RMR .40 Mixed FMJ Pulled bullets - 155, 165, 180

[Axis II]

Anyone else have a handful of bullets either shaped funny or weights grossly off? We sorted the 1k order the other night and found about 5 that were more RN than FP and 3 that weighed either 159gr (yes, we checked the scale 4 times) and some weighing between 155/165. I cant remember those weights, but something around half way like 160gr. For the price I have no complaints, just trying to understand why/how they weigh so different?

 

[Locochief]

Anyone else have a handful of bullets either shaped funny or weights grossly off? We sorted the 1k order the other night and found about 5 that were more RN than FP and 3 that weighed either 159gr (yes, we checked the scale 4 times) and some weighing between 155/165. I cant remember those weights, but something around half way like 160gr. For the price I have no complaints, just trying to understand why/how they weigh so different?

In the two orders I have received, totalling 2188 bullets, I got only seven or eight that were oddball weights but no round nose. By oddball weight I mean +/- 5gr from a normal weight.

These three were the strangest in weight and measurement.

Can't beat the price and I will be ordering more.

 

[vaalpens]

After about 5 months I was finally able to test some of my loads. The loads below were the only TMJFN bullets I received in the batch of RMR pulled bullets, and I loaded them with W244.

These reloads were loaded in Phoeniz, AZ in May 2019, but I was never able to test them because the National Forest was closed in the summer. Over the last 5 months I have actually moved to the Lewiston/Clarkston area, and this weekend I was able to test my loads at the Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club shooting range. I rented their Lab Radar, which had some issues missing some of the shots. This is why there are some missing velocities. It seems like a battery issue, so hopefully it will be resolved next time I need to use it. The LabRadar is easy to set up and you don't have to worry about lining it up in front like the ProChrono.

Getting back to the results. Since I only had 17 of these bullets, I decided to use some of my last Ginex primers, assuming I probably won't load this combination of bullet and primer again. To my surprise the one load gave me an excellent grouping. I will have to verify my measurements, but it seems the grouping was .26".

Following are the results from the test. Testing was done at 15 yards using a rest and a scope.



40SW, P229, 3.9"
Case: RP
COL: 1.125"
RMRPulled, 180gr, TMJFN, W244, 4.6gr, GINEXSP
Average: 797
Force: 254
PF: 143
Velocities: , , , , 797
Grouping @ 15yd: 0.26"
Test Date: 10/26/2019

40SW, P229, 3.9"
Case: RP
COL: 1.125"
RMRPulled, 180gr, TMJFN, W244, 4.7gr, GINEXSP
Average: 851
ES: 12
SD: 8.5
Force: 289
PF: 153
Velocities: , , , 845, 857
Grouping @ 15yd: 1.2"
Test Date: 10/26/2019

40SW, P229, 3.9"
Case: RP
COL: 1.125"
RMRPulled, 180gr, TMJFN, W244, 4.8gr, GINEXSP
Average: 867
ES: 69
SD: 25.9
Force: 300
PF: 156
Velocities: 864, 866, 827, 882, 896
Grouping @ 15yd: 0.93"
Test Date: 10/26/2019

 

[vaalpens]

A few months ago I tested a similar load, but using the RMR pulled FMJRNFP 180gr bullets and CCI500 primers. The grouping was good, except for one flyer. I will probably bracket the 4.6gr load and load another few test loads to see how good it really is. Following was the results from the previous test for reference:

40SW, P229, 3.9"
Case: RP
COL: 1.125"
RMRPulled, 180gr, FMJRNFP, W244, 4.6gr, CCI500
Average: 854
ES: 31
SD: 11.7
Force: 291
PF: 153
Velocities: 838, 862, 869, 854, 851
Grouping @ 15yd: 0.9"
Test Date: 05/05/2019

 

[Dudedog]

Great to see you got some range time!

 

[vaalpens]

Great to see you got some range time!

Thanks Dudedog!

Yes, it feels good to get some trigger time again. At least now I know I have a place where I can test my loads, so now I can start doing some reloading again. I have a few good loads for W244 now, so it seems it is time to stock up with some more W244.

And for those who haven't seen my new temporary reloading bench yet. This is a 4x4 desk which will allow me to set up multiple presses if needed. I am not planning on adding shelves since I have enough shelve space in a room close to the bench. I wanted to buy the Harbor Freight bench, but decided to go with the 2x4 basics to give me more flexibility, and it was cheaper.

 

[kcofohio]

Thanks Dudedog!

Yes, it feels good to get some trigger time again. At least now I know I have a place where I can test my loads, so now I can start doing some reloading again. I have a few good loads for W244 now, so it seems it is time to stock up with some more W244.

And for those who haven't seen my new temporary reloading bench yet. This is a 4x4 desk which will allow me to set up multiple presses if needed. I am not planning on adding shelves since I have enough shelve space in a room close to the bench. I wanted to buy the Harbor Freight bench, but decided to go with the 2x4 basics to give me more flexibility, and it was cheaper.
View attachment 868298

Nice bench! And good shooting!
I should get some W244. You make it tempting.

 

[vaalpens]

Nice bench! And good shooting!
I should get some W244. You make it tempting.

Thanks!

The bench is basically the cheapest 2x4basics kit ($25) + 4 pieces of 8ft 2x4's ($11) + 1 piece of 3/4" 4x8ft plywood cut in half ($30).

There is a little bit of flex even with the 3/4" top, so I am thinking of maybe gluing another 4x4ft 3/4" to the top. I decided to just go with the top and bottom shelf and not install a middle shelf since the 4x4 table is sturdy enough for my use.