I have a small problem. I have a S&W with .434 throats. I had a custom mold made for it, and a custom Star sizing die, but all my case crimping dies swage the blasted front driving band on my cast bullets down. All three dies have crimping shoulders smaller in diameter than the bullet, which is a solid .434. RCBS claims their Cowboy dies are a bit larger in some dimensions, but I can't find out if that includes the crimping die. Midway has crimping dies in stock, but they have never been a fountain of knowledge in cases like this.

"Can't find out"? Have you actually called RCBS and/or LEE to discuss the problem?

That will likely be tomorrows program. I've tried Hornady, RCBS, and Lee. I simply can't be the only one who's had this issue. Thanks!

HAVE YOU TRIED CRIMPING OVER THE FRONT SHOULDER?

That appears to be all that's left with my current equipment. I shoot a 255 gr bullet in an early S&W "Mountain Revolver" over 8 gr of 231, and I can lower that load safely if needed. If the gun weren't so purty, I'd just sell it and buy something that doesn't need to be spoon fed.

My bullet seating punch was tilting the bullet. The scuff on the front band was only on one half of the bullet. I didn't stop to think it out properly.

I tried a different bullet I have on hand, a Keith hollowbase from the 20s or 30s that also cast at .434. It works perfectly with all dies, doesn't tilt, and crimps perfectly. I guess I'll send it to Erick and have a flat base stem made. Hell, the original Keith is probably a better all around bullet anyway.