Old bullets...use current data?

[jr_roosa]

I have a few hundred old Herter's bullets in my reloading gear, and I don't want them to go to waste.

In general is it safe to use load data for different brands of bullets so long as the bullets have the same diameter and weight?

I have .308 150gr semi pointed, and I was going to start with the 150gr data from the Hornady manual for .30-30 (single-shot) or .30-06. These will be loaded up as plinkers, so I'll stay at or near the lowest velocities. Of course Hornady doesn't list pointed bullets for .30-30, but I assume that the front of the bullet doesn't matter much for chamber pressures. Is that a safe assumption? For seating, I figured they get seated to the cannelure. Also true?

Also, do you know if there's a Reloader's Anonymous meeting in Phoenix? I need to start going. I just started reloading and I already "need" to buy 2 more guns (.38/.357 and a .30-06) to take advantage of the pile of reloading gear and components my Dad gave me. I've also hooked a friend too, "buy the dies and components and you can use my bench all you want."

I'm a bad, bad man.

-J.

 

[Walkalong]

do you know if there's a Reloader's Anonymous meeting

There are no meetings. No one wants to be "cured".

Old bullets, as long as they are the proper diameter, will work fine. Pick a load for the same bullet weight, start low, and work up.

 

[rcmodel]

Yes you can use data for similar shape & weight bullets from another manufacture. Just use starting load data and work up.

There are exceptions, such as Barnes solid copper bullets, Speer Gold-Dot plated bullets, Hornady XTP's etc. but the Herters bullets are conventional cup & core construction, and should present no surprises.

 

[jr_roosa]

Very good.

I'll put a few 150grn RN through the .30-30 first, and when I find a load I like (light and fun to shoot) I'll try a few of the semi-pointed and see what I think.

Once the gun fairy leaves a .30-06 under the pillow, we'll be all ready to go.

Thanks!

-J.

 

[strat81]

Speer Gold-Dot plated bullets

I thought Gold Dots were jacketed.

 

[papajohn]

Gold Dots are a soft lead core with a plated jacket, to make them hold together, almost like a homogenous bullet. A GREAT design, and worth what they cost. I've tested them in every caliber I carry, and they have never failed.

PJ

 

[floydster]

jr, Do not use those old Herters bullet, they could harm you and the gun.
Send them to me and I will dipose of them properly.
Please PM me and I will send my address.
Floydster

 

[jr_roosa]

Thanks for the heads-up floydster.

I have a bunch of dirty brass too...can't figure out how to make shiny again. Be careful though, the primers have little dents in them and don't seem to work anymore.

Need any lead ingots? I've heard it is poisonous. Might make you pay the shipping on that.

-J.