Sierra"s poor bullet bearing surface runout

[bozo699]

Latest update is Sierra called this late afternoon and need all the bullets for further evaluation.

Well there definitely must have been a problem, I hope they make it right with you and I am sure they will.
Wayne.

 

[4xforfun]

I have only sorted one batch of SMK's....30 cal 240's. 500 count box I use Bill Shehanes device and measure bearing serface lengths. They were, with out a doubt, the most consistent batch of bullets I ever tested. After I found my zero, or the middle, I had three batches.... -001, 000, and +001....three thou TOTAL!!! I even posted about it over at BR central.

The worst I ever saw was a box of 100 105 VLD Bergers.....20 thou spred in that one box. I also posted about that and got flamed!!!

I have been shooting Bergers in all of my match guns and sort them 500 or 1000 at a time. the norm is .005 - .007 total spread. I may get a couple outside this, but usualy 99% fit into that spread.

Just seperate them and shoot them in batches...unless there is a bullet the is WILDLY out , or has a visual defect you can see. Just shoot em!!

 

[4xforfun]

Hey D,

I have had a couple of requests by Ron Genda and a couple of guys I don't know to take some pics. I am going to set up ASAP and sort out a pile of bullets. I will take a few pictures of the setup.....PAINFULLY SIMPLE, very accurate and repeatable!! Just waiting for the weather to turn to KRAP and things to slow down around here. I have been substituting the Snowmobiles for guns....doing lots of shooting this winter so far. Gotta like bangin that steel and having to wait a few seconds for the CLANK!!! ;D

Thanks,
Tod

 

[johara1]

Donovan, What do you use to check your bearing surface now? I have been using Tubbs and it works great after i figured out how to use it ........jim

 

[markr]

Just an update...called Sierra today with my CRISES. Explained what I have at hand for a problem.
I was asked to send in some bullets that I measured that were short and the ones that measured long along with the lot numbers tore off the back of the box.
SO....we shall see

I believe that I would have called them first before $hitslamming a good and well respected bullet maker on the internet...JMHO

 

[wildchild]

Just an update...called Sierra today with my CRISES. Explained what I have at hand for a problem.
I was asked to send in some bullets that I measured that were short and the ones that measured long along with the lot numbers tore off the back of the box.
SO....we shall see

I believe that I would have called them first before $hitslamming a good and well respected bullet maker on the internet...JMHO

Ya know I was expecting a reply like, but figured it woulda been earlier. This is my deal the price of this continues to get higher about every 6 months and I'm not seeing any better quality or justification! I paid for two boxes then shipping, know I'll pay shipping to sierra then what do I have into it? Were the quality control? How many just buy a box, shoot em and don't know why they don't shoot get mad then go give money to another IMPORTED company so they shoot? Maybe thread saved a bunch of primers, powder and undue barrel erosion and wAsted time.

 

[slurpin dog]

Sierra is from the show me state.................They wanna see em.

 

[markr]

Just an update...called Sierra today with my CRISES. Explained what I have at hand for a problem.
I was asked to send in some bullets that I measured that were short and the ones that measured long along with the lot numbers tore off the back of the box.
SO....we shall see

I believe that I would have called them first before $hitslamming a good and well respected bullet maker on the internet...JMHO

Ya know I was expecting a reply like, but figured it woulda been earlier. This is my deal the price of this continues to get higher about every 6 months and I'm not seeing any better quality or justification! I paid for two boxes then shipping, know I'll pay shipping to sierra then what do I have into it? Were the quality control? How many just buy a box, shoot em and don't know why they don't shoot get mad then go give money to another IMPORTED company so they shoot? Maybe thread saved a bunch of primers, powder and undue barrel erosion and wAsted time.

Ya know, sometimes things like this just happen, even with the "best" producers! Mass manufactured bullets are not made by one person and quality controlled on the spot one at a time like true custom bullets are, with humans or machines at the control just every now and then there is a slip up.

Soooooo...did this thread accomplish anything for you...other than possibly making you feel better? Probably not! But if thats all you needed was to vent, I guess you acomplished your mission. By the way, you can shoot real, custom handmade bullets for about the same money and you most likely wouldn't have to worry about this problem. By the way, how were you measuring these bullets....base to ogive? Base to tip? What kind of measuring devices did you say? Not a chinese made caliper in the mixture I hope. Once again, just my opinion.

 

[wildchild]

@markr...If you could direct me to some hand made bullets for around the same cost that would much appreciated. Oh and for the measuring technique Ill post this pic. Also the nut end that is 6mm was modified my me with the reamer by cutting the lead in it so the bullet sets as it does in my chamber, it illuminates the weebble wobble and give a solid stop for measurement. All of my measuring aside Sierra must of seen some similar issues as I stated they called and want whats left returned.

If there is a more discriminating way please advise away for measuring. 8)

 

[johara1]

I would try a Tubb bearing surface comparator found at SSS inc. Do not rotate the bottom of the die as it will engrave and give you a false reading. mark the bottom die so this can't happen.........jim

 

[bozo699]

Jim,
I don't see Tubbs tool on his site any more, just the die's maybe he still sells it and just don't show it. If not Mark King rifles sells the John Buhay which I believe is almost identical to Tubbs and Bill SheHanes, I think there $150 and $10 for the first set of inserts and $50 for additional inserts (calibers)
Wayne.

 

[lpreddick]

bought a box of 25 cal 100 gr smks and measured base to bearing point on ogive....035 in was the greatest variation. spoke with qc person at sierra and sent them for evaluation bought another box of same at gun show, measured same and they are all clones...not even .001 thous difference!! i'm happy.

 

[johara1]

Wayne, i just looked at SSS and it was still there,The one mark King sells is the same. It maybe made a little nicer.........jim

 

[ridgeway]

Here is my Mark King comparator. Very nice indeed!

Jim, I do see a product info sheet for the SSS comparator, but don't see it offered for sale. Their all the same.

 

[ridgeway]

Here are a few MSC sells...

http://www1.mscdirect.com/eCommerce/NavigationServlet/Comparator-Gage-Stands/_/N-77dbt?cm_re=Category-_-Breadcrumb-_-Comparator+Gage+Stands

And one that Grizzly sells...
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Granite-Comparator-Stand-Frame/G9628


Just need to add the bullet comparators.

 

[wildchild]

bought a box of 25 cal 100 gr smks and measured base to bearing point on ogive....035 in was the greatest variation. spoke with qc person at sierra and sent them for evaluation bought another box of same at gun show, measured same and they are all clones...not even .001 thous difference!! i'm happy.

So what was the report back from sierra on the evaluated bullets?

 

[lpreddick]

got email that bullets were recieved and were being evaluated...a very polite qc person. will post his response. i'll continue using sierra bullets, but will check each as i do even with the custom ones which are without doubt more consistent and of course, more expensive.

 

[johara1]

I guess you guys are right,they are no longer going to have the BSC. at SSS. just the inserts but the one Mark king sells is the same one.......jim

 

[wildchild]

Boy talk about BS! waiting over 2 weeks just to get an evaluation of my bullets. After 5 calls and being told there not checked yet!
One would assume maybe the line of returned bullets is so long, my number isnt up yet!

 

[lpreddick]

email to a mr robert treece yesterday...no response as of today. they may indeed have a lot of inquiries. got 200 cheek's bullets, 68 gr 6mm and they measure THE SAME! $24/100!!! fowler's bullets slghtly more $ but they measure THE SAME! precision begets perfection.