Overseating a bullet

[GillaFunk]

So, I was reloading some loads to test in my 1911. I thought I was reloading 180g bullets and seated them according to the Lyman manual. Come to find out I was loading 230g bullets.

This seats the 230's about 0.1" too short for the OAL needed for hte 230's.

Do I need to pull those bullets and reload them?

I have already reloaded another batch to the correct OAL.

[Bill Steele]

A lot depends on how hot you are running the load. If it is a light load, then it might not matter. On the other hand, a tenth of an inch is a ton.

I am a probably overly fond of my fingers and eyesight, I would pull them and reload.

[rsrocket1]

On top of that, if you were reading the loads from the manual according to 180 g bullets, and stuck 230's in there, you are probably already overloaded.

Time for the bullet puller. It really doesn't take that long to pull even 100 bullets once you get into the routine.

[DRAB_81]

I would just put them in the bullet puller, smack it a few times, and stop before the bullet comes completely out of the case. Then reset your seating die, and re-seat them to the proper OAL. Much less work, much less mess, and much less potential danger than shooting them.

[noylj]

What exactly do you mean that you discovered you were using 230gn rather than 185gn bullets? The package was misprinted or you simply grabbed a box of bullets you thought were 185gn?
You at least have to pull one bullet to determine what charge you used.
Next, are these load max loads or starting loads? You could probably fire a starting load, but I wouldn't.
This is a reminder to verify your load (weight of bullet, powder, and charge weight) before you start to load and re-read your manuals to determine how to find the proper COL for your gun.
I have never loaded to the COL listed in the manuals, though Lyman is about the only manual that lists usable, rather than industry minimum, COLs.
I consider it a rule to always load to the maximum COL that fits my magazine or cylinder and feeds and chambers easily in my pistols. Then, I start with the starting load and work up.

[bumpo628]

Starting loads for 180's are probably at max or over for 230's.
Yep - time to spend some quality time with the ol impact puller.

Hopefully this is a shock to your system that you need to get a little more organized on your reloading bench. It's a good thing you caught it before shooting them.

[Bug Splat]

what powder and how much did you drop in?

[bjl333]

I would say your OAL should be ok at -0.1" ... The thing that worries me is your powder charge. Did you charge the powder according to the lighter bullet also?

[Whiterabbit]

Under conditions, I wouldn't worry and just shoot them. Most criteria has been discussed that I would be looking at. Powder load as most critical. If the actual powder load was at or near minimum for the bullet, I would feel comfortable to shoot. If near max, Probably less so.

But ultimately I would pull them. Why? You said you were making test loads. No point in testing "oops cartridges". If you were testing yourself, I'd say with a low load just set the target at 5 yards and have at it, test your trigger pull or grip or whatever else you want to work on.

But testing loads, I think it might be a waste of powder and bullets.

[GillaFunk]

Yes yes, Im a dumb arse for not paying more attention. These bullets are bulk (5,000) and do not have 'packaging' Normally I am on it. In fact, of the thousands of rounds I've loaded to date, not one has ever FTF or malfunctioned.

I am so used to loading for my .40 (which uses 180g bullets), and read that into my manual when filling out data on my load slips for each batch of test loads. The powder charge was for 230g bullets, I simply seated them as if they were 180's. More than likely it would be too much pressure in the case, wich is obviosly dangerous.

Fail on my end. Very embarrasing.

Not even sure why I asked the question, as these are TEST loads to see what cocktail worked best. Even trying to fire these would be double counter-productive.

thanks Gents. (facepalm)

[Fishslayer]

On top of that, if you were reading the loads from the manual according to 180 g bullets, and stuck 230's in there, you are probably already overloaded.

Time for the bullet puller. It really doesn't take that long to pull even 100 bullets once you get into the routine.

^^^This.

I would just put them in the bullet puller, smack it a few times, and stop before the bullet comes completely out of the case. Then reset your seating die, and re-seat them to the proper OAL. Much less work, much less mess, and much less potential danger than shooting them.

See above.

[DRAB_81]

See above.

If the OP loaded a 230gr bullet with a 230gr charge too short, (which he said is the case), why couldn't he just pull them until they get to 1.280 OAL & reseat to 1.255-1.260? This would put him in exactly the same position as if he seated them properly the first time.

[Ninja45]

If the OP loaded a 230gr bullet with a 230gr charge too short, (which he said is the case), why couldn't he just pull them until they get to 1.280 OAL & reseat to 1.255-1.260? This would put him in exactly the same position as if he seated them properly the first time.

^^^^Exactamundo!