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crimping heeled bullets

dsmc1
hope someone out there will have some info on reloading ammo with outside lubed, or heeled, bullets. you can't use a typical crimping die, since the lead bullet diameter is the same as, or larger than the brass case. it seems you would need a tool like a pair of pliers.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=202584872

this is a link to an auction showing ammo with the crimping on the outside lubed cartridges. I've searched on GB and EBay for the appropriate tool without luck. I May have to MAKE a tool from, or like, a pair of pliers

Appreciate any photos or thoughts.
thanks,
Dave
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • Hawk Carse
    I'm sure the factory had a machine.

    I have READ OF, not tried, crimping under a heeled bullet with modified pliers or wire stripping tool.

    The Lee (collet type) Factory Crimp Die would do it.
    They do some special order work, it would be worth a call.
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  • perry shooter
    Interesting topic I hope someone will give useful information. On of the few rounds still made in this design most likely is in numbers produced is the most popular round of all times. The 22 Long Rifle rim-fire. Because of this design many older guns that used the heeded bullet design don't live up to their potential because new ammo has smaller diameter bullet loaded like most conventional ammo inside the case and straight walled.
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  • Mobuck
    I've seen a tool for crimping cable sleeves that crimped a full outside diameter. One of those might be machined to the right dimensions to hold the bullet snug while crimping the case.
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    Lee makes a special 'crimping' die. basicly a collet type. the case movement dosen't cause the crimp the collet does. what cal. are you looking for?
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  • dsmc1
    Thanks for all the replies.
    I am looking for TWO calibers: 38 colt, which uses a 375 diameter outside lube/heeled bullet for use in a .36 cal cap and ball conversion, and a 44 colt, using a .454 diameter heeled bullet in a 44 S&W shell for use in the colt 44 conversions.

    I will look into the Lee collet type crimping tools.
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  • Gatofeo
    I reload for .32 Long Colt, with heeled bullets from a Lyman mould.
    I bought a cheap wire-stripping tool at a hock shop, found a hole slightly smaller than what I needed, and increased its diameter with a rat-tail file.
    Works fine.
    Seat the bullet to where the case stops against the step-up from the heel. Then, lightly crimp the case with the tool.

    Years ago I found the factory lubricant recipe for heeled bullets in a 1943 magazine:
    10 pounds tallow
    10 pounds paraffin
    5 pounds beeswax

    I reduced the ratios and improved the lubricant by using very specific ingredients:

    1 part mutton tallow
    1 part canning paraffin (for its purity. Who knows what lurks in old candles, especially the scented variety?)
    1/2 part beeswax (the real stuff. Beware of petroleum-based substutes)
    All parts are by weight, not volume. Substitution of ingredients will result in an inferior product.

    This improved recipe, which I began posting about 2000, was eventually named for me: Gatofeo No. 1 Lubricant.
    It's marvelous for all black powder applications: felt wads, bullets, patches, shotgun wads, etc.
    It's a slightly moist lubricant that keeps black powder fouling from drying and caking.
    It's also good for smokeless powder lead bullet loads that do not exceed about 1,200 fps.
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