Are these rounds safe to shoot?

[Cheeseybacon]

I bought a 100-rounds of reloaded 9mm from a buddy of mine tonight. On first glance all of the rounds looked normal enough, but it wasn't until after I put them into a Case-Gard that I noticed about half the rounds were taller than the others.

Here's a picture to show you what I mean:


The two rounds on the left are the reloads and the round on the right is an example of Winchester White Box. 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.

If the Winchester round is a proper indicator, then the deeper seated bullets are of an incorrect length. My question is, just how far out of spec for 9mm are they? Are they close enough?

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?

[RandomTask]

I can't answer from a reloading standpoint, but I can tell you that UMC 9mm rounds are shorter than all the rest. I don't know If UMC's slug has a different geometry or if they seat them deeper.

[deafsmithco]

Don't buy or shoot reloads, you don't know what they are, get your money back.

[ScaredOnce]

Originally Posted by deafsmithco

Don't buy or shoot reloads if you don't know what they are, get your money back.

Return to sender

[mardo]

I won't shoot anyone's handloads but mine. Whatever you paid for them isn't worth a new gun or loosing bodyparts.

[Agent Ronin]

Originally Posted by mardo

I won't shoot anyone's handloads but mine. Whatever you paid for them isn't worth a new gun or loosing bodyparts.

Bingo! I dont trust any but my own, sure there are plenty of experienced reloaders out there but it only takes one error. Although my buddy shoots my reloads, but we live in the same townhouse

[IV_Warrior]

I wouldn't risk them.

A bullet seated too deep will reduce the internal capacity of the cartridge & thus raise pressures.

Source: http://carnival.saysuncle.com/001129.html (I'm sure you can find others, too, I just quickly searched)

[Warners Surplus]

In all honesty I would NOT shoot those loads! you have no idea what kind of powder or weight he was using and if he used a load that needs to be lose and then set the bullets way too deep which he obviously did. you could now be running a compressed load which WILL run the chamber pressure way up.

It is not worth the possable risk! Send them back or throw them away.


ETA: ok IV Warrior, you type faster than me!


Rich W.

[PA Rifleman]

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?

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

[sengie]

Tell him to check his bullet seater adjustment