Making cannelures

[Tim67]

Anybody know where to get a die for making cannelures in .30 caliber bullets?

 

[Ritten]

I'm just curious as to why you'd want to make a cannelure in a bullet without it? Why not just reduce your neck tension with a neck sizing die and you don't have to worry about deforming your bullet or separating a jacket.

 

[Akajun]

When the LEE Factory Crimp die came along it kind of negated the need for a cannalure for a heavy crimp. However I have used one, but was happy to get rid of it.

You can get them from ch4d or corbins. They are basically the same tool, but the ch4d is cheaper. Ch is what I had.

 

[Tim67]

Thanks for the info. I want to make cannelures on bullets to be loaded for my M1s. For some loads, I'll be using Nosler Ballistic Tips and for others, GI style FMJs. The Hornady 150gr. FMJs have their cannelures too far forward to seat the bullets (crimped) to the same OAL as the original M2 cartridge. Apparently, the 7.62 NATO bullets are seated deeper than .30/06.

Is crimping with the Lee die as effective as having a cannelure and not harmful to accuracy?

 

[dzelenka]

You really don't need a crimp for your M1 ammo.

 

[Akajun]

Honestly, you dont need to crimp those at all, many service rifle shooters do not crimp. If giving it a light crimp with the roll crimp on the seating die is not enough for your taste, then get the Lee FCD. I have never found it harmfull in accuracy (I use it on all my 200 and 300yd loads and routinley shoot cleans with those loads) and in one gun I have it helped accuracy by shrinking groups in half. I do Like the FCD on my semi auto's as it also sizes the round some so its extra insurance that it will chamber and function in case I short stroked the case during sizing. I found the trick with it is not to turn it in the full one turn as it says in the directions, I just turn it in a 1/4 to a 1/2 turn , just enough to turn in the case neck mouth. I have pulled bullets after using it and found no damage but do find small drag marks, but I dont crimp the hell out of them either.

The cannalure tool is slow and a pain in the butt to use, the FCD is only $10 and works great.

 

[Tim67]

Thanks; sounds like the FCD is the way to go.