[HOLLiS]

What effects accuracy most is uniformity. Case length is more critical when a person crimps. Having uniform case length will keep the crimp the same. A shorter case may not crimp at all and a longer case may have a crimp that is much tighter or deform the neck of the case.

Uniformity in primer and primer vent holes also affect accuracy.

I have never worried about primer seating depth, except in bench shooting. (still never had a problem) A assortment of cases will cause accuracy to vary. Sort of the luck of draw. If your hunting short distance or plinking, doesn't matter.

For extreme accuracy (bench), everything is kept in batch. Everything is done exactly the same as humanly possible for each case, bullet, load, primer etc.

Main purpose of crimping is to keep the bullet in place on rounds in the magazine during recoil. For single shot rifles regardless of recoil it is not a issue. if the bullet does not have a cannalure for crimping, do not crimp. .223 is not noted for recoil. Crimping does increase chamber pressures. Primer used also effects chamber pressure.

Pretty much it is the same as with a bolt gun.


Chronographing loads is a good way to check chamber pressure. It is often a neglected reloading tools. If your building loads for a firearm, I would say it is a must. Also inspecting the cases after firing and noticing other tale tale signs of excessive pressures.