Combining bullet "stash"

[smokindog]

I just received another order from XTreme bullets. They've changed some of their packaging, at least for 223, and went to a smaller box which is good. 500 223 don't even fill this half size box, let alone the larger boxes used for other calibers!!!

I'm running out of room in my supply cabinet and was about to consolidate things into fewer boxes when I decided to ask .....

Do you folks have any concerns about mixing different lots of the SAME bullets?

I know if there were a recall it could be problematic but I wasn't sure if I should really place much credence in that possibility (aka OCD )! I DO keep different lots of factory ammo separate and never mix in a magazine but .....

[Bkreutz]

I dump my boxes of extreme bullets into a bucket next to my press. Since there is no "lot number" on the bullets, I wouldn't worry about it. They probably fill the boxes at the factory from a giant hopper full of bullets.

[fredj338]

Mix away if they are the same brand & style. Just verify the shape hasn't changed, this affects oal.

[RussellD]

I try to order a case at a time and load until I done with the case. I dont mix mine.

[Ivan the Butcher]

On cast bullets I segregate by Diameter/Weight/Design and on special bullets Alloy. for example 45-70; .459"/405 gr/ RNFP/ 30:1 (or lead or Type) On pistol for example 38 special; .357"/158gr/SWC, and if they were different enough to have the crimping groove at different position, would have them in a baggie inside the bin. On Jacketed rifle bullets, it would depend. I never mix brands. On non-precision bullets, like 223 55 gn fmjbt, I will mix lots (when loaded they are just dumped in an ammo can). On Precision bullets the are kept separate by lot. For me this is pretty easy. I buy my Sierra .308/155 gr/Palma bullets in sleeves of 500, and many others that way or in 500 or 1000 count boxes. The loaded ammo is put into plastic carriers (boxes with handles) of 50 or 100 all same batch of bullet, powder, primers and brass. When I get down to less than a carrier full of components, those are set aside for load development, or small batches of mixed lot ammo is loaded for non-precision shooting (aka full auto). The nice thing is; It is your loading room, make it what you want. I found at Lowe's (4 years ago) plastic bins the largest are about 3.5 gallons. I label them to a cartridge OR a specific gun. I have a bin for 45-70 and a bin for Sharps 45-70. In that bin are the bullets and brass and some times the brick of primers. (My bin for 221 Fireball has the current box of bullets, brick of primers,and can of powder, boxes of brass loaded ammo and a small note book, just for that Contender Barrel, there is a second TC barrel I'm not using at this point.) These bins are stacked in 2's on shelves. If I want to load at the range, I can take the bin with me, just add dies and the portable press. Almost all of my dies are kept in one location, "The Library", the exception are a few specialty dies (like a 45-90 taper crimp die) that are in the bin of that caliber. I created one problem of my own. In all of my 22 caliber center fire cartridges (except 22 Hornet and one long range 223) I use the same design and weight of bullet; 50 gr polymer point BT. But in 4 Different brands. So they are bought in the largest quantities I can get of a lot. Then they are parceled out to the bins of different cartridges. Every 22 CF with a medium twist barrel (1 in 9 to 1 in 12 twist) likes the bullet design, but the individual gun will shoot one brand better than the other brands. More than one gun may like that brand. My 22-250, 22 BR and 221 Fireball all prefer the Combined Technologies brand. I will get to shooting a gun a lot, and need to rob others of their components, this hasn't caused any serious problems yet, but I see the potential (especially in these times of supply difficulty). I hoped this gives you some useful ideas. Ivan

[MichiganScott]

I don't mix bullets. The ogive shape changes from lot to lot, even on high dollar target bullets. This affects overall length and distance to the lands which affects accuracy.

Over the years, when running series of overall lengths to find the most consistent grouping, I have noticed that groups will travel around the point of aim. Imagine what this would do to group size if you were to measure all the separate groups as one.

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by MichiganScott

I don't mix bullets. The ogive shape changes from lot to lot, even on high dollar target bullets. This affects overall length and distance to the lands which affects accuracy.

Over the years, when running series of overall lengths to find the most consistent grouping, I have noticed that groups will travel around the point of aim. Imagine what this would do to group size if you were to measure all the separate groups as one.

With rifle possibly. With handgun, no affect on accuracy.

[scooter123]

Originally Posted by fredj338

With rifle possibly. With handgun, no affect on accuracy.

I wouldn't say NO effect on accuracy, just that any effect on accuracy would be too small for a human being shooting offhand to ever notice.

Personally I've noticed that 500 of the 125 grain 38 special bullets doesn't quite come up to the halfway mark in the box, so it's become routine for me to dump one box of 500 into another to make it 1000. Then those bullets go into Cabela's ammo boxes for storage until needed. Keeps that copper coating nice and shiny and I like loading with shiny bullets.

[Ivan the Butcher]

On jacketed bullets Ogive shape is dependent on the forming die shape. The change come from changes in or additional number of final dies. Sierra has 3 for 140 gr in 6.5, you will find all 3 in the same box. If that matters to you, Sinclair International and others have compareitors to measure that. I have a friend that loads 6.5 x 284 and uses that bullet. He buys several boxes (usually 5) and checks each bullet and separates them into three groups. A few years ago he sent one of these rifles and 200 rounds to Afghanistan with USMC Force Recon about 18 months the rifle was returned. About 40 rounds had be fired. There was a note thanking him for the use of the rifle and that 8 turbans went to see Allah. The rifle was about 20 pounds and was used at perimeter defense not on patrol. My second son tried to raise funds from other Marines to buy and donate that rifle to the Corps. They were too slow and the rifle is in privet hands. I have shot that gun with the segregated bullets. The furthest was 800 yards, my group was a disappointing 3/4" (I was happy with the group, but the owner was disappointed in my shooting!) Berger Bullets has the new "Hybrid" design. I have seen it put 3 106's from a 243, into a 30 cal bullet crater in a 600 yard target frame. Berger uses a single set of forming dies! I don't mess with this process. I get 1/4 MOA groups out to 800 yards with my 308 and Sierra's 155 Palma bullets straight from the box. I don't believe my rifle can do any better. Don't waste time and resources making 1/10 MOA ammo in a 1/2 MOA gun. Hope this give clarity as opposed raising more questions. Ivan

[Mcwsky09]

You could use gallon size freezer ziplock bags with an index card in each bag to segregate projectiles from each batch while sharing a box.

Edit - actually, gallon size might be too big - quart size would likely be better. But the freezer bags are generally heavier and should hold up longer and be easier to use. Not sure if they have freezer bags in pint size but that could also work for smaller quantities.

[Engineer1911]

I load jacketed bullets by caliber and weight -- I disregard manufacturer. When I change brands, I verify the overall cartridge length, do a "plunk" test, and "close the bolt with one finger" test. I do not want bullet touching the lands.

[Black_Talon]

Originally Posted by Ivan the Butcher

On jacketed bullets Ogive shape is dependent on the forming die shape. The change come from changes in or additional number of final dies. Sierra has 3 for 140 gr in 6.5, you will find all 3 in the same box.

I worked for Sierra for 12 years, until they moved to MO. During that time, you would never, ever, ever ever find bullets made with different form dies in the same box. Changing the form die (or even having certain types of work done on it) led to an automatic Lot Number change, at which time the new production lot was kept separate from any earlier lots, and were not mixed together at any point in the remaining manufacturing process. If different lots ever were mixed, it was strictly an error, never by design.

Hopefully Quality Control at Sierra has remained as high (if not higher) than it was back when I worked for them.

[MichiganScott]

Originally Posted by fredj338

With rifle possibly. With handgun, no affect on accuracy.

Except the OP was asking about .223, not handguns.

[smokindog]

Asking in general, was just citing that they changed the 223 packaging!!!!

I stock, 9, 40, 45, 45C, and 223 .... mostly from Xtreme!

Originally Posted by MichiganScott

Except the OP was asking about .223, not handguns.