Looking for information on these bullets

[ServiceGun]

I just bought two boxes of bullets from a Craigslist ad.

1. National Bullet Co. 148gr. 38cal. DEWC 500pcs
2. Tru-Flight Bullet Co. 148gr. 38cal. DEWC 500pcs

What can you tell me about these companies regarding quality?
Would you load these flush with the case mouth or crimp on the first groove?

Thanks

 

[ServiceGun]

I just bought two boxes of bullets from a Craigslist ad.

1. National Bullet Co. 148gr. 38cal. DEWC 500pcs
2. Tru-Flight Bullet Co. 148gr. 38cal. DEWC 500pcs

What can you tell me about these companies regarding quality?
Would you load these flush with the case mouth or crimp on the first groove?

Thanks

 

[44forever]

National Bullet Company used to be good quality, good service. A few years ago that changed and I don't think they are still in business. If the bullets have a groove near the end that doesn't have lube in it, that is a crimping groove and you would crimp in it for revolver loads. For semi-autos, it depends on the gun, most want the bullet seated flush with the case mouth.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally posted by 44forever:
National Bullet Company used to be good quality, good service. A few years ago that changed and I don't think they are still in business. If the bullets have a groove near the end that doesn't have lube in it, that is a crimping groove and you would crimp in it for revolver loads. For semi-autos, it depends on the gun, most want the bullet seated flush with the case mouth.

+1

 

[n4zov]

National Bullet Company used to be good quality, good service

+1 Some years back, I shot tons of NBC semi-wadcutters in .38,'s and .45's. They were fine bullets then, but I have not bought from them in some time.

 

[NKJ nut]

I can't tell you anything about the quality of the bullets produced by either company. I will try to answer the other question.

The seating die can be adjusted to crimp in either the crimp groove or you can crimp over the end of the bullet. Typical wadcutter loads do not require a heavy crimp and the depth of the crimp groove on these type bullets is rather shallow for this reason. But there is no reason you can't seat the bullets flush with the case mouth and put whatever amount of crimp is desired. On some handguns such as the S&W model 52 you must seat flush.

For most other guns I use the crimp groove. There is no reason for you not to experiment and find what works best for you.

 

[btruman]

I've used the bullets from National Bullet company in the past and remember them working just fine but it was some yrs ago. Never seen the tru-Flight in my area. Both of the ones you have pictured look pretty good to me.