Page Index Toggle Pages: 1 Send TopicPrint
Normal Topic When to Size a Bullet (Read 4323 times)
Edward C. Sharps
Participating Member
*
Offline



Posts: 24
Joined: Apr 13th, 2016
When to Size a Bullet
Jun 28th, 2016 at 8:41am
Print Post  
Should a bullet be resized if it is .002" larger than the rifle bore?  I have never had to consider this because my Saeco 45/70 mould drops bullets at exactly .458 and this works great in my Sharps. Good accuracy and no leading. Lucky. However, I have a 38/55 on the way and I have been told by the manufacturer that the bore is .376.  The mould I have on-hand drops bullets right at .378, and they seem to be concentric and not out of round.  I know I need to shoot it and see the actual results, but I'd like to hear what experiences others have had in similar circumstances.  Thanks

Ed
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
marlinguy
Frequent Elocutionist
*****
Online


Ballards may be weaker,
but they sure are neater!

Posts: 18061
Location: Oregon
Joined: Feb 2nd, 2009
Re: When to Size a Bullet
Reply #1 - Jun 28th, 2016 at 10:25am
Print Post  
I prefer bullets to be .001" over, but if my mold drops them .002" over, I always try them first. Sometimes I've had good accuracy and no issues with the .002" over. If it works, then I go with it.
  

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
John Boy
Ex Member


Re: When to Size a Bullet
Reply #2 - Jun 28th, 2016 at 12:56pm
Print Post  
Quote:
Should a bullet be resized if it is .002" larger than the rifle bore groove diameter?

Most 38-55's are 371 land and 378 groove diameters. 0.002" over groove will obturate nicely
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
Edward C. Sharps
Participating Member
*
Offline



Posts: 24
Joined: Apr 13th, 2016
Re: When to Size a Bullet
Reply #3 - Jun 28th, 2016 at 1:08pm
Print Post  
Thank you all for the kind replies. I should have the gun in another couple weeks. Like waiting for Christmas.
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
JLouis
Frequent Elocutionist
*****
Offline



Posts: 10625
Joined: Apr 8th, 2009
Re: When to Size a Bullet
Reply #4 - Jun 28th, 2016 at 1:15pm
Print Post  
I think it is dependant on some of the various variables. For example my 32-40 barrel now has over 144,000 bullets down the bore. The groove diameter is .3205 but due to throat erosion I now have to use a .325 baseband bullet. The barrel is long over due for a set back or replacement but it still shoots extremely well. It shot a new ASSRA 5-5Shot 100yd Group Average record of .3882 in Oct. of 2013.

JLouis
  

" It Is Better To Now Have Been A Has Been Than A Never Was Or A Wanna Be "
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
svartkruttgris#369
Frequent Elocutionist
*****
Offline



Posts: 2980
Location: Colorado, Norway, Sweden
Joined: Oct 28th, 2014
Re: When to Size a Bullet
Reply #5 - Jun 28th, 2016 at 3:42pm
Print Post  
For old rifles with eroded throats and first cm of bore, or military rifles from early in nitro-powder era, I have gotten good to excellent groups using well oversize, soft Pb alloy bullets (+/-0,005") over size of original bore. These were hunting rifles but, some would/do produce 1,0" multi-shot groups at 100 yds.

Grisen
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
SSShooter
Frequent Elocutionist
*****
Offline



Posts: 2942
Location: Southern NJ
Joined: Aug 1st, 2010
Re: When to Size a Bullet
Reply #6 - Jun 29th, 2016 at 6:19am
Print Post  
Quote:
Quote:
Should a bullet be resized if it is .002" larger than the rifle bore groove diameter?

Most 38-55's are 371 land and 378 groove diameters. 0.002" over groove will obturate nicely

Not sure about "most", but the 38s I've owned (and still own) are either 0.368" or 0.369" x 0.375", which is what Grn Mtn, Kreiger & Bartlein offer. Not sure about Douglas, etc., but should be listed on their websites.
  

Glenn - Stevens 044 1/2, Bartlein SS 5R barrel in 22LR
Back to top
GTalk  
IP Logged
 
bruce moulds
Senior Forum Member
****
Offline



Posts: 290
Location: the antipodes
Joined: Mar 14th, 2015
Re: When to Size a Bullet
Reply #7 - Jun 29th, 2016 at 4:59pm
Print Post  
ed,
are you using black or smokeless?
with black, the optimum diameter for a bullet is a neat friction fit as you slide it into a fireformed case with your fingers.
the reason for this is that it will become this diameter before it starts to move, and the less it has to upset the better.
keep safe,
bruce.
  

ventum est amicus meus
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
Edward C. Sharps
Participating Member
*
Offline



Posts: 24
Joined: Apr 13th, 2016
Re: When to Size a Bullet
Reply #8 - Jun 29th, 2016 at 8:10pm
Print Post  
Bruce - I shoot black, but i want to try smokeless just to see how it shoots. It don't resize the brass but I will use a light crimp.
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
Page Index Toggle Pages: 1
Send TopicPrint