Bullet reseating

[Squ1dward]

So I am still pretty new to reloading and I am learning as I go. I discovered a batch of 9mm that I loaded was hanging up in the mag so I measured and found the rounds are just barely over the max OAL.

So, I figured I could run these rounds through my rockchucker using just my RCBS combo seater/crimp die. So I got the OAL down to an acceptable length.

I noticed however, the tip of the bullet is slightly deformed after running it through. It appears to be slightly flattened. I doubt there would be a problem shooting this ammo, but I am wondering about accuracy. My question for you seasoned reloader is should I pull all the bullets and start over or can I just keep re-seating the bullets? Obviously, I need to shoot some to see what the effect is, but was wondering if you guys have any thoughts...

I am using xtreme 124gr round nose bullets. And, yes, I made sure the flat nose stem is NOT in the die. I have a full 30 cal ammo can of this stuff.

Thanks
Squid

[Dave626]

Pull all bullet out, start over. You should seat your bullet, measure the length then crimp

[pacrat]

The flattened meplat on the bullet nose is likely because of increased tension of deeper seating an already crimped bullet.

If reseating doesn't cause any swelling of case neck, that precludes proper chambering. Go for it. Plunk test a dozen or so before going farther.

IIRC, those copper washed bullets, have a dead soft lead core under the plating. Don't worry about a few dings in the nose.

If they chamber, they shoot. If they don't, they won't. So if they plunk, shoot em.

As a newer reloader, remember. COAL written in a manual, is COAL according to SAAMI. Not necessarily what will, or will not work, in your particular gun.

When setting up to load for a given pistol, or even for several of same caliber. Many times different guns of same caliber will have varying internal mag dimensions between makers.

Carpenters always say "measure twice, cut once". With reloading, it is best to measure twice, load once.

JM2c

[yoshidaex]

Don't bother pulling.
Seat them to the OAL you need and go shoot.
You may see accuracy issues but nothing that should be of huge concern unless you're a bullseye shooter.
In my experience, the majority of plated bullets are very sensitive to the amount of "crimp". Too much and it breaks the thin plating and causes all sorts of accuracy issues. Unless you're loading for a revolver, your "crimp" step should only be to remove the belling from the powder drop step. Bullet retention is from case tension. Hence why you may see completed rounds with that coke bottle effect.
If maximum accuracy is your goal, you should use a different type of bullet besides plated. You could get decent accuracy with plated but it requires a bit more considerations vs other types of bullets.

[Eljay]

I'd shoot them but if it's taking that much force to push them in further after crimping that implies to me that you have way, way, too much crimp. With 9mm you just want to remove the bell, especially using plated.

[bruceflinch]

If you have to pull them all, get a Collet-style puller that will work in the Rockchucker. It will be 5-6 times faster than a hammer type puller. It is a good investment...Don't ask me how I know..

[sghart]

shoot 'em

I have done this many times myself over the years

take notes in the future but shoot what you got

[JMP]

reset your die so that they chamber. Just pop 'em in a bit deeper and shoot them. If you are shooting close up, it probably won't matter. I'd certainly not go through the effort of pulling a bunch for 9mm.

[Squ1dward]

Thanks for the advice, Boys. I will just seat 'em and shoot 'em.

[CSACANNONEER]

The problem with reseating after crimping is that you might bulge the cases to the point they are out of spec and won't chamber.

[Revoman]

One should always double check the loads, size, length, etc before loading a 30mm ammo can full.

Especially if a newb. I'm not a newb and I still only load a hundred, if that, to assure all is good first. Even after knowing all is good, I won't load more than a few hundred. Ya just never know, something could have gotten out of adjustment, ran a different bullet than a previous session due to forgetting, or any other malady known to man.

No slam, only sage advise intended.