Bullet Question....

[ZombieKiller]

Happy New Year all.....

Still a little new to this ....
I figured I'd better ask instead of blowing my pistol up-

Is it okay to substitute a FMJ projectile of the same grain weight for a load that calls for a JHP? (load calls for using a 165gr jhp bullet- is it okay to use a 165 fmj instead)....

From what I have been reading- the bullet shape affects pressure levels.....so I have a feeling that this is a no no...but I am still too new to this and cannot find anything in the load manuals that lead me to believe this is true or not.

As always- thanks in advance for the help and have a Happy New Year fellow CalGunners!!!!!!!

[Ech0Sierra]

I think it's OK but not the other way around. IMO FMJ is more aeroddynamic. But get a seecond opinion, I don't trust myself.

[rksimple]

Generally its OK to use starting loads that way. Bullet shape, length, jacket thickness, etc. can all affect pressures. Work up your loads accordingly.

[mike100]

the hollow points seem to engage the rifling and get down the pipe with less gyroscopic resistance since they have little centermass and the weight is at the base of the bullet. It may also have a little to do with actual diameter and how much bite the jacket gets on the bore...but It would seem that hollow point loadings can be charged to higher levels.

I tried it with 44 magnum with 24 gr of h110 and Hornady XTP hollowpoints. They kicked less than a flat nose speer of the same weight. My guess is that they just seem to get on their way out faster without the pressure buildup

just remember that the actual spin of the bullets in most calibers is in 1000's of rpm and different bullet shapes spin up to speed more readily.

[Fjold]

Yes, it is acceptable. Do not start at maximum loads. Using the data for the starting loads you can interchange components and work up toward full power without issue.

[ZombieKiller]

Sweet...thanks for the help CalGunners....