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How deep is too deep? (Handloading)

eric.hofmann
Hello all,

I recently handloaded a bunch of 9MM and when I compared the overall length of my final product to the specs in a new book I just bought (Lyman's 48th Edition Reloading Handbook) I discovered that I seated the 124 grain bullets too deeply. The book says 1.169. I seated them to 1.105. Some over-the-counter cartridges I have measure 1.125.

My cartridges are charged with 6.5 grains of HS-6 and primed with a cci small pistol primer.

Can I shoot this stuff?

The book says "With any handgun cartridge, it is important not to seat bullets to a shorter length than specified in the data. This is especially important with 9mm loads. Pressures can be raissed dramatically with deep seating."

Your thoughts and opinions are greatly-appreciated.
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • nmyers
    I think that you will need to measure 1) the distance from the top of the powder to the rim, & 2) how much the bullet protrudes into the case, & 3) subtract. If < 0, don't fire those bullets you have loaded.

    The last time I looked, a plastic inertial bullet puller was $10. It lets you take a loaded round apart without destroying any of the components. You really need to get one.

    Neal
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  • Iconoclast
    Personally, I wouldn't fool around here. These deep seated bullets reduce the volume in the case which can affect burning rates and pressure. Depending on the profile of the particular bullet, it could also affect the tension holding the bullet in place in the casing so that the action of slamming the cartridge forward into the chamber could drive them even deeper. Like Neal said, the cost of an inertia hammer is peanuts . . . and I've yet to know someone who reloaded who didn't have a reason to use one at some point in their activities, if only to break down old ammo to salvage bullets.

    Eric, the manuals have specifications for good reasons. One may get away with going outside those limits, one may not. I admit I have done this a few times, but intentionally and for specific reasons. Those conditions are not present here. Breaking them down, your total loss is a little time; trying to use them in the absence of certitude it is safe? Priceless.

    "There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And liberals / demoRats" (me)
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  • gotstolefrom
    YEP !

    Pull em
    Dump em
    Destroy em
    jus don't shoot em

    You have not LOST a thing..... You have gained.
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  • jonk
    The question in this case is all about pressure. That is, does seating the bullets deeper increase pressure? Yes. Too much? I don't know. I don't have a load manual in front of me but I would suspect the deeper seating is fine if it is a starting load but if already a max load- or close to it- pull them.

    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf
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  • Laredo Lefty
    The fact that you seated the bullets 6/100th of an inch too deep would not usually be a big deal, but the 6.5 grains of HS-6 is close to max charge.

    I would not throw everything away. Just break it down, save the components and re-assemble to the correct overall length.

    "Never let school interfere with your education"
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  • heavyiron
    Hi Eric,

    I read your post and from your description the bullets sound like they are seated too deeply.

    Perhaps the cartridges could be fired without harm to you or your gun, but that would be a bad way of testing.

    The most prudent thing to do is as previously advised, pull the bullets and reuse the components.

    It is best to make a template dummy cartridge to adjust your seating and/or crimping dies to ensure the OAL per the manual.

    Regards,

    HI
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