If it is one from Shockbottle, they usually run a bit loose...I'm using a 100 round one.Dudedog said:You said you had a 20 hole case. Did you mean a 20 hole case guage?
Wondering if maybe the guage is just on the "tight" side.
Why are you pulling the bullets? If they fit your magazine, chamber (proper "plunk") and shoot the way you want them too what else are you looking for?The problem is when I do that it leaves a well defined impression on the base of the bullet when I pull them to check.
This is so often so very true. If you're loading cast and getting poor results the bullets may not be properly sized for the bore. To remedy that you have to slug the bore and thing is, I've seen .354" - .357" in "quality" guns. A plated or jacketed bullet will likely do well, but cast is a whole different story with .001" over bore diameter being the usual starting diameter. And even then you have to be certain the case doesn't swage down the bullet upon seating. Same for crimping.You can't load generically "good ammo" using cast bullets.
I am pulling them to check for bullet deformation, which I am getting. I'm iquiring about the issue rather than just keep shooting them because I am trying to learn how to load correctly rather than just use them if they go boom.Why are you pulling the bullets? If they fit your magazine, chamber (proper "plunk") and shoot the way you want them too what else are you looking for?
The only crimp I apply is a taper that does little more than remove case flare. I do that in a separate operation and depending on bullet diameter shoot for .001"-.002" less than spec.
As already stated, the only case gauge that really matters is your gun's chamber.
You might want to give a little thought to mastering one new thing at a time. You can buy say 250/500 rounds of reasonably priced bulk 9mm ammunition and polish your shooting with a known load. Then move to hand loading.My problem is that I'm new to shooting, not just reloading. I am not good enough of a shooter to be qualified to judge the accuracy of any given load. I'm sure most loads are more accurate than I am capable of right now. I've never even tried shooting a pistol at 75 yards. I'd probably be lucky to even hit a piece of paper at that distance.
I can see myself slowly getting better and when it tapers off I will try some manufactured ammo for comparison. I assume that should tell me whether it's me or the ammo.You might want to give a little thought to mastering one new thing at a time. You can buy say 250/500 rounds of reasonably priced bulk 9mm ammunition and polish your shooting with a known load. Then move to hand loading.
You can, of course, do learning and loading simultaneously but if in your own words your not yet a "good shot" how do you know which area needs attention? And of course, if you buy in bulk to start with, you'll have brass to reload later.
Just my personal opinion, but I don't consider the "groove" you are seeing to be excessive at all. This is a relatively soft bullet (probably about 15 BHN) covered a polymer coating that will be even softer. Most sources recommend about 1-1/2 to 2 thousandths taper crimp. That is going to result in a groove of at least that depth (actually a little deeper due to spring back of the brass after crimping). I like the Acme bullets because they don't have a lube or crimp groove, but that does mean that crimping will leave the groove you see. Unless you penetrate the coating, you have not over crimped (as far as the bullet is concerned). I also use the FCD on coated bullets and have not identified any problems as a result.I am pulling them to check for bullet deformation, which I am getting. I'm iquiring about the issue rather than just keep shooting them because I am trying to learn how to load correctly rather than just use them if they go boom.
I had the same thought. What I've seen many times is a excessive roll type crimp that actually grooved and sometimes cut the plating or coating. These appear to be an evenly applied taper crimp that may well be fully acceptable accuracy wise.Just my personal opinion, but I don't consider the "groove" you are seeing to be excessive at all.