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 Questions regarding consistency between bullets 
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Location: Oregon, for now anyway...
Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2016
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Real Name: Pete
Ok, here's the question...
And I've heard a few answers or suspected reasons, but to better understand my reloading technique and my own consistency in handle pull, crimp, etc I'd like to hear what some of you have to say and any experience you may have had.

So, while reloading some 9mm RN 124g Rainier Ballistics these past few weeks I've had alot of inconsistencies in OAL. My load data said my OAL should be 1.16. What I found was I was getting anywhere between 1.16 and 1.17 they all shot ok, but I really want to understand what is happening.

For reference I'm using a Dillon 550C, 5.4g of Ramshot Sil and according to the Ramshot load data my OAL for these rounds should be 1.16, powder range 5.2 - 5.8

I decided to take a look at bullet consistency with 5 random bullets out of the box and using my calipers I got the attached measurements.
Image
I compared the 124 Rainiers to some 115 Xtreme. As you can see with the Rainiers I saw a +/-.005. Looking at the Xtreme I saw +/-.0025

Are inconsistencies in projectiles common? My loaded rounds all passed the plunk test. I'm more concerned with why I'm getting such a delta with the finished rounds.

Thanks

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Sun Apr 29, 2018 7:55 pm
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Inconsistency in plated bullets are the norm. They are not meant to be precision bullets. Especially 9mm. It is good that you are paying close attention to detail as reloading should be taken seriously. But you are chasing ghosts. None of the inconsistencies you see will have any effect on a 9mm pistol. A bolt rifle maybe, but even then I doubt it. I’ll check out some of my plated bullets and report back.

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Sun Apr 29, 2018 8:32 pm
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Real Name: Steve
This is a very common reloading question. Short answer: It’s perfectly normal, don’t let OCD make you crazy. :bigsmile:

The cause is completely unrelated to the bullet length that you measured, though.

When your seating die presses down on the round-nose bullet, the stem inside the die contacts the bullet somewhere near the ogive (Google if needed). Do you sometimes see a ring on the bullet after you seat it? That’s where it’s hitting. There is variability in how far the pointy tip of the bullet protrudes beyond that point, and perhaps in how far your seating stem presses into that soft plated bullet, and in all the rest of the equipment too.

Yes, it’s frustrating to be measuring down to 0.001” and have numbers floating around so much ... but it’s normal, and it’s okay.

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Mon Apr 30, 2018 6:12 am
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