TSX

[SSG Retired]

Reloading barnes 223 TSX bullets, do you crimp( taper, roll or lfc) in the lube groove ie use it as a cannalure or just just above or below? OR do you use neck tension and hope for the best?Thanks in advance.

[dkf]

Personal preference really. I bell the case mouth a little for easier bullet starting and to help make sure the bullet goes in straight. Then remove the flare and add a little crimp with a .223 Lee FCD. It is crimped at the COAL I want. Some guys don't flare at all and just seat the bullet and skip the crimp.

If you look at some of the factory TSX ammo some is crimped rather hard others little to none.

[animalmother85]

They aren't really lube grooves or crimp grooves, they are more along the lines of relief grooves so the copper has a place to go when it's squeezed into the rifling. Neck tension should be fine (.001" smaller than the neck when the round is in the case).

If you want to crimp, the Lee factory crimp die (as dkf stated) works well, but is kind of ugly if you ask me.