Overall length tolerance...

38Mike · February 19, 2001, 03:28 PM

Hey guys,

This past weekend I loaded 100 rounds of .38 special; 4.2 grains 231, 158 grain lswc. When I got the bullet seated where it needed to be the overall length was 1.465".

I miked each round and found I was varying +.005 to -.005 in overall length....

I guess I'm asking how much can I be off before I need to worry..or is there nothing to worry about....

I'm using a Lee loader, Hornady dies and I can pretty much hold the +/- .005, every once in a while .008 or so...

thanks for the help...

Mike M.

Paul B. · February 19, 2001, 03:42 PM

.38Mike. I wouldn't worry overmuch about that slight variance. That is probably caused byslight differences in the bullets themselves. If they are commecially cast, they probably came from differnt molds, which would account for the difference. You can even get that much variance from a multiple cavity mold when you cast them yourself.
Paul B.

38Mike · February 19, 2001, 03:53 PM

Thanks Paul,

Yes, bullets are the 500 to a box "made by shooters for shooters" stuff.

It takes me forever to load 100 rds. I'd rather go slow and get good ammo though.....hopefully not splitting hairs, just being careful.....

Mike M.

February 19, 2001, 03:28 PM	#1
38Mike Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2000 Location: Wichita, Ks. Posts: 426	Hey guys, This past weekend I loaded 100 rounds of .38 special; 4.2 grains 231, 158 grain lswc. When I got the bullet seated where it needed to be the overall length was 1.465". I miked each round and found I was varying +.005 to -.005 in overall length.... I guess I'm asking how much can I be off before I need to worry..or is there nothing to worry about.... I'm using a Lee loader, Hornady dies and I can pretty much hold the +/- .005, every once in a while .008 or so... thanks for the help... Mike M.

February 19, 2001, 03:42 PM	#2
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	.38Mike. I wouldn't worry overmuch about that slight variance. That is probably caused byslight differences in the bullets themselves. If they are commecially cast, they probably came from differnt molds, which would account for the difference. You can even get that much variance from a multiple cavity mold when you cast them yourself. Paul B.

February 19, 2001, 03:53 PM	#3
38Mike Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2000 Location: Wichita, Ks. Posts: 426	Thanks Paul, Yes, bullets are the 500 to a box "made by shooters for shooters" stuff. It takes me forever to load 100 rds. I'd rather go slow and get good ammo though.....hopefully not splitting hairs, just being careful..... Mike M.