In the course of loading and unloading guns to take to the range, clean, etc. I've often found the first round will sometimes have the bullet pushed farther down into the casing than the rest. I've usually just tossed these rounds after they've gotten visibibly lower, but as it's usually the expensive defense ammo this happens to I've been wondering if it even makes a difference. So does it?
Safe to fire deep seated bullet?
- Thread starter Dbl0Kevin
- Start date
- Status
El Cid
Member
It depends on how deep. A minor amount like 1/8 inch shouldn't hurt. Any more and I use an inertia bullet puller to bring the bullet out to it's proper place, then recrimp.
Redlg155
Member
I usually dispose of any ammo with the bullets seated deeper. It's not worth taking a risk.
You also have to consider that a great many of us use +P or +P+ ammo. Those are already above standard pressure limits, so you definitely don't want to mess with any deep seated bullets.
Good Shooting
Red
You also have to consider that a great many of us use +P or +P+ ammo. Those are already above standard pressure limits, so you definitely don't want to mess with any deep seated bullets.
Good Shooting
Red
Fatcat
Member
NO.
The bullet setback decreases the volume of the case, which increases firing pressure. This is potentially dangerous.
I'd toss em just to be safe.
The bullet setback decreases the volume of the case, which increases firing pressure. This is potentially dangerous.
I'd toss em just to be safe.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I've been shooting short rounds for decades.
If you doubt the safety of it, consider the .38 special round for the old Smith & Wesson model 52 semi-automatic pistol. Hollow-based wadcutters were seated below the crimped case mouth over 2.8 to 3.5 grains of Bullseye, one of the faster powders on the market.
I've shot short rounds in every caliber from .38 special through .44 magnum without a problem—other than .45 A.C.P. rounds that don't feed smoothly, to be sure.
If you doubt the safety of it, consider the .38 special round for the old Smith & Wesson model 52 semi-automatic pistol. Hollow-based wadcutters were seated below the crimped case mouth over 2.8 to 3.5 grains of Bullseye, one of the faster powders on the market.
I've shot short rounds in every caliber from .38 special through .44 magnum without a problem—other than .45 A.C.P. rounds that don't feed smoothly, to be sure.
GigaBuist
Member
From what I've gathered on THR if it's .40S&W don't even think about it.
Two words.
Ka...Boom!
I have seen this on a 1911. Poor crimp on reload caused excessive setback. Blew the mag out of the gun and split the left side grip panel. Peppered the shooters face with shards of brass. (Always wear eye-pro).
Get rid of them.
Ka...Boom!
I have seen this on a 1911. Poor crimp on reload caused excessive setback. Blew the mag out of the gun and split the left side grip panel. Peppered the shooters face with shards of brass. (Always wear eye-pro).
Get rid of them.
cracked butt
Member
Nope.
Your fingers, gun, eyes, are worth way more than that cartridge.
Your fingers, gun, eyes, are worth way more than that cartridge.
Shalako
Member
When I first got my Springfield 1911, the combination of a rough feed ramp and those slippery Winchester silvertips resulted in bullets being pushed into the case at least 3/16". Luckily I caught this upon chambering rounds at home before attempting to fire them. That might have been a bad scene, but I'll never know.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Quote:
-------------------------------------
If you doubt the safety of it, consider the .38 special round for the old Smith & Wesson model 52 semi-automatic pistol. Hollow-based wadcutters were seated below the crimped case mouth over 2.8 to 3.5 grains of Bullseye, one of the faster powders on the market.
-------------------------------------
Wait a minute! Wadcutter loads are DEVELOPED to be loaded flush with or below the case mouth -- which means they are pressure-tested to ensure that pressures with the deep-seated bullet do not exceed SAAMI standards. In fact, most such loads are well below SAAMI maximums.
The defense ammo you buy is NOT tested for deep-seated bullets. It's typically loaded right to SAAMI maximums, and shooting a deep-seated bullet is definitely going to push pressure over SAAMI maximums.
I have no problem with pulling the bullet out to original seating depth with taps of an inertia bullet puller and recrimping -- but shooting a deep-seated bullet is a good way to damage your gun -- and maybe lose some body parts in the process.
-------------------------------------
If you doubt the safety of it, consider the .38 special round for the old Smith & Wesson model 52 semi-automatic pistol. Hollow-based wadcutters were seated below the crimped case mouth over 2.8 to 3.5 grains of Bullseye, one of the faster powders on the market.
-------------------------------------
Wait a minute! Wadcutter loads are DEVELOPED to be loaded flush with or below the case mouth -- which means they are pressure-tested to ensure that pressures with the deep-seated bullet do not exceed SAAMI standards. In fact, most such loads are well below SAAMI maximums.
The defense ammo you buy is NOT tested for deep-seated bullets. It's typically loaded right to SAAMI maximums, and shooting a deep-seated bullet is definitely going to push pressure over SAAMI maximums.
I have no problem with pulling the bullet out to original seating depth with taps of an inertia bullet puller and recrimping -- but shooting a deep-seated bullet is a good way to damage your gun -- and maybe lose some body parts in the process.
I'd say no. Depending on what you are shooting, the ammo cost anywhere from a few cents to a few bucks a round. Is it really worth it to risk destroying a gun that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars and risking injury to yourself of others just to save a few cents?
Wadcutter 38
Just remember also that the wadcutter loads are wimp loads to start, and are for accuracy and low recoil. They are only about 700 fps and are far from max pressure to begin with. Definitely not a valid comparison.
Just remember also that the wadcutter loads are wimp loads to start, and are for accuracy and low recoil. They are only about 700 fps and are far from max pressure to begin with. Definitely not a valid comparison.
entropy
Member
One Cartridge: @ 50 cents
Pistol: @ $400
Keeping all your fingers attached to your hand: Priceless.
Don't do it. It's not worth it. Better you should find out why they are getting pushed down, and fix the problem. I kept trying to fire them from my Kel-Tec 9mm carbine. I'm pleased to announce I still have all my fingers, tho' they were numb for a while!
Pistol: @ $400
Keeping all your fingers attached to your hand: Priceless.
Don't do it. It's not worth it. Better you should find out why they are getting pushed down, and fix the problem. I kept trying to fire them from my Kel-Tec 9mm carbine. I'm pleased to announce I still have all my fingers, tho' they were numb for a while!
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
