Bullet flex

Real Gun · November 6, 2018, 09:41 AM

Yesterday I loaded some 327 Federal Magnum using Xtreme 100 gr LRNFP at .313. My max cartridge gauge is at spec of .312. I happened to catch that rounds would pass the gauge not long after loading but later would not pass, because the bullet was too big. They did fit in both guns either way, so the standard trick of using the gun cylinder for a no-go gauge is going to have to do. However, I am considering having my gauge reamed to .313 or .314, since 95% of my loading for 327 is with lead bullets really designed for 32-20. What I am trying to catch is any case bulge near the head or a bulge from a bullet seated off axis.

Gary Wells · November 6, 2018, 09:55 AM

I probably would look for a shop/machinist/smith & have a new gage built. Also is the bullet to proper diameter spec? How's the wall thickness of the cases? Just my thoughts.

**Unclenick** · November 6, 2018, 04:11 PM

The 327 Federal differs from the 32 S&W and 32 Long and 32 H&R Magnum in that the latter three have bullet tolerances of 0.310"-0.315", while the 327 Fed has a tighter 0.310"-0.313". The OD of the case over top of a maximum OD bullet is not to exceed 0.337". If you measure that you exceed that last number with your bullets seated, you do need a different gauge diameter.

I think the existing gauge could be honed out, but I would apply a micrometer to the brass over top of a seated bullet first. I am thinking you could have some extra thick brass. But if the case over the bullet does not exceed 0.337" and it gets stuck, then the gauge should go back to the maker for refinishing. If you know someone who owns a set of pin gauges you could check out the size for yourself.

**44 AMP** · November 6, 2018, 10:40 PM

Just out of curiosity, isn't altering a gauge kind of defeating the purpose of using a gauge in the first place??

I can see having a gauge made to your specs for a specific purpose, but altering an existing gauge so your "out of spec" ammo fits it seems kind of foolish to me...

Am I missing something?

Real Gun · November 7, 2018, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Just out of curiosity, isn't altering a gauge kind of defeating the purpose of using a gauge in the first place??

I can see having a gauge made to your specs for a specific purpose, but altering an existing gauge so your "out of spec" ammo fits it seems kind of foolish to me...

Am I missing something?

Maybe everything people do to make lead bullet sizes work is "foolish".

**Unclenick** · November 7, 2018, 11:26 AM

It's foolish if you are loading to the SAAMI standard. But if you are loading just to one specific gun, then it's a common practice. High Power shooters I know make a for-this-rifle-only-gauge using the same chamber reamer and some barrel blank scrap. You just want to be sure to mark the gauge with the gun's serial number.

Real Gun · November 7, 2018, 03:32 PM

No, I am loading to lead bullet diameters and using exactly the same reasoning as used to purchase my RCBS Cowboy dies,

RC20 · November 8, 2018, 07:53 PM

In 9mm, most of the mfg cases won't pass the gauge test, they do fit the chamber just fine.

One mfg did pass the gauge test.

I gave up and just used the barrel to check if I was not sure.

I also know how high the round can stick up in the gauge and pass in the gun.

It was one of those cases (pun intended) of doing a lot of work to try to figure out what was going on, or just accept it was ok and not waste time on something I might still not get an explanation any better than it is what it is.

std7mag · November 8, 2018, 09:22 PM

Interesting info on the different bullet diameters, Unclenick.

I had heard that part of the appeal of the 327 Federal was that you could shoot those other cartridges you mentioned if you didn't want the full power loads. Ala 38 Special and 357 Mag.

Just asking.

November 6, 2018, 09:41 AM	#1
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	Bullet flex Yesterday I loaded some 327 Federal Magnum using Xtreme 100 gr LRNFP at .313. My max cartridge gauge is at spec of .312. I happened to catch that rounds would pass the gauge not long after loading but later would not pass, because the bullet was too big. They did fit in both guns either way, so the standard trick of using the gun cylinder for a no-go gauge is going to have to do. However, I am considering having my gauge reamed to .313 or .314, since 95% of my loading for 327 is with lead bullets really designed for 32-20. What I am trying to catch is any case bulge near the head or a bulge from a bullet seated off axis. __________________ Not an expert, just a reporter.

November 6, 2018, 04:11 PM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	The 327 Federal differs from the 32 S&W and 32 Long and 32 H&R Magnum in that the latter three have bullet tolerances of 0.310"-0.315", while the 327 Fed has a tighter 0.310"-0.313". The OD of the case over top of a maximum OD bullet is not to exceed 0.337". If you measure that you exceed that last number with your bullets seated, you do need a different gauge diameter. I think the existing gauge could be honed out, but I would apply a micrometer to the brass over top of a seated bullet first. I am thinking you could have some extra thick brass. But if the case over the bullet does not exceed 0.337" and it gets stuck, then the gauge should go back to the maker for refinishing. If you know someone who owns a set of pin gauges you could check out the size for yourself. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

November 6, 2018, 10:40 PM	#4
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,811	Just out of curiosity, isn't altering a gauge kind of defeating the purpose of using a gauge in the first place?? I can see having a gauge made to your specs for a specific purpose, but altering an existing gauge so your "out of spec" ammo fits it seems kind of foolish to me... Am I missing something? __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

November 7, 2018, 11:26 AM	#6
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	It's foolish if you are loading to the SAAMI standard. But if you are loading just to one specific gun, then it's a common practice. High Power shooters I know make a for-this-rifle-only-gauge using the same chamber reamer and some barrel blank scrap. You just want to be sure to mark the gauge with the gun's serial number. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

November 7, 2018, 03:32 PM	#7
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	No, I am loading to lead bullet diameters and using exactly the same reasoning as used to purchase my RCBS Cowboy dies, __________________ Not an expert, just a reporter.

November 6, 2018, 09:55 AM	#2
Gary Wells Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2009 Posts: 180	I probably would look for a shop/machinist/smith & have a new gage built. Also is the bullet to proper diameter spec? How's the wall thickness of the cases? Just my thoughts.

November 8, 2018, 07:53 PM	#8
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	In 9mm, most of the mfg cases won't pass the gauge test, they do fit the chamber just fine. One mfg did pass the gauge test. I gave up and just used the barrel to check if I was not sure. I also know how high the round can stick up in the gauge and pass in the gun. It was one of those cases (pun intended) of doing a lot of work to try to figure out what was going on, or just accept it was ok and not waste time on something I might still not get an explanation any better than it is what it is. __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

November 8, 2018, 09:22 PM	#9
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Interesting info on the different bullet diameters, Unclenick. I had heard that part of the appeal of the 327 Federal was that you could shoot those other cartridges you mentioned if you didn't want the full power loads. Ala 38 Special and 357 Mag. Just asking. __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

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