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Blem/Seconds

MGYSGT

Silver $$ Contributor
What's the difference between BLEM & SECOND? Any ideas? Is it a generic term and depends on who uses it?

Tom
 
What's the difference between BLEM & SECOND? Any ideas? Is it a generic term and depends on who uses it?

Tom
I always though of a blem as someting cosmetic like a scratch on a new refrigerator or furniture. A second may be something that functions fine and it's safe but it was a little out of spec.
 
Blem is short for blemish. "a mark that detracts from appearance, as a pimple or a scar.... a defect or flaw; stain; blight" A second is 1/60th of a minute.....or the next level of quality under First quality.....or it could be the base directly in line with homeplate and the pitchers mound and perched evenly between first and third..... :p
 
Blem is short for blemish. "a mark that detracts from appearance, as a pimple or a scar.... a defect or flaw; stain; blight" A second is 1/60th of a minute.....or the next level of quality under First quality.....or it could be the base directly in line with homeplate and the pitchers mound and perched evenly between first and third..... :p
Very skillful use of literal definition and glib humor. You Shaggy are a certified pain in the ass. I think we would get along just fine.;)jd
 
I have seen that blems are mainly a discoloration or scratches. Most seconds is usually a bullet that was made for a propriety like Winchester by Nosler and was an over run. Example, Nosler Accubond bullets with a RED tip.
 
Blem: Cosmetic. 100% in spec. Could be paint, oxidation or scratch.

Second: May or may not be out of spec., but still usable; Instead of a surface scratch, may be a dent; knobs may be hard to move but still function; mounting holes drilled through and square but not placed to spec. (I had a Remington rifle where the scope mounting holes were not inline with the bore - a "second" that passed inspection, caused me time, money and headaches).
 
Some time ago I bought 1000 175g match bullets labeled "seconds". I loaded some and found the seating depth (measured at the ojive) varied up to .050 inch. Checking the BTO of the bullets I found that was the problem, the dimension varied the .050 inch. I sure got exhausted sorting 1000 of those POSes. I don't buy seconds anymore.
 
I have learned the hard way to inspect a NEW firearm at least as closely or more-so than I would a used one. It's easy to be blinded by the "new in the box" syndrome, and when you get home with your new baby, you find some of the most glaring defects that you never would have missed on a used gun.:( It's kind of tough to go backwards on a deal after you have gone through the background check and the gun is transferred into your name.

Seems like quality control isn't as good as it should be these days, and a lot of blems, or what should be factory seconds make it onto the top shelf. jd
 
Seems like quality control isn't as good as it should be these days, and a lot of blems, or what should be factory seconds make it onto the top shelf. jd

I have stopped by Hornady's plant in Nebraska, I always thought it rather awkward because they will not sell anything less than list price to reloaders/walk-inn customers. And then there is that part about them not being happy to see me but they have bullets in blemish cabinets. The last time I was there they were out of .311" and .323" bullets so I complained;). They filled the blimed bullet cabinet with bullets from the other cabinet.

F. Guffey
 
I stopped by Serria today and bought some seconds, I looked them over good then asked what made them seconds. The reply was that some had spots on them that did not polish out and there could be some jackets only in the mix . I won't know until I weigh and mike them for sure but the looked good enough to me at first glance . Plus sold by the pound.
 
I have stopped by Hornady's plant in Nebraska, I always thought it rather awkward because they will not sell anything less than list price to reloaders/walk-inn customers. And then there is that part about them not being happy to see me but they have bullets in blemish cabinets. The last time I was there they were out of .311" and .323" bullets so I complained;). They filled the blimed bullet cabinet with bullets from the other cabinet.

F. Guffey

They also started putting the reason for their rejection on the box. I passed on some awhile back that indicated that they had bad tips. On that trip, I did buy them out of 6.5 ELD-X for my buddy!
 
Multiple runs can be in one batch with different BTO and OAL. The very beginning of runs, while machines are being adjusted might be included. They need to be sorted if best results are to be achieved. Using first runs and seconds from same bullet make and models have given better results with 1st runs. For plinking, casual target shooting or self defense to reasonable range, they will do fine
 
I stopped by Serria today and bought some seconds, I looked them over good then asked what made them seconds. The reply was that some had spots on them that did not polish out and there could be some jackets only in the mix . I won't know until I weigh and mike them for sure but the looked good enough to me at first glance . Plus sold by the pound.

Dale,
I wouldn't consider using "blems" or "seconds" for serious accuracy shooting. They're great for general plinking and all around open field fun. Back in the 70's when Sierra still had they're business in Santa Fe Springs, CA, we used to stop buy on Saturdays and buy a few lbs of the stuff, take it home, my neighbor would load it and then head for the open ranges in the desert and cut loose. Great for the non serious shooters or people just getting into the sport. But I wouldn't consider using the results as serious for actual bullet and powder testing. Also great for foulers. Just my .02 cents worth.

Alex
 

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