Using pulled bullets

[Robin]

I had a load for my Valkyrie that I knew was flirting with too hot, even though it was under the published 'Maximum Load' because I would get an occasional swipe on the cartridge base. Well yesterday I had a primer blowout so I shut down, went home and pulled the bullet's from the remainder of that series of ammo. I plan on re-using the bullets but the crimp, what I thought was a very mild crimp, has deformed them slightly. These would be a second tier ammo because of this but I hate to throw them out. Is there something I am missing or should I just throw them out. Maybe that crimp is what put them over the top.
Polymer tips are slightly deformed on some of them, I use an inertia hammer.

Robin

 

[togmaster]

I would use them. Might not be your most accurate rounds but safe and still good for plinking.

 

[kev74]

I reuse mistake bullets. I wouldn't use them for a match or hunting, but for punching holes in paper, they're fine.

It would be interesting to see how they perform compared to new bullets.

 

[Deplorable Me]

What they said.

No problems in any of my former rifles.

 

[Brian Colt]

I found that reusing crimped PlATED bullets caused problems in 9mm 1911. Without changing crimp settings, head was now smaller. When slide cycled during repeat firing, head came loose into Barrell. Not a real squib but close enough.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

I've pulled some 6mm bulletts but never more than a scratch. Are you crimping too hard?

 

[Robin]

I thought I was using a light crimp, but these seem to appear otherwise.
Robin

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

I thought I was using a light crimp, but these seem to appear otherwise.
Robin

Yeah. Mine were virtually unmarked and I even shot them again in match.

 

[Acer-m14]

3 choices ..

take a chance

use them for plinking

grind base off and melt them down for the lead for musket balls ..

 

[repete]

I've used lots of pulled bullets that I've loaded but most I bought them for cheap, never used any with a crimp that deep. I'd go ahead and use them and I wouldn't give up on that load yet! Just use a much lighter crimp, also be careful reusing these as that groove is where the new light crimp will be and the recoil of the first round may cause the other to slip in the case!

 

[Robin]

I agree repete, I miked them up and overall diameter is good, its like they now have a cannelure. Just have to be careful when I set up for seating the bullet.
Robin

 

[tony]

why are you crimping?

 

[Robin]

For consistency of bullet grip primarily, secondarily, they will be used in hunting situations where weather is a factor. Kind of a belt and suspenders way of thinking.
Robin

 

[Mosinitis]

With some rare exceptions there is no reason to crimp rifle ammo. Correct neck tension should hold the bullet. Crimping introduces extra variable that can only effect consistency in a negative way.

 

[tony]

I've only crimped for the .30-30 (tubular mag), .44 mag., and .357 mag. All bullets had a cannelure or crimping groove.
When shooting a bolt rifle competitively I never crimped. I never felt the need as the rifle will shoot a 3/8" group at 100 yds. if I do my part...

 

[Robin]

Thank you fellows, I am rethinking the practice. I will do some research and experimenting.
Robin

 

[Robin]

Loaded up five rounds using everything the same, except no crimp. What a difference, the primers are still rounded around the shoulders and the pin dent is what I would call normal. I even think I could up the load another .5 gr. with no pressure problem, but that experiment is for another day. For now, no more crimping. Thanks fellows
Robin

 

[tony]

If you have the time I think it would be interesting to measure the diameter of the bullet just above and below the crimp to see how it compares to a
non-crimped bullet.

 

[Robin]

I did, It is about .001 smaller below the crimp.
Robin