FLIGHT762
Member
I slightly recall an issue of undersized bullets being the culprit in another thread somewhere and I think it was everglades bullets. Try some other bullets that measure .224" and go from there.
AR Keyholing
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Demi-human
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straightShot
Member
Do you have a second powder scale that you can check your powder weights against?
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SC_Dave
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Yes, I do. I'll double check that as well. Thanks
Nature Boy
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I have a theory. A burr or rough spot in your barrel got smoothed out over the course of use. Before that it was damaging the jacket. Pushed a little harder and those bullets would have turned into a puff of smoke and never reached the target
Random 8
Member
Weigh a sample of the bullets. Not a foolproof method, but may determine if some have voids. I have seen a method for "spinning" bullets to check for concentricity and weight distribution, but I can't remember where or what it was specifically called. I suspect yours will have a significant heavy spot relative to the axis.
I did have this issue with a specific box of Speer GS bullets. They were visually "off" at the tips and the weights were inconsistent. Sent them back and was informed they were "out of specification," no more specific answer than that. They replaced them in 2X quantity with an apology for them slipping through Q.C. I did fire 5 of them with a reduced load through a very stout military action to satisfy my curiosity, and aprox 50% keyholed at 50 yards.
I did have this issue with a specific box of Speer GS bullets. They were visually "off" at the tips and the weights were inconsistent. Sent them back and was informed they were "out of specification," no more specific answer than that. They replaced them in 2X quantity with an apology for them slipping through Q.C. I did fire 5 of them with a reduced load through a very stout military action to satisfy my curiosity, and aprox 50% keyholed at 50 yards.
illinoisburt
Member
I would say undersize is your issue. A 223 boatail is not likely to obturate to fill the bore like a flate base might. I would normally expect the bullets to run at size to slightly oversized like .224 to .225, not undersized. I would contact everglades and have them replaced.
OP
OP
SC_Dave
Member
UPDATE 2:
Has to be bad projectiles...…..
Both pics are same brass batch, same powder and charge, same primers. Top pic is 55gr Everglades bullets. Bottom pic 55gr RMR bullets.
So not to overstate the obvious, the only difference between these two is the bullets.
I'm going to call this mystery solved and I appreciate all of the input from everyone!
I guess 900 rounds of Everglades bullets are going in the trash...…..
I doubt they will take them back, I've had them for 4-5 years.
David
Has to be bad projectiles...…..
Both pics are same brass batch, same powder and charge, same primers. Top pic is 55gr Everglades bullets. Bottom pic 55gr RMR bullets.
So not to overstate the obvious, the only difference between these two is the bullets.
I'm going to call this mystery solved and I appreciate all of the input from everyone!
I guess 900 rounds of Everglades bullets are going in the trash...…..
I doubt they will take them back, I've had them for 4-5 years.David
Demi-human
maybe likes firearms a little bit…
Ask anyway. The answer is always “no” if you never ask.
Well, on second thought I don’t know if I would want replacements...
At least we found the problem.
Well, on second thought I don’t know if I would want replacements...
At least we found the problem.
OP
OP
SC_Dave
Member
Ask anyway. The answer is always “no” if you never ask.
Well, on second thought I don’t know if I would want replacements...
At least we found the problem.
Exactly. Thanks!
OP
OP
SC_Dave
Member
Thanks much.
Random 8
Member
Still curious if weighing a sample will reveal any glaring discrepancies.
OP
OP
SC_Dave
Member
I weighed a sample of 18-20 last night. They ranged from 55, 55.1 and 55.2 I'm going to look a little closer at the shape of some today as well. Like you I'm curious.
Demi-human
maybe likes firearms a little bit…
I am surprised that they are that close!
I think diameter has a lot more to do with the tumbling.
The varying friction down the bore will have an effect on pressure and accuracy, but the tumbling is from definitely from too thin a bullet.
I think diameter has a lot more to do with the tumbling.
The varying friction down the bore will have an effect on pressure and accuracy, but the tumbling is from definitely from too thin a bullet.
Nature Boy
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There’s range fodder and then there’s range offal. I think these bullets are closer to the latter
25-20 WCF
Member
The OP’s load is fine, the twist is not the problem nor is the crown. The odd thing here is that only a few bullets seem to be keyholing, indicating that it is not the rifle. Shooting at a longer distance as suggested may help with the diagnosis.
Based on the limited information available my best guess is a problem with the bullets. Perhaps they were seconds/blems, have core/jacket issues, etc. But it’s just a guess as no one knows the real story yet......
.
Based on the limited information available my best guess is a problem with the bullets. Perhaps they were seconds/blems, have core/jacket issues, etc. But it’s just a guess as no one knows the real story yet......
.
Demi-human
maybe likes firearms a little bit…
Woosh...
They really never did shoot right in barrel #1, but, I only started using that particular bullet long after the barrel 'had seen better days'.
I grew a bit suspicious when I bought my 1st Comparator and could push a 75 gr Hornady clean out past the end of the case! LOL!
The replacement barrel was much better!
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