Crimp might help a little, but it is really only needed for full-power (magnum) loads. I do crimp my target loads, with a light crimp, but really to ensure feeding through my Marlin underlever -- no requirement to do so to ensure accuracy. Try it, with another 5 rounds of otherwise identical ammo, and see if it makes a difference.Originally Posted by steve R
Looking at your target picture which is now up on the site, I'm pretty confident that your problem lies with the powder. The black marks on the card, showing the rifling marks, are a very good indicator of low velocities, as is the tumbling. But given the amount of powder you are putting into the cases, it is very strange that your velocity should be so low. I've seen such behaviour before with low loads of slow pistol powders normally intended for full magnum loads; they deliver terrible accuracy, and often signs of tumbling too. But from what I can see, D032 is not such a powder.
Before buying a tub of N320, is there anyone in your club you can scrounge some fast pistol powder from? Given that a tub of powder is close to £50, you might want to be cautious about ending up with two tubs of powder rather than one, in the unlikely event the gun is at fault. Then again, N320 is a very useful powder, so you can always sell it on, and from what I can see, your D032 is quite likely to be the issue.
One other thought -- are you sure your powder scale (or other measurement device) is accurate? A reference weight is a 5p coin, which weighs 3.25grams, or 50.05 grains -- the best check weight is in your pocket...pick a new one!
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