Reloading for an AR

[wickll]

This might be a dumb question, but couldn't really find the answer . I have reloaded for bolt rifles for years and never had the need to crimp the bullet after it is seated. But I am hoping to do a little reloading for my AR in both 300 BO and .223.

Is it generally considered a "must" to crimp the bullet when reloading for a semi -auto, or is it generally a good idea. I will be reloading primarily for accuracy and for special sub sonic loads once I get my can.

I have some 30 caliber Hornady Interlocks which have a cannelure. But if you simply crimp in the cannelure, aren't you really limited in seating depth, which prevents seating according to your lands??

Thanks for suggestions.

[Buckwheat]

In an AR your seating depth is limited by magazine. You can let it out a bit but not as much as a bolt gun.

As far as crimping goes. I don't crimp any of my 223 ammo. Because I shot them out of both AR and bolt gun. I personally have not had any trouble with bullets backing out or pushing in either.
Tuned in to see what others have to say. I might learn something new today.


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[TacticalCowboy]

I crimp all my ammo. I don't think it is absolutely necessary in an AR, but my ammo is made from range brass, tossed in an ammo can,and loaded and unloaded from mags constantly.

[wickll]

Thanks for the replies. I will probably try not crimping at first. I do not run many rounds and have mags that I simply put the shells in and they stay until fired. I might crimp the blackout since the Hornadys have the cannelure. But I have also bought some Makers bullets to load subsonic. These will probably not be crimped.

[Zen Archery]

I've yet to crimp a round in my LR-308 6.5 CM.
No issues to date.

[UltraMax]

I don't crimp for my Grendel, and my cousin who reloads .223 doesn't ever crimp for those. I wouldn't worry about it.

[JakeGraves]

I don't crimp

[NMStickFlinger3]

I have never crimped any of my .223 and never have had a problem.

[wickll]

Thanks for all the replies

[Ryan81]

Never crimped in my AR15.


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[Flint knapper]

The only thing I do when reloading for my AR is to use small base Dies! This insures that they will not cause any malfunctions with regards to the action when shooting!

[lbbf]

Never crimp for my 223 or Grendel. Never had a problem with bullets in either one.

[H-D]

I put a slight crimp on all my AR rounds. I don't want the bullet moving at all within the casing especially in a SHTF situation and my AR's are the first weapons I'd grab in such a situation.
If you put a little rearward pressure on them against a hard surface to test them and the bullet sinks into the case then you need a crimp in my opinion.

[M16]

If the bullet has a cannelure I crimp. If I'm shooting full auto the bullet will have a cannelure and will be crimped. I do believe it's a good idea.

[lsoutdoorstx]

All good information to know.