Need some new ideals for crimping heel-based bullets

[Black River Smith]

Called Lee and they will not make a factory crimp die for the Starline 41 brass.  Twenty years ago someone suggested a modified Buchanan Pressure tool for 44colt but I did not know what they were.  I found them on ebay but do not know what model or style would be appropriate.

I need to create or find a tool that will crimp a heel-based 41 bullet.  I have seen almost all the posts here and on the web but I am not a machinist able to re-create most of the great looking cylindrical cavity tools.

What diameter crimp hole would be necessary for a 0.386 bullet and case inside neck diameter?

This is just for smokeless powder bullets because the indoor range does not allow BP.

Any ideal or creative discussion would be appreciated.

[Pettifogger]

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=41633.0

[pony express]

I have one of Bernie's modified crimp dies in .38 Colt, and they work slick! You'll have to call or E-mail him, since you can't order anything directly from his website.

[Black River Smith]

I saw this as a last option.  I was hoping someone has come up with a novel way of creating a good solid crimp using a general tool.  I saw people modify a cheap electrical crimping pliers but they do not list the diameter hole they ended with.

Anyone with other ideals.  Ideals that do not require precision tools or lathes.

[Blair]

The .386 dia. is the diameter of the "heel' on the base of the bullet.
What is the "wall" thickness at the mouth of your cartridges?
What is the outside diameter of a fired cartridge case mouth you are shooting?
What is the bore diameter of the arm you are shooting.
This is all specialty information YOU must have and be able to pass on to any "Tool Maker".

The .41 (I assume Colt) is not a common round used today.
The modified electrical crimping plier/tool is actually a very good idea, and very similar to what was used in the period.
My best,
Blair

[Pettifogger]

I saw this as a last option.  I was hoping someone has come up with a novel way of creating a good solid crimp using a general tool.  I saw people modify a cheap electrical crimping pliers but they do not list the diameter hole they ended with.

Anyone with other ideals.  Ideals that do not require precision tools or lathes.

The hole size isn't hard to figure out.  Simply measure your case diameter and then subtract 10 to 15 thousands.  (.010 to .015)  The problem is that you have to have the tools to bore a hole that size.

If there were a good "novel" way of doing it cheaply and efficiently this group would have thought of it.  You are trying to do something the factories gave up on decades ago (except for .22) and no commercial maker of reloading equipment makes anymore.  One thing I have found after wasting lots of time and money on special projects is that you are money (and time) ahead to buy an existing product than to try and build a new one.

[ndnchf]

Bernie's custom made collet crimp die should be your first option, not you last. They are simple, inexpensive and work great. I had him make one for. 32 Long Colt aa couple years ago after trying a couple other ideas. Nothing worked as well as this.

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