Author Topic: Bullet Length? (Read 704 times)

GrampaMike · « **on:** March 23, 2004, 11:29:58 AM »

Does any bullet maker list their bullet lengths? I have found some give SD, BC and Dia, but no Length. Thanks for any Info. Mike

New Hampshire · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2004, 11:45:21 AM »

No because even with premium bullets you tend to get some variances in the bullets length from tip to base. BUT the measurement from the base to the point of the bullet where the bearing surface starts tends to be pretty consistant, that is why they make bullet comparators which measure off the bearing surface rather than tip. Bulk pack bullets will have, sometimes VERY, noticeable length differences.
Brian M.

GrampaMike · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2004, 11:55:25 AM »

I see... thanks Brian

Any brands more consistant/better than others?...

Iowegan · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2004, 06:34:55 PM »

It's not so much the brand as it is the bullet style. Hollow points are the most inconsistent, followed by lead tip. The best ones are solid points in a quality bullet. The bulk pack bullets, as Brian stated, vary the most. I've always thought the bulk bullets were ones that couldn't make the quality cut for premium bullets. Not only do they vary in length, but also vary in weight.

The reason is simple. Bullet manufacturers "tumble" the bullets to shine them up before packaging. This process causes the soft or fragile noses to deform slightly.

You can make a simple "tool" that will give precise measurements. Just size one of your cases and slip the case mouth over the bullet nose until it stops. Measure from the case mouth to the base. You can also measure loaded cartridges uniformity by measuring from case mouth on the tool to the case mouth on the loaded cartridge. Note: the tool's case mouth will stop at the ogive, which is the most consistent point on the bullet nose.

GrampaMike · « **Reply #4 on:** March 24, 2004, 04:35:49 AM »

Thanks Iowegan. Very logical and clear info. I should have found this forum long ago. Mike

Iowegan · « **Reply #5 on:** March 24, 2004, 06:18:55 PM »

You're very welcome. You may want to check out this web site. I make the chamber tools but more importantly, look at the Long Range Shooting Tips located under the tool graphics. You'll need MS Word to be able to view them. http://www.cactustactical.com/reloading/reloading.html Lot of info on bullets, scopes, etc.

GrampaMike · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2004, 05:41:22 AM »

Thanks again Iowegan. I went to the web site, GREAT Info. Yes I have Word. I printed off all five Tips documents. Started a "Shooting Notebook" with them. Is the listed Digital Caliper a good quality tool? I need one. Mike

Iowegan · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2004, 03:18:15 PM »

Mike, It's not my website nor my business. I just make tools for them. I bought one of their digital calipers and it seems to track just like my old dial caliper. It does have one feature I really like, you can switch from inches to millimeters. On my old one, I always had to do math. I think they are on sale this month.

GrampaMike · « **Reply #8 on:** March 26, 2004, 03:01:00 AM »

Hello Iowegan. Understand that it is not your web site. The "TIPS" documents do not have a "by line", are they yours? Thanks, I will buy the Calipers today. Mike.

Iowegan · « **Reply #9 on:** March 27, 2004, 12:40:13 PM »

Yes, the Long Range tips are mine. I wrote them some time ago and added a few references to the chamber tool products. Did you have any questions or comments on them? I am a little biased at times so there might be some controversy.

I worked as a lab tech for DOJ and later owned a gunsmith shop for about 30 years. As such, I got hooked on long range shooting. With some firearms lab experience, lots of "hands on" shooting experience and a strong desire for accuracy, I picked the brains of every bench rest and long range shooter I could find. Reloading became a requirement to get the performance I wanted. I've collected a lot of data over the years and lots of it is based on personal experience and preferences. That's where I get into conflict. Seems others have their preferences too, and they aren't always the same as mine.

GrampaMike · « **Reply #10 on:** March 27, 2004, 05:51:18 PM »

Iowegan. Just read the "Rifle Chamber Tips". First; I just found out how little I know about a subject that really fascinates me. Second; explains why some rifles are "shooters" and some will never be, at least shooting factory ammo.

Also, how can any serious shooter not use a "Case Neck Length Gauge" and "Bullet Depth Gauge"? I am assuming the better long range shooters must use them or have their rifles measured by a pro. Does anyone sell these gauges in 38-55 or 45-70? Are there any brand of Die sets that are better at fine adjustments than the normal?

I hope I have not started too late in life to enter this hobby. Just a target shooter, factory stock single shot rifles, Ruger #1 and NEF rifles. My next rifle will be in 223 or 7-08.

DOJ at the Wash DC office?

Preferences are tough, I sometimes mix-up what I like with what I know as a fact.

Will read the rest of "Tips" as I get time, hope my newbie questions don't bother you.

Iowegan · « **Reply #11 on:** March 28, 2004, 11:07:33 AM »

GPMike,
Yes, Most serious shooters use some form of bullet depth measurements. Stony Point makes a "comparator" and of course there are many techniques such as smoking a bullet and "trial & error" methods. They all work, but my patent is very quick and easy.

I've never made a set of tools for the 38-55 but I have made one set for the 45-70. Save your money. The 45-70 is more like a handgun with a long barrel. The straight wall chamber doesn't have an abrupt change from free bore to rifling like a bottle neck rifle would, in fact it tapers like a forcing cone. I would load the 45-70 to "book" specs. They are not critical when it comes to brass length or bullet seating depth.

When you get into a 223 or a 7mm-08 you'll notice case length and bullet seating depth are paramount to fine accuracy. I've taken some pretty loose shooters and turned them into sub-MOAs by just "tuning" the loads.

What we are seeing now is a more "liberal" chamber depth spec from SAAMI. This is to accommodate the flood of foreign ammo that is not made to SAAMI specs. As a result, the US rifle mfg's are using more free bore now. Tikka and Sako have gone to a new chamber technology that eliminates the abrupt free bore-to-rifling and use a tapered throat, much like your 45-70. This increases accuracy and reduces throat erosion but robs a little muzzle velocity. Can't be all bad, they guarantee 1 MOA or less from the factory.

Yup, started with DOJ in DC, then on to California and Arizona. Excellent career and it gave me time to run a gunsmith shop as a second job. I'm retired now and love it. Got plenty of time to do things I've always wanted to do.

Most any reputable die brand is OK. I use exclusively Dillon pistol dies. My rifle dies have been replaced with RCBS Competition dies. I really like the micrometer for bullet seating. Here's an area that will get some controversy.