roll crimp or taper for .38 158gr SWC(Distinguished Loads)

Whats the consensus here? I've been using a taper crimp just because thats the die I have. Is a roll crimp better?

Roll crimp is the standard for .38 spl.

If it works then either.  The key is does it give you the results you want?  Taper crimp is easier to experiment with.

james r chapman wrote:Roll crimp is the standard for .38 spl.

Full wadcutter too? I've had good results taper crimping 148gr Zero indoors. My 50 yard results are not great for ANY .38. Everything is good at 25 yards. At 50 yards.....not so much

If there is a crimp groove on the bullet, roll crimp.

No crimp grove, taper crimp.

For light target load, both are ok.  Heavy recoil loads in 357 mag, may   benefit from a good roll crimp. Less chance of the bullets jumping crimp. 

Both of these bullets get a roll crimp in 38 or 357 mag. 

I set the roll crimp by first setting the OAL. Then back the seat stem off/out.
Then the crimp is set/applied by turing the die down by hand, you can feel it crimp.


When you feel the brass contact the bottom of the crimp groove its set. Just adjust the  seating stem.

Trim length of the brass is very important when roll  crimping. Not so much when taper crimping.   

Zero lists diameter at .357"  

This may not match your barrels groove diameter?  Zero Bullets link

I made the mistake not too long ago of loading 148 gr hbwc without enough roll crimp. I could barely hold black at 25 yds. I adjusted\tightened crimp and was back in the x-ring. 
Jon

I USE A REDDING PROFILE CRIMP DIE FOE 38 CAL SWAGED BULLETS. ITS A TAPER CRIMP WITH A VERY SLIGHT ROLL. VERY ACCURATE AT 50 YDS. JP

I have an RCBS roll crimp die coming. Thanks everyone.

Always been in the camp/thinking that roll crimp for "rollvolvers" and taper for everything else.
Never an issue.

Clarence