Sorting Bullets

[muleystalker]

Im going to start sorting bullets and I want to know what you guys are using to measure them? What tool you feel is the best and why? Calipers, Dial indicator and stand, digital or analog? Has anyone used the Sorteez indicator with stand , does it work and is it worth it? Any help is appreciated, let it fly boys!

Dave

 

[JFrank]

It'll make ya crazy
If your making a hunting round then maybe just weigh um

 

[JohnKielly]

I have no confidence in calipers. I've gotten different readings from the same piece from which I assume that there's the potential for the device, under load, to reform the ogive.

 

[natdscott]

I have no confidence in calipers. I've gotten different readings from the same piece from which I assume that there's the potential for the device, under load, to reform the ogive.

Use less load.

 

[Jet]

Lots of different opinions on this.
This is what I do and the order it is done:
1. Bearing surface with the Mark King tool (don't think he makes them anymore). Sort in .001" batches
2. Seating stem to ogive using Bob Green's tool. Anything outside of .001 goes in a fouler pile.
3. Juenke machine (voodoo stuff here)
4. Base to ogive
5. Overall length

Some bullet brands and models must be sorted to get them to shoot well. If you don't want to mess with sorting, just get some Vapor Trails. They are the most consistent bullets that I've tested/checked.

Good Shooting

Rich

 

[Puzzaz01]

Or you could just buy some Barts bullets. They shoot excellent, Bart holds the BR World Record.

Darrin

 

[JFrank]

Lots of different opinions on this.
This is what I do and the order it is done:
1. Bearing surface with the Mark King tool (don't think he makes them anymore). Sort in .001" batches
2. Seating stem to ogive using Bob Green's tool. Anything outside of .001 goes in a fouler pile.
3. Juenke machine (voodoo stuff here)
4. Base to ogive
5. Overall length

Some bullet brands and models must be sorted to get them to shoot well. If you don't want to mess with sorting, just get some Vapor Trails. They are the most consistent bullets that I've tested/checked.

Good Shooting

Rich

Thats a lot of sorting Rich?

 

[Jet]

6-8 hours to do 1000 bullets. Off season project that is usually done a couple hours at a time in the evening.

 

[JMayo]

Weigh them first. Then before seating measure ogive. Put like ogives together.
I shoot in 5's.

 

[muleystalker]

Weigh them first. Then before seating measure ogive. Put like ogives together.
I shoot in 5's.
View attachment 1073594

What tool are you using too measure BTO? calipers or a dial indicator/base?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Buy good bullets and shoot em

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Bart,
Which Bullets would you recommend?
Ben

Im not bart but since you quoted me i recommend barts or vapor trails.

 

[Jimmy James]

I use this with hex nut comparator.

https://www.sinclairintl.com/reload.../sinclair-bullet-sorting-stand-prod38769.aspx

It even comes in handy to spot check lots of "good" bullets.

 

[JMayo]

What tool are you using too measure BTO? calipers or a dial indicator/base?

I have 2 #23 hornady inserts on calapers. It's not about having the correct measurement it's about the comparison of the bullets. What I was taught ....

 

[JFrank]

I have a hard time understanding how Bullets can vary so much from lot to lot.
Example
107 smk
Box 1- BBTO.0687 -100 count
Box 2- BBTO.0685- 100 count
Box 3- BBTO.0677-500 count
My friends
Box 4- BBTO.0648- 500 count

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I have a hard time understanding how Bullets can vary so much from lot to lot.
Example
107 smk
Box 1- BBTO.0687 -100 count
Box 2- BBTO.0685- 100 count
Box 3- BBTO.0677-500 count
My friends
Box 4- BBTO.0648- 500 count

Theoretically thats what makes a “lot” when they change something whether it be a fresh core seat punch or a new roll of copper for the jackets

 

[JFrank]

At least I have plenty of odd balls for FF brass laying around.

 

[KenOath]

BTO using Sinclair stand and dial, reasonably fast and accurate, allows me to cull the longer and shorter ones. My main batch of bullets are + - .001”..

 

[BenPerfected]

The other option is to just use custom bullets like Bart’s and save the sorting & testing time using average bullets. What is the real component and barrel wear cost to test and retest average components? IMO, the best bullets are a cost saving.
Ben

 

[JMayo]

I ran a printing press when I was younger. We had 8 pressses.
Ole Lee ran#1 and could do no wrong.steady as a clock.
I ran #8 and couldn't get that sob to run a good long run without it either going high or going low.
Some operators are better at it than others .....
I'm sure running a bullet making pres is only as good as the talent off the opperator