of lil’ gun 1596’/s1357ft-lb
240gn JHP and 28gn of IMR 4227 1619’/s 1396ft-lb
all with large pistol CCI primers. Velocities and kinetic energy were estimated from formulas on Ammoguide.com
March 19, 2016
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When I purchased my 445 it included an article from a shooting club paper. It suggested 1680 powder and out of 30 loads listed 1680 shot the tightest groups. But the big thing they pushed was the use of Federal 155 primers. It made a difference with my loads. I can not remember the primers I started with, but I do know I used a lot of CCI for my other guns. Hope this helps.
March 28, 2019
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Thanks, I think the next thing that would help is a chronograph.
March 19, 2016
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I have never used a chronograph. I usually just walk my loads up and usually find something on my way up. I have to say when I first started to reload I would settle when I shot a decent group. Now after years of reloading, I would say I tend to keep going up the ladder to see if things get better. I do not push the limit but I have noticed the little hotter loads seem to shoot better. Not always but as a whole. In my magnums I lean toward slower powders and heavier bullets. In the 445 240-250gr work well. I have shot 300gr but to kill paper 240 work well. I have shot 200 gr for hunting deer. No problem with the light bullet either, it just doesn’t group long shots as well. I never take shots over 50 yards with my handguns. Not that they wouldn’t hit or kill I just don’t.
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