Does a 30-30 contender bullet need to be crimped?

[bambi shooter]

I am purchasing a 30-30 barrel, and I reload, so I need to know if the bullet needs to be crimped, as it will not be subjected to the recoil problem of a rifle, or if the pressure build from the crimp helps the accuracy. Thanks.

[mbopp]

For single shot loading I don't crimp. The only thing I put a heavy crimp on is .44 Mag with 296 / 110 powder. With the TC you're not limited to flat point bullets the way you are with a tube feed rifle either.

[woodchukhntr]

A crimp is not needed for single-shot rifles since there are no remaining cartriges that would be affected by recoil.

[barber]

I load .44  mags for both Contender and Ruger. Does it make any difference in the Contender  that the bullets are heavily crimped? 

[mauser98us]

On  any magnum round with will slow burning powders,one needs a real good crimp to help all the powder ignite well and build consistant pressure. This aids accuracy.Handgund rounds that is.I have not noticed any difference in magnum rifle loads.

[Lager]

hard to believe that magnum pistol should be crimped because of slow burning powder, but Rifle powders( that are even slower) folks suggest a slight taper crimp ?
If you are doing your own loading, try different crimps. See what works best for you.
Right now, Im working on the same project. My best loads are being subjected to the standard Lee taper crimp dies,then I have some run thru their factory roll crimp die.
Soon as the weather breaks, Im hitting the range, maybe you should do the same?  This is the fun part of reloading,, trying different things.

[Grumulkin]

There are only 2 instances in which I've found a crimp to be of any benefit:

1.  To keep bullets firmly in place under heavy recoil in a gun with a cylinder, clip or magazine.

2.  With low pressure handgun loads.

There is no need to crimp a 30/30 Winchester round even if it's to be shot in a rifle with a tubular magazine and it doesn't matter if the powder is slow or fast; a crimp will be of no benefit.

[Lager]

Interesting thoughts,  but Im still trying it anyways.
Since Im pretty hard headed, Ive found the best lessons in life are the ones that either,cost me the most or are painful.

[Dezynco]

Does it need a crimp, no.  Is it worth experimenting with, yes.  I have found that a crimp can change point of impact, overall accuracy, etc.  Sometimes it's not worth worrying about, sometimes it can make a pretty good shooter into a great shooter.  Most of the time I just do it so the bullets won't fall out!

[Slowpoke Slim]

I don't bother to crimp my 30-30 Contender bullets. If you do try it, just bear in mind that adding a crimp can increase your chamber pressures, sometimes dramatically. If you're going to develop a load for a crimped bullet, make sure you start off on the low side and crimp as you move up in powder charges. Don't develop the load first, and then throw a crimp on, just to "see what happens..."

[Dezynco]

++Slowpoke Slim+++
I forget that some folks don't know little things like that!  Good advice!  Always start at the bottom and work your way up.

[Steve P]

It depends on your bullet, powder, and primer.  Most 30-30 loads were developed for lever action rifles so flat nose bullets and crimps were the norm.  A lot of manufacturers have come full circle and begun offering data for single shot pistols.  You have to read this information to see if they are using a crimp or not.  If you are working up a load for your gun, you have to choose to crimp or not to.  You shouldn't change your mind part way thru as it will effect accuracy and pressures.  FWIW, I crimp all of my 30-30 rounds, even for both contender barrels.  All of my 30-30s shoot sub moa too.  (Savage 340, two Model 94 Win, and two 30-30 contenders.)

Steve