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Question? Do you crimp Lead bullets when you load them? I am getting ready to load some 40 Cal, 155 grain, RNL I will probably use HS-6 or HS-7, haven't looked at the book yet. Any suggestions?

If they are going to be used in an autoloader, a light crimp will prevent them from getting set back from recoil.... as the pistol recoils, the front of the magazine will sometimes contact the bullet, setting it back a little with each shot. The cartridge that starts at the bottom of the mag takes the most hits, and sets back the most.

Not much of a crimp is required.... just a whisker more than taking out the case flare.

I agree with wwb. Also, remember that the .40 S&W headspaces on the case mouth. I have found that my taper crimps come out best when I think of it as "restraightening" rather than crimping. Once you restore the bell of the mouth to being in-line with the case's overall shape (it should look factory), you should have enough neck tension to hold your bullets in place. In my experience, if I can see a visible, shiny crimp in this situation, it is probably too tight.

Thank you both I think I am getting a better idea on crimping now.