Bullet length differences
I've been reloading for an M1 Carbine and a Ruger Blackhawk both in the same caliber. Using 110 gr Round Nose. I picked up some bulk boxes of bullets from an estate sale. One box is RN plated and the other is FMJ RN. Both were originally bought back in the late 70's.
When I reload I check the C.O.A.L. every ten rounds just to be sure nothing moved. I reloaded the plated rounds and never had to adjust the seating die. When I reloaded the FMJ's I kept having to adjust the seating die. Figured this ain't right. so I checked the length of each bullet and found a wide range of lengths. They varied from .643 to .688. Is this an example of poor manufacturing practices "back in the day" or is it something that should always be checked? These differences effected the overall length of the completed cartridge. I made the assumption that the seat does not push on the tip of the bullet but rather further down. What is the best way to solve this? Sort each to length and set seater accordingly? How far off overall length plus or minus can it be?
Thanks in advance.
When I reload I check the C.O.A.L. every ten rounds just to be sure nothing moved. I reloaded the plated rounds and never had to adjust the seating die. When I reloaded the FMJ's I kept having to adjust the seating die. Figured this ain't right. so I checked the length of each bullet and found a wide range of lengths. They varied from .643 to .688. Is this an example of poor manufacturing practices "back in the day" or is it something that should always be checked? These differences effected the overall length of the completed cartridge. I made the assumption that the seat does not push on the tip of the bullet but rather further down. What is the best way to solve this? Sort each to length and set seater accordingly? How far off overall length plus or minus can it be?
Thanks in advance.
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have you weighed them? If the length is off how about weights? 0 -
Yeah, watch the weight. If they all weigh 110 grains, I would not care about the length, set OAL so they will all fit in magazine or cylinder. 0 -
Even match bullets vary in length. 0 -
I can't speak as to the consistency of bullets manufactured "back in the day", but even TODAY, there is SOME variation in the length of bullets of the same weight.
As for the FMJs, I have to say, .040" difference in length seems SIGNIFICANT...I have to question whether these bullets are all 110 gr.....0 -
They sound like seconds to me. Perhaps runs with different nose punches to test production. Weight could be spot on, but a different ogive(s) would make the length vary. Sort and shoot. I think I'd be looking a cast bullet. Perhaps Lyman 311359 if you feel the need for a gas check or the slightly heavier plain base 311410. 0 -
I weighed 10 of the FMJ ones and found the weights ranged from a low of 108.9 to a high of 110.3. Majority just over 110. Plated ones ranged from 110.3 to 110.7. Just looking at the FMJ you can tell a difference in the shape of some. So... short to length or sort to weight? Thanks for your input(s). 0 -
I wouldn't worry about the weight. I'd load them so they all feed with out messing with the die adjustment. 0 -
This is one of my reloading presses that I dug out of storage.
The one that i used to use was similar to this one but with more grease fittings and other gauges on it. It was sold.
Take note of the long stem on the dial indicator that goes through the sizing die in the final stage of taper crimping and seating the bullet.
I was never a fussy reloader but when it came to reloading match ammo for surgically removing the X out the ring i changed to this press.
I only did this for long range shooting like for example 50 yards slow fire with the 45 auto.
Every cartridge was held to (+ -) .0001 length
All the other's (+ -) .010 if I remember right, were used for shorter distance.0 -
Considering the cartridge and the rifle, I wouldn't be concerned as long as the finished ammo fed through the magazine and didn't contact the rifling when chambered. 0 -
If you bought bulk pulls then some are probably pointier than others.
If you built an OAL gauge that measured the rounds right where your seating punch contacts the bullet I bet they'd be all the same.
I would simply segregate by OAL because the different types of bullets may group differently. There's probably a whole lot more differences than just the profile of the nose. I bet they wouldn't be that uniform even if you did get the noses to all have exactly the same OAL. If it was my lot of bulk bullets, I'd try to get the BASES uniform.0
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