Because I am an idjit I tried everything to crimp my .44 Colt loads... except buying the collet-crimp die from Old West Bullet Molds. As a consequence I was never able to load satisfactory ammunition and properly enjoy my Pietta 1858 Cartridge Conversion. I finally caved and ordered the die, and a surprisingly few days later it arrived.
Naturally I clutched to my breast with glad cries and headed for the reloading bench, where to my surprise and delight... it didn't work. OK, a little adjustment and now... still doesn't work. I looked it over, then carefully removed a calculated amount of metal... from the wrong place. Now it
really didn't work. Note to self- make sure you understand how a tool works before you modify it. Did I mention that I am an idjit?
I looked htings over again, figured out where I had gone wrong, then did a couple minutes of careful lathe-work and tried it out. Success! It now produced a strong crimp... and revealed that my brass was still slightly long. What the hell, it works, right? I'll trim 'em just a bit when I reload them.
That being sorted I cranked out fifty rounds, and trundled off to the range this afternoon to try it out. Worked, and I could finally enjoy this gun properly. Shoots pretty good, too!
I'm pleased as punch- not only do I get to enjoy this gun, but I have one, maybe two other .44 Colt projects waiting in the wings...