Bullet Brand Difference

[tgwillard]

I have a reloading guide that lists different brands of bullets, but with the same weight with different loads of powder (the same type). Assuming a bullet is seated at the same depth can one assume that say a 124 grain bullet from one manufacturer could use the same amount of a particular powder as a 124 grain bullet from a different manufacturer? If the length of the bullet is different then I could see that setting the bullet to the same OAL would produce different pressures inside the case.

 

[tgwillard]

I have a reloading guide that lists different brands of bullets, but with the same weight with different loads of powder (the same type). Assuming a bullet is seated at the same depth can one assume that say a 124 grain bullet from one manufacturer could use the same amount of a particular powder as a 124 grain bullet from a different manufacturer? If the length of the bullet is different then I could see that setting the bullet to the same OAL would produce different pressures inside the case.

 

[OKFC05]

Assuming a bullet is seated at the same depth can one assume that say a 124 grain bullet from one manufacturer could use the same amount of a particular powder as a 124 grain bullet from a different manufacturer

No.
Bullets of the same type, weight and size are candidates for using the same starting load and working up, only.

Bullets vary from plain soft lead, hard lead, plated, jacketed, different diameters, different bearing length, different jacket thickness and composition, etc.

 

[tgwillard]

Thanks for the information. For example a Speer 115 grain lists a range of 5.6 to 6.3 for Unique and 4.0 to 4.4 for 700x, while for a Sierra 115 grain lists a range of 4.9 to 6.6 for Unique and 3.8 to 5.0 for 700x.

I plan on reloading at the starting load since my use will be target practice.

 

[MrPhil]

What manual is this from? I'm wondering if it is a compilation of data from different sources. Best example of this type of manual is the Lee manual.

 

[OKFC05]

plan on reloading at the starting load since my use will be target practice.

Here's another tip.
You appear to be loading for a semi-auto.

For a semi-auto, you may have to gradually increase (work up) your load to find the power needed to make the gun function reliably. A semi-auto is a machine, and the cartridge is the engine.
While a revolver can be used with minimum loads, a semi-auto (depending on recoil spring) may need more power to function.

 

[tgwillard]

Yes. I am reloading for an automatic (6906). The data comes from a compilation of various manufacture sources just for 9mm. I will try to keep the load half way between the starting figures and the maximums. I am using a Lee classic reloader since I don't have the volume requirements to justify a bench press at the moment. I also have the Lee powder measure set along with a digital scale, so I have limited pre-measured loads (which I check with the scale). I have Unique and 700x powder from when I last did reloading. That was 40 years ago with a classic Lee Loader for .45 acp, which I also intend to begin reusing again. I figure if I use a bullet that has a powder load range, in which one of my measures falls in the middle for either Unique or 700x, I should be OK.

 

[Littledragon777]

I have loaded my 38 special with Winchester 158 grain JHPs and AA#5 and have gotten excellent accuracy, I ran out of these and came up with some 158 grain Remingtons JHPs. Using the same load data my groups opened up several inches in all directions out of my old 28-2. The bullets look identical but do not perform the same at all. I either have to start loading over again for the Remington or wait till hell freezes over and I find some more Winchester 158 gr. JHPs. Moral of the story. Treat every different bullet as a different new load and work it up on it's own merit.