[BlueTurf]

Please forgive me if this is a tired old question, but I recently bought my first .44 mag and have started making loads for it.

I am using H110 powder, Hornady 240-grain XTP bullet, Starline brass and Winchester WLP primers. I am referencing the Hornady manual and have them loaded in the 1300 fps range.

I have the RCBS carbide three-die set. I carefully followed the instructions for all phases of the loading process. I made sure the brass was trimmed to a uniform length and produced a crimp that appears to be pretty good. It looks like the crimp on some factory ammo I have. The loads shot great with no apparent problems. The cartridges in the cylinder appeared to hold their bullet seating depth as I fired the gun.

Will my RCBS seater/crimping die be sufficient or would it be a good idea to get a factory crimping die for this stage of the loading process? Any information is appreciated.

[fmj]

I am sure there are others that can/will be better equipped (knowledgable) to handle this.....but....I use my Lee crimp die for my .44 mags and it seems to do a fine job.

[BlueTurf]

Thanks for the info fmj. I have heard nothing but good about the Lee factory crimp die.

[spittinfire]

I use a Lee crimp die for my 44 mag loads as well. Give it a nice crimp but don't go crazy, H110 likes a firm crimp.

[rjd3282]

A good roll crimp is required for 44 mag.

[robocop10mm]

In the .44 there are two reasons for a good firm crimp.
Recoil can cause the bullets in the "other five" charging holes in the cylinder to pull out of the cases. They can work their way forward enough to protrude from the front of the cylinder enough to lock up the gun.

Powders like H-110 and W-296 are difficult to get started. They work best with magnum primers (the WLP is a magnum primer). A good firm crimp will let the powder get started well before the bullet starts out of the case. A fraction of a millisecond it a long time in guns.

[axxe55]

i crimp mine for the reasons robo stated. different powders can have different burn rates. i use Alliant Power Pistol powder in my 44 magnum reloads. i use the Lee dies and ordered a crimp die seperately. so far i have had good results with this.

[BlueTurf]

I am thinking it might be a good idea to get one of the Lee crimp dies.

[axxe55]

Originally Posted by BlueTurf

I am thinking it might be a good idea to get one of the Lee crimp dies.

i got mine from Midway on sale for about $9.00, regular price is a little over $10. works great!

[Lindenwood]

I always just rolled-crimped my cases and never had any issues .