OAL for 9mm cone lead bullet?

[ChuckB]

Hi. I've been loading .45 acp LSWC's, and 9mm FMJ's, with no problem. I have acquired a lot of cone shaped lead bullets, and I can't find data for that shape. Any suggestions for a starting OAL? Since the tip of the bullet is flat, I'm thinking it should be a bit shorter than the standard round nose bullet that we all use. Thanks.

Chuck

 

[rcmodel]

In order to help you at all, it would be necessary to know the bullet weight & caliber in question.
Are they .45 or 9mm?

Even the brand of bullet, or mold number if you cast them would be even better!

rcmodel

 

[zxcvbob]

Your gun cares about the OAL. It can make a big difference in reliable feeding.

Your load data doesn't really care about OAL, it cares about the seating depth -- and in 9mm, a very small difference can be significant.

If you have load data that you like already with a different profile bullet, try seating the new bullets to the same depth (calculate this from the bullet lengths.) If they are light loads, you should be done once you determine that the cartridges feed reliably. If it's a hot load, reduce the powder charge and work it up from scratch again.

 

[ChuckB]

Oops! I guess I forgot to mention that they are 9mm!

Chuck

 

[wally]

When starting with a new bullet I generally set the OAL so I can see about 1mm or a bit less of the cylindrical section above the case mouth, unless I have specific data for that bullet weight and shape.

--wally.

 

[ChuckB]

Delete.

 

[ChuckB]

"Your load data doesn't really care about OAL, it cares about the seating depth"

Well, yes and no. Seating depth affects pressure, but OAL can make the difference between a smoothly feeding round, and one that doesn't feed. I'm going to keep the powder level on the light side, so I'm not worried about pressures.

Chuck

 

[ranger335v]

Wally has it right. Seat one to the crimping groove and test that it will function in your magazine. If it will and will also feed from the magazine you are right on.

 

[zxcvbob]

Well, yes and no. Seating depth affects pressure, but OAL can make the difference between a smoothly feeding round, and one that doesn't feed.

I said that too (first sentence), you just didn't quote it.

 

[ChuckB]

Sorry, Bob! I guess I should run for office- selective quotes are a qualification!

Chuck