357 COAL

[bluestringer]

So I got some brass and bullets to start reloading for my Henry 357. The brass is new starline. The bullets are 158gr. RNFP plated from Everglades Ammo. All my load books show the COAL for this load is 1.580. If I crimp in the cannalure mine come out at 1.51. So what is best, crimp in the cannalure for a shorter load or crimp where the COAL will be 1.58. Right now I'm using Accurate Solo 1000 powder.

[Mistered]

So what is best, crimp in the cannalure for a shorter load

YES - crimp IN the cannelure.

The 1.580 your books show is the MAX OAL for the round. Often your loaded rounds will be less depending on the bullet.

OAL length is subjective and can become an issue with longer, heavier bullets or lighter, shorter bullets if loading .38 Special and shot in a .357.

[JEBar]

agree on crimping in the cannelure ring .... I've never had an issue with bullets feeding through a firearm when doing so

[BigAl52]

Strange you would have one come up that short especially on a 158gr. I would also crimp in the ring. Most all of my 158 gr come out at about 1.575 or higher.

[Mistered]

I just looked at a pic of these particular bullets.

The cannelure is unusually farther forward on them (about 3/4 of the way) than say other bullets where the cannelure is right about at the halfway point on the bullet.

I would still just crimp in the cannelure.

The ONLY reason I can see for seating the bullet farther out would be if powder capacity in the case required it.