Berger 155.5 Warning

[M99]

Say, if you are using the Berger 155.5 Fullbore Target Bullet, p/n 30416, Measure your bullets when you change lot numbers. I just started a new box of 500 and for self preservation started to measure any differences between lots. Same p/n. The different length was .040 from base to Orgive and a bit more from base to tip. Weight was still 155.5. That's a huge profile difference. enough that I'll consider it a different load, not just a different batch of ammo. Could ruin your whole day at a Long Range match.

 

[Dos XX]

That's one reason to beware of them. The other reason is when you are shooting against someone that knows how to drive them. Got my you know what handed to me yesterday by one of those guys.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

It is always a good idea to check bearing surface length with a new batch of bullets. Also check the diameter of the bearing surface and pressure ring. No matter how they mic out, a quick load tuning session is in order.

 

[Dos XX]

It is always a good idea to check bearing surface length with a new batch of bullets. Also check the diameter of the bearing surface and pressure ring. No matter how they mic out, a quick load tuning session is in order.

Agreed. My new batch of 185 Juggernauts was .010 different. Had to adjust my seating depth to maintain the same distance off the lands.

I am on my 3rd batch of these bullets and all three had different seating lengths to maintain distance to lands.

 

[watercam]

Same with Sierra 2156s and, I am assuming, most bullets out there. New lot is just that, new!

 

[Jdne5b]

Through 4-5 lots, I've never measured for any differences, and havent really noticed anything on 600 yard paper, they seem to be very tolerant or maybe my barrel is tolerant.

.040 is quite a bit, so I'll have to take a look on the next box I open up. Thanks for posting the heads up.

 

[NickB1075]

I recently just opened a box of Sierra 2156's that had to be sorted. Within the box of 500 there were 3 different sizes. They varied about .040"+ from base to ogive measurement.

Is that the norm? Or should I be contacting Sierra?

Nick

 

[M99]

If they vary by that much within a lot, I'd be changing bullets I use for competition shooting. The Bergers I measured were very consistent within a lot, and I had never seen such a huge change even between lots previously.

 

[corning]

What do you use to make that measurement?

 

[NickB1075]

I am thinking about changing bullets but I have had good results with Sierra's for years. I don't think that these variation are normal for their product. I have been in contact with Sierra and they are taking a look at some of the bullets.

I use the Hornady Bullet Comparator with the 30 cal. insert. I have tried two different calipers and cross checked my technique of using the comparator with Lapua and Berger bullets and I had very consistent results with both brands. I don't think misuse of the comparator is the issue. If you place the Sierra bullets next to each other a difference in length is visable without measuring.

Nick

 

[swed6.5]

Most of us are aware of lot to lot incositancy,and thats why were always buying as much of any 1 components lot as you can. Same goes with powder lot burn rates.

 

[NickB1075]

This variation was within the same lot.

 

[XTR]

I've seen variations as much as .030 base of the bullet to ogive within 185 Juggs lot to lot, never in the same lot; however, in my bullets the difference all appears to be in the base because it never makes any difference in the loaded round base to ogive measurement with the same seater setting.

 

[corning]

A number of years ago, I was advised by a friend in Colorado not to buy the Bergers in boxes of 500, but in boxes of 100. His observations were that the boxes of 500 were inconsistent in key measurements, within the same lot. The boxes of 100, within the same lot, were not

John

 

[Dgd6mm]

Now I know why JLK's cost the most, they are the most consistant. ;D

 

[mac86951]

Now I know why JLK's cost the most, they are the most consistant. ;D

+1 to that, but just like Powder, lot-lot can will have variances for all reloading components.
-Mac