OK to shoot? - The Firearms Forum

dsv424 · 10-10-2009, 02:23 PM

I had to pull these and reload them. As you can see the collet on the Bullet Puller kinda bit into the bullet. The bullets are 230 grain Berry Plated and I'll only be using them for target shooting. Would there be any problem shooting them?[IMG]

[/IMG]

olehippy · 10-10-2009, 03:01 PM

The damage seems to be above where the bullet contacts the barrel, making this assumption they look like they might be safe to shoot. IF this is the only damage to the bullet, it might effect the ballistics as the trajectory travels downrange.

But. . ., considering the value of those two loads (how much you have invested there, 20 or maybe 30 cents, okay say a buck even!) verses the cost of repairing/replacing your weapon or your face and eyes if there are more hidden problems with those loads, is it worth it?

To me they look like perfect candidates for my bullet puller! Just one old fart’s thoughts, but one that has never had an incident with ammo I have handloaded.

Miles

Lotsdragon · 10-10-2009, 03:16 PM

Personally I wouldnt use them, the damage is above where riflings will contact but there is just too much too lose if something goes wrong cause you cant throw a bullet away.

gdmoody · 10-10-2009, 03:29 PM

I wouldn't hesitate to shoot them, if I threw away every bullet that didn't look right, I wouldn't have many to shoot.

Alpo · 10-10-2009, 03:37 PM

What are y'all expecting to happen?

If they were jacketed bullets, then, MAYBE, the jacket could come apart and the lead core and the bullet nose could go downrange, leaving the rest of the jacket in the barrel, making an obstruction for the next bullet, ending in KB. MAYBE.

But they are not jacketed. They are plated. Being afraid to shoot these would be like being afraid to shoot cast bullets that had a wrinkle in them. They might not shoot the most accurately, but I see no danger.

LDBennett · 10-10-2009, 03:43 PM

I agree... shoot them up. Based on the pictures I'd say they are fine.

LDBennett

woolleyworm · 10-10-2009, 03:59 PM

Send'em to me, I'll shoot'em !!

ampaterry · 10-10-2009, 04:03 PM

The auto-rim indicates these might be fired in a semi-auto.
If so, those groves could contact the feed ramp, and MIGHT cause some jams on feed -

But dangerous?
Not in my estimation.

Plinkers, fine -
Not much use for target work, though, as their trajectory is not going to be normal -

olehippy · 10-10-2009, 04:16 PM

I’m sorry, but I have to politely but strongly disagree with Alpo, I find his reasoning totally off base.

I just never liked ‘maybe’, especially when gambling a few cents against my, my wife’s or one of my sons’ eyesight or their wonderful faces (well, granted, a gun exploding in my face might improve my ugly mug!).

“They might not shoot the most accurately, but. . .”. When I go ‘target’ shooting, its to improve my accuracy with the weapon I’m firing, not to hear the gun go boom and watch the dustbunny go poof when it hits the dirt. I presume that is what DVS and any serious shooter is striving for accuracy when target shooting – if we go shooting beer cans off fenceposts I expect to be able to rely or my handloads to hit them accurately!.Why on earth would one want to load a round that ‘might’ knowingly be inaccurate is beyond me.

I believe in zero errors, AKA safety. If a load just looks at me wrong it goes to the bullet puller.

Miles

woolleyworm · 10-10-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olehippy

I’m sorry, but I have to politely but strongly disagree with Alpo, I find his reasoning totally off base.

I just never liked ‘maybe’, especially when gambling a few cents against my, my wife’s or one of my sons’ eyesight or their wonderful faces (well, granted, a gun exploding in my face might improve my ugly mug!).

“They might not shoot the most accurately, but. . .”. When I go ‘target’ shooting, its to improve my accuracy with the weapon I’m firing, not to hear the gun go boom and watch the dustbunny go poof when it hits the dirt. I presume that is what DVS and any serious shooter is striving for accuracy when target shooting – if we go shooting beer cans off fenceposts I expect to be able to rely or my handloads to hit them accurately!.Why on earth would one want to load a round that ‘might’ knowingly be inaccurate is beyond me.

I believe in zero errors, AKA safety. If a load just looks at me wrong it goes to the bullet puller.

Miles

I do see your point Miles and I see no loss in pulling and tossing either, even though I would shoot them. In reference to Alpos post, he was refering his "maybes" twoards Jacketed bullets only, not the ones in question. Maybe a litte misunderstanding there on where he was coming from.

I think was Alpo "didn't say" and was inferring was that IF they were jacketed, then you'd have to consider those maybes and probably better safe than sorry.

dsv424 · 10-10-2009, 05:04 PM

The gun I'm shooting them with is a Springer Loaded. It is sensitive to chambering when there is not a smooth transition between the bullet and case mouth. But thats the only problem I have ever had reloading for this gun. I tend to agree since it is above the ogive it should chamber and shoot fine but I wanted to be sure if I wasn't missing something. Thx for all the advise.

Bindernut · 10-10-2009, 05:13 PM

I agree with Alpo, LD, etc. Go ahead & shoot em up. You might have a few feeding snags if those gouges hit the feed ramp just right but if they're all about like the two examples posted then I doubt it.

Alpo · 10-10-2009, 05:23 PM

His question was, "are these dangerous to use". Not "will they shoot inaccurately". The "maybes" were speaking of a jacketed bullet. MAYBE a jacketed bullet that looked like that might be dangerous to fire. MAYBE.

But they are not jacketed. They are plated. They are not going to come apart in the gun. They are not going to separate and leave the jacket in the barrel. There is, as far as I can see, absolutely NO DANGER in shooting these bullets.

Which, as I said, was the question he asked.

38 special · 10-10-2009, 08:14 PM

I dont see any problem . at worst maybe they arent QUITE as accurate as could be

JLA · 10-10-2009, 09:39 PM

I honestly dont think youd notice a difference in accuracy either. I have shot some pretty 'ugly' projectiles with good results accuracy wise. Id recommend getting a kinetic hammer for pulling bullets, you dont get as many boogered bullets with them as you do with a collet puller. Your loads will be ok to shoot, and I really doubt theyd have chambering issues even in your picky springfield unless the ridge caught the bbl/frame gap juuuuust right...

Gearheadpyro · 10-11-2009, 03:17 PM

I'd shoot them. I use plated bullets in my .4o (raniers) and they are not always the prettiest. They still shoot fine though, granted I'm not the greatest with a pistol but I can keep them all in about 6" at 25 yards.

bntyhntr6975 · 10-11-2009, 04:45 PM

I would not hesitate to use them, but only after I mic'd them to make sure they are still acceptable in size and are still round. I bet they are, but I'd check anyway. Like has been said, they are plated. So, treat them the same as lead. I've shot some really ugly lead bullets and I'm sure I'm not alone.

Popgunner · 10-11-2009, 07:42 PM

The only worry I would have is if for some reason your pistol didn't go to full battery because the bullet behind the ogive was somehow bumped up in diameter. I bet your bullets aren't though. Now they're "plinker" loads.

Archie · 10-12-2009, 04:50 PM

In my younger days, I dug fired FMJ .45 bullets out of the dirt range and culled them for extreme damage. I loaded and fired those same bullets using standard 230 FMJ loading data out of a generic GI surplus .45 Awfulmatic.

Accuracy was suitable for handgun ranges and I never had a problem with either weapon function or over pressure mishap.

Those bullets? Not a problem in my estimation.

Oh. Pulling bullets with an inertial bullet puller? Put an earplug in the bottom of the puller and the tips won't be harmed.

JLA · 10-12-2009, 05:20 PM

great idea archie

GMFWoodchuck · 10-13-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie

In my younger days, I dug fired FMJ .45 bullets out of the dirt range and culled them for extreme damage. I loaded and fired those same bullets using standard 230 FMJ loading data out of a generic GI surplus .45 Awfulmatic.

Accuracy was suitable for handgun ranges and I never had a problem with either weapon function or over pressure mishap.

Those bullets? Not a problem in my estimation.

Oh. Pulling bullets with an inertial bullet puller? Put an earplug in the bottom of the puller and the tips won't be harmed.

Wow...I always wondered if someone ever did that....I guess it works..Reshooting bullets that is...

10-10-2009, 02:23 PM	#1
dsv424 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Garland, Tx. Posts: 279	OK to shoot? I had to pull these and reload them. As you can see the collet on the Bullet Puller kinda bit into the bullet. The bullets are 230 grain Berry Plated and I'll only be using them for target shooting. Would there be any problem shooting them?[IMG][/IMG] -->

10-10-2009, 03:01 PM	#2
olehippy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: S Tx near San Antonio Posts: 102	Re: OK to shoot? The damage seems to be above where the bullet contacts the barrel, making this assumption they look like they might be safe to shoot. IF this is the only damage to the bullet, it might effect the ballistics as the trajectory travels downrange. But. . ., considering the value of those two loads (how much you have invested there, 20 or maybe 30 cents, okay say a buck even!) verses the cost of repairing/replacing your weapon or your face and eyes if there are more hidden problems with those loads, is it worth it? To me they look like perfect candidates for my bullet puller! Just one old fart’s thoughts, but one that has never had an incident with ammo I have handloaded. Miles __________________ I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it! ! !

10-10-2009, 03:16 PM	#3
Lotsdragon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Potosi, Mo Posts: 813	Re: OK to shoot? Personally I wouldnt use them, the damage is above where riflings will contact but there is just too much too lose if something goes wrong cause you cant throw a bullet away. __________________ "First comes smiles,then lies.Last is gunfire" Roland Deschain

10-10-2009, 03:29 PM	#4
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,407	Re: OK to shoot? I wouldn't hesitate to shoot them, if I threw away every bullet that didn't look right, I wouldn't have many to shoot. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

10-10-2009, 03:37 PM	#5
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: OK to shoot? What are y'all expecting to happen? If they were jacketed bullets, then, MAYBE, the jacket could come apart and the lead core and the bullet nose could go downrange, leaving the rest of the jacket in the barrel, making an obstruction for the next bullet, ending in KB. MAYBE. But they are not jacketed. They are plated. Being afraid to shoot these would be like being afraid to shoot cast bullets that had a wrinkle in them. They might not shoot the most accurately, but I see no danger. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

10-10-2009, 03:43 PM	#6
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: OK to shoot? I agree... shoot them up. Based on the pictures I'd say they are fine. LDBennett

10-10-2009, 03:59 PM	#7
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,888	Re: OK to shoot? Send'em to me, I'll shoot'em !! __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

10-10-2009, 04:03 PM	#8
ampaterry TFF Admin Staff Chaplain Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: West Tennessee Contributor Posts: 6,378	Re: OK to shoot? The auto-rim indicates these might be fired in a semi-auto. If so, those groves could contact the feed ramp, and MIGHT cause some jams on feed - But dangerous? Not in my estimation. Plinkers, fine - Not much use for target work, though, as their trajectory is not going to be normal - __________________ Reason given by one of Obama's more intellectual supporters when asked why she voted for him: *"He gave me a PHONE!!"*

10-10-2009, 04:16 PM	#9
olehippy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: S Tx near San Antonio Posts: 102	Re: OK to shoot? I’m sorry, but I have to politely but strongly disagree with Alpo, I find his reasoning totally off base. I just never liked ‘maybe’, especially when gambling a few cents against my, my wife’s or one of my sons’ eyesight or their wonderful faces (well, granted, a gun exploding in my face might improve my ugly mug!). “They might not shoot the most accurately, but. . .”. When I go ‘target’ shooting, its to improve my accuracy with the weapon I’m firing, not to hear the gun go boom and watch the dustbunny go poof when it hits the dirt. I presume that is what DVS and any serious shooter is striving for accuracy when target shooting – if we go shooting beer cans off fenceposts I expect to be able to rely or my handloads to hit them accurately!.Why on earth would one want to load a round that ‘might’ knowingly be inaccurate is beyond me. I believe in zero errors, AKA safety. If a load just looks at me wrong it goes to the bullet puller. Miles __________________ I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it! ! !

10-10-2009, 05:04 PM	#11
dsv424 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Garland, Tx. Posts: 279	Re: OK to shoot? The gun I'm shooting them with is a Springer Loaded. It is sensitive to chambering when there is not a smooth transition between the bullet and case mouth. But thats the only problem I have ever had reloading for this gun. I tend to agree since it is above the ogive it should chamber and shoot fine but I wanted to be sure if I wasn't missing something. Thx for all the advise.

10-10-2009, 05:13 PM	#12
Bindernut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ND, USA Posts: 2,489	Re: OK to shoot? I agree with Alpo, LD, etc. Go ahead & shoot em up. You might have a few feeding snags if those gouges hit the feed ramp just right but if they're all about like the two examples posted then I doubt it.

10-10-2009, 05:23 PM	#13
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: OK to shoot? His question was, "are these dangerous to use". Not "will they shoot inaccurately". The "maybes" were speaking of a jacketed bullet. MAYBE a jacketed bullet that looked like that might be dangerous to fire. MAYBE. But they are not jacketed. They are plated. They are not going to come apart in the gun. They are not going to separate and leave the jacket in the barrel. There is, as far as I can see, absolutely NO DANGER in shooting these bullets. Which, as I said, was the question he asked. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

10-10-2009, 08:14 PM	#14
38 special Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 548	Re: OK to shoot? I dont see any problem . at worst maybe they arent QUITE as accurate as could be

10-10-2009, 09:39 PM	#15
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,407	Re: OK to shoot? I honestly dont think youd notice a difference in accuracy either. I have shot some pretty 'ugly' projectiles with good results accuracy wise. Id recommend getting a kinetic hammer for pulling bullets, you dont get as many boogered bullets with them as you do with a collet puller. Your loads will be ok to shoot, and I really doubt theyd have chambering issues even in your picky springfield unless the ridge caught the bbl/frame gap juuuuust right... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

10-11-2009, 03:17 PM	#16
Gearheadpyro V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 110	Re: OK to shoot? I'd shoot them. I use plated bullets in my .4o (raniers) and they are not always the prettiest. They still shoot fine though, granted I'm not the greatest with a pistol but I can keep them all in about 6" at 25 yards. __________________ www.southernmarksman.com Owner of & Chief Instructor for The Southern Marksman, LLC NRA Life Member, NRA CRSO, Multi-Discipline NRA Certified Instructor

10-11-2009, 04:45 PM	#17
bntyhntr6975 V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Wichita, Ks. Posts: 296	Re: OK to shoot? I would not hesitate to use them, but only after I mic'd them to make sure they are still acceptable in size and are still round. I bet they are, but I'd check anyway. Like has been said, they are plated. So, treat them the same as lead. I've shot some really ugly lead bullets and I'm sure I'm not alone.

10-11-2009, 07:42 PM	#18
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: OK to shoot? The only worry I would have is if for some reason your pistol didn't go to full battery because the bullet behind the ogive was somehow bumped up in diameter. I bet your bullets aren't though. Now they're "plinker" loads.

10-12-2009, 04:50 PM	#19
Archie V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hastings, Nebraska; the Heartland! Posts: 295	Re: OK to shoot? In my younger days, I dug fired FMJ .45 bullets out of the dirt range and culled them for extreme damage. I loaded and fired those same bullets using standard 230 FMJ loading data out of a generic GI surplus .45 Awfulmatic. Accuracy was suitable for handgun ranges and I never had a problem with either weapon function or over pressure mishap. Those bullets? Not a problem in my estimation. Oh. Pulling bullets with an inertial bullet puller? Put an earplug in the bottom of the puller and the tips won't be harmed. __________________ Be at Peace; go forth, spread enlightenment and joy to all. Wear clean underwear and take a gun. http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/ for my thoughts...

10-12-2009, 05:20 PM	#20
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,407	Re: OK to shoot? great idea archie __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!