Cannelure Tool and 230s

[TacoTaco]

All,

I'm noticing that folks running 230 FMJs are putting a really, really heavy Legendre crimp on your brass to build up pressure. This would (presumably) take its toll on the life of the brass, and since .450 brass isn't exactly growing on trees, this situation is less that desirable. Which got me thinking....

Would creating a cannelure on the FMJ using a cannelure tool (such as that made by CH4D) allow for a lighter crimp but still give you enough grip on the bullet to build up sufficient pressure?

TacoTaco

[kottke_35]

That's a good question, one that requires more know how than I have.

B.

[Al in Mi]

I'm thinking it would have to help some.

[Hoot]

Sounds like a perfect opportunity for you to run an A/B experiment and write up your findings Taco. We may wind up being able to also improve the performance of the 250 FTX since it does not have a cannelure either. Then there's the bullets that have cannelures, but not where we want them to be located for our caliber. All kinds of potential benefit to the community. Do you have a chronograph?

Hoot

[TacoTaco]

Yup, I've got a Chrony. I think I'll order up a Cannelure tool and give it a shot. It would be nice if the short term cost of the tool would outweigh the long term cost of replacing brass. The biggest downside that I see is the added step of canneluring each bullet. But, it could be worse I suppose. I'll keep everyone posted as I receive data....

[gunnut]

This sounds REALLY GOOD! I'm using the 230 FMJs for the 450LM work up. no crimp yet. The 450LM brass is not easy to come by.
Good timing! Go for it!

[LlindeX]

Putting a cannelure on the 230gr FMJ's sounds like it definitely is worth a try! I've never used one of those tools to make the cannelures, and it may be alot of work to put a cannelure onto the bullets with one of them. I'll be watching your results to see if you think it's worth the extra money it costs as well as the extra effort required to get it done.

Good idea, let us know what you find out.

LlindeX

[Al in Mi]

Yup, I've got a Chrony. I think I'll order up a Cannelure tool and give it a shot. It would be nice if the short term cost of the tool would outweigh the long term cost of replacing brass. The biggest downside that I see is the added step of canneluring each bullet. But, it could be worse I suppose. I'll keep everyone posted as I receive data....

Bug me Monday if I don't find it this morning, I have a older CH tool someplace I can send you for testing.

[TacoTaco]

Thanks Al, but I just placed an order for the CH4D Tool today. Should have it by next week. Once I get a data set I'll post it up.

Taco

[wildcatter]

I've used the CH tool allot, over the years. The trick is to put on a very slight groove and increasing the depth in very small amounts. Do not try to put it on all at once, the groove will walk and spiral around the bullet, like a Barbers, Candy Cane sign..

..t