Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheeseybacon
...I don't have a micrometer on me, but it's obvious just by looking at the picture that there is a fair bit of difference in terms of the depth that these bullets were seated....
Aside from maybe some feeding problems, and assuming he didn't double-charge them, are there any other negative consequences to shooting the rounds with the deeper-seated bullet?
Would you shoot them?
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Pedantic question: Did you mean
caliper? A micrometer would measure length, but a caliper would be much less expensive and equally accurate for this purpose.
It's impossible to say without numbers. If the overall length is within specifications and
no other safety issues, it should be fine. But, lacking this information, it isn't possible to say for certain. One
ad hoc test you can perform is determine whether the longest round will fit in your magazine. If so, the shorter rounds shouldn't be a problem as far as feeding. My reloading info lists the maximum overall length of a 9mmx19 round as 1.169 inches. See attached pdf file.
...which points back to having a caliper. If you're a beginner, consider a digital as they're the easiest to read. When I was a neophyte machinist, the vernier calipers ruled and dial calipers had just come out. They cost over $100 each, and the two choices were Starrett* or Brown & Sharpe.
Here we go...a digital caliper for $20....what are you waiting for? [8^)
Getting back to your original question, it sounds like some of his rounds are shorter than others but none are overlength. Is this correct? If so, the only concern would be the possibility of a compressed load with a bullet seated too deep. If you suspect this, hold a shorter round up to your ear while shaking it. Listen for the powder sifting around, which tells you it isn't compressed. Don't be surprised if you can't hear the powder shaking, as pistol rounds don't use a lot of powder. If they're only a few thousandths shorter, I'd fire them.
If you can't hear powder sifting inside, you'll need a bullet puller or a reloading friend that has one. Pull a bullet and save all the components. Place a loaded "short" round next to the round you pulled, and use the loose (pulled) bullet to estimate how deep they are seating. Compare this to how far up the powder fills the casing. There should be some extra room remaining. If not, the loads are compressed, and dangerous to fire.
If this seems like too much trouble for 100 rounds, you might want to consider having your reloading friend pull them apart and check them. If you paid money, you have a reasonable expectation of safety & quality. Irregular lengths suggest inattentive reloading or mixed bullet lengths. Either one would inspire me to ask questions.
This advice is worth exactly what you paid for it. The only way to tell for sure is pull it apart yourself and measure. This is why I make all my own reloads.
* Sophomoric humor moment: remember Starrett's address anyone? It was on every Starrett product. [X^D