Pistol reloaders...

[SeaRun1]

Quick question for you experienced handgun reloaders.  I have just started to reload pistol cartridges after practicing awhile on rifle rounds.  The books differ on their advice regarding taper crimping.

I am reloading .40 S&W and soon 9MM.  Do I need to taper crimp or not?  The books vary from saying to put a fairly heavy crimp to little if at all of a crimp.  These cartridges will be going on semi-auto handguns.

I have loaded a few without a crimp but am concerned about the bullets seating depth changing in the cartridge while the rounds are in the magazine waiting to be fired.

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions in advance.

SeaRun1

[Mike450r]

I always put a mild crimp on pistol rounds

[Bird_Bagger]

If you havent found an answer yet pm this guy, M_59. 

[littlebuf]

i always crimp my semi auto pistol rounds, just set up the seating die for a light to medium crimp. ive found ill lose the brass before it will were out the neck do to crimping  

[yorketransport]

I would be more concerned with the bullet being pushed back in the case while it's being cycled into the chamber. Out of 3 guns I've had in 10mm (G20, G29, and DW Bobtail Commander) the Glocks would work fine with a mild taper crimp. The same load in the DW would set the bullet back considerably.

Load some up with varying crimps. Cycle the action, then eject the live round and measure it to see if there was any set back. If the OAL is less than before, put a little more crimp on your load until they come out the same as they went in.

This should help you loads be more consistant as well. Different seating depths mean different pressures.

Andrew

[actionshooter]

Only a mild taper crimp would be needed (if any at all) on a 9 or 40 auto pistol.

[woodswalker]

taper crimp time!!  those should have a slight taper crimp, just enough to keep the bullet in place while the pistol is cycling.  try a loaded round, after measuring the over all length, cycle it through and measure again...if its changing...more crimp...if not...should be OK

[mazama]

taper crimp for automatic,roll crimp for revolver.

[Huntbear]

taper crimp for automatic,roll crimp for revolver.

x2  with the bigger the caliber, the harder the crimp!!!!

[dbllunger]

Yes crimp and the appropriate crimp will match the die set.