Severely undersized projectiles

[blackd24]

So as I was reloading 38 special, I added the projectile (supposed to be sized to .358) on top of the case full of powder and I didn’t feel any resistance. I could literally push the bullet down into the case. I took out my calipers and it measured .351. It weighed right around 158 grains like it was supposed to. Every other bullet during this reloading session was fine, had good neck tension, and measured to ~.358.

I’m not going to name the company, but would this be a cause for concern and a reason to use another supplier? Should I be concerned with the entire lot?

 

[mcb]

Just one bullet or of how many? If it was 1: 1000 I wouldn't worry about it. If it was 1:50 I might be leary and watch for it to repeat.

 

[edwardware]

. . . and it measured .351. It weighed right around 158 grains like it was supposed to. Every other bullet during this reloading session was fine, had good neck tension, and measured to ~.358.

Sounds like it went through the next size down final sizing die.

I wouldn't worry too much. If you fired it from the same COAL, it would show really lousy accuracy, but no problem. If you fired it from pushed all the way down into the case, that might be a problem.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Use an old technique, paper patch it.

 

[Swampman]

Use an old technique, paper patch it.

I'm pretty cheap, but trying to figure out a patch template and load for one undersized bullet out of 1000 seems a little extreme...

 

[stillquietvoice]

I'm pretty cheap, but trying to figure out a patch template and load for one undersized bullet out of 1000 seems a little extreme...

Perhaps it is, but I'm a little odd and that 1 empty case would drive me nuts.

 

[Bill M.]

One bullet off would not bother me a bit. I would not need a paper patch to toss it in the trash. I would not have a empty case either. Just open another batch of bullets and proceed. I might pick 10 bullets at random and measure them just to see if they do size them correctly.

 

[Swampman]

The obvious solution is for the OP to buy an '07 Winchester in .351 WSL...