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Thread: Bullet dimensions, anyone?

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  1. #1
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    Bullet dimensions, anyone?

    I'm looking to compile dimensional data on as many of Berry's hollow-case bullets as I can. I load their .45 185-grain hollow-base, round nose and I have measured the dimensions of the cavity in those. (That one is conical.) Berry's lists several .380, 9mm, and .38 Super bullets, all in .356 diameter, that have a hollow base. Those are the ones I'm interested in tracking down cavity dimensions for. If any one loads any of these bullets, I would appreciate it if you would send me a PM with the dimensions of the cavity. Even better would be if you'd care to send me a sample bullet or three so I can measure, to ensure that the measurement technique is the same for all.

    While I have your attention, I hope all of you who reload are aware of the bullet database project undertaken by forum member Niemi24s. We have compiled a lot of dimensional data for .45 ACP bullets. I would like to see this expanded to include bullets for .38 Super and for 9mm. If any of you reload for .380 ACP, 9mm, and/or .38 Super, please take the time to measure a sampling of your bullets and send me (or post) the dimensions.

    Why is this data important? Because not all bullets are equal, and sometimes it's difficult to find load data. Berry's Bullets, for example, does not provide load data. Their web site offers a suggested C.O.A.L. for each of their bullets ... but no load data. They say to use published data for any lead of FMJ bullet of the same weight. And that's a totally useless suggestion, because the lengths of bullets of the same weight and general shape (i.e. "round nose") vary widely. Recently I have been playing with a beta copy of an internal ballistics simulation program from Germany called Gordon's Reloading Tool. At the moment it's considered to be a beta release and it can be downloaded for free if you want to experiment with it. So far, what I have found is that it doesn't work very well for straight wall handgun cartridges. But that may improve as they continue development.

    Among the input variables, they ask for the dimensions of the bullet ... including dimensions for the cavity if the bullet has a hollow base. Their bullet database doesn't include Berry's bullets, and I'd like to submit the data. To make my listing complete, I need the dimensions of the cavities on the hollow-base bullets. So, please send me what you've got. If we collect enough data, I'll work with Niemi24s to add a page to our database for the .356" projectiles. This information is used when calculating how substituting a different bullet (which will probably have a different bullet length) in a loading recipe.
    Hawkmoon
    On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside

  2. #2
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    Hawkmoon,

    I have been measuring bullets, 45, 44, 10, 38 & 9. Gathering data on diameters, length, weight, base to expected seat depth. I use QuickLoad for most of my load development, usually checking against printed manuals. I'm not so concerned with COAL but seat depth has a direct effect on pressures and velocity due to changes in internal area.

    Only have one Berrys bullet a 9mm/115, lots of cast lead and mainstream jacketed bullets. Haven't seen any hollow base varieties but those will make a pressure difference.

    Jim

  3. #3
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    Seating depth is obviously the key. Gordon's Reloading Tool uses case length and bullet length to compute seating depth from the C.O.A.L. And, of course, a hollow-base bullet leaves more case volume behind the bullet, which is why GRT needs to know the cavity dimensions.

    I have Berry's 115 grain round nose, so no need to feed me dimensions on those. Thanks.
    Hawkmoon
    On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside

  4. #4
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    Trivia: Phil Sharpe's load data for handguns gives seating depth, not OAL.

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