Bullet damage from processing and handling?

[dcali]

There have been a couple threads where the topic of how bullets can get damaged by handling - whether it’s by polishing, tumbling, shipping or just generally knocking them around.

I wanted to get some insight into people’s experience - has anyone tested this? What sorts of defects are we talking about? How can we avoid it?

Any and all thoughts are welcome - I’m just trying to start a conversation on the topic.

 

[RGRobinett]

Consider what takes place when the bullets is driven through a barrel at 60K+ PSI . . . better hope the passage is round! RG

 

[JimSC]

when the bullet exits the barrel it ain't near as purty as it was when it went in

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-can-a-bullet-be-trace/

 

[Ned Ludd]

I developed a good load with a 30 cal bullet from a different manufacturer than I usually use (i.e. not Berger). Unlike your typical Berger bullet, which are often slick enough that they slip out of your fingers, these bullets were all coated with some kind of sticky film. I loaded and fired them that way and I can't say that it had any negative effect on how they shoot. Nonetheless, I finally decided I didn't care for the sticky coating and nasty sensation when seating bullets. So I decided to start giving them a quick wash in warm water + Dawn, followed by a thorough rinsing. I then dry them off on a towel and warm them up for a few minutes in my food evaporator (brass dryer). These bullets were not "damaged" from shipment, per se, but they were not very pleasant to work with, either. Frankly, at the price I paid for these bullets, I shouldn't be be in the position of having to choose to either have sticky fingers, or wash the bullets.

I don't intend to tumble these bullets in media, that's even more trouble than a quick wash and dry. However, I have recently been using Turtle Wax "Wax and Dry" for another purpose. It is a spray wax for your car that you're supposed to put on when it is still wet, then just towel it dry. I'm thinking it might not hurt to give these bullets a spray of this stuff while they're still wet, so they'll be a little shinier and easier to handle.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Pointing or tipping bullets cause more damage than anything. Next is dropping one on a hard surface. Then getting sizing lube on them. The first 2 come from compromised jacket/core relationship.

 

[MattPeetz]

How much damage is too much and how can you tell before even loading them??
I can’t believe a little movement in shipping is hurtful.

 

[dcali]

How much damage is too much and how can you tell before even loading them??
I can’t believe a little movement in shipping is hurtful.

That’s what I’m interested in. I’ve heard more than one knowledgeable person say that even tumbling done to polish them up can be detrimental. I’m just curious as how much, and how it happens.

 

[ronemus]

Most bullets will have a protective film to prevent corrosion. Just tumble new bullets in fresh cob and let them sit on the shelf for a few months - you'll be amazed at the appearance, especially if you're downwind of a major metro area.