Danger in shooting "short" bullet?

P

Prof Young

New member
Loaders:
I've been loading and shooting 380 for some time now. The other day I found one of my reloads that somehow had the bullet seated way too far. Not sure how that happened or why I didn't notice it in the reloading process. Anyway it was seated so far in that the top edge of the case was no longer touching the copper of the bullet. I didn't shoot it, but am wondering if it would have been dangerous to do so.

Life is good.
Prof Young
 
Well first of all you have a huge pressure issue.

Mild plinking loads you might get away with it, but getting away with something is not a good idea.

I would kinetic them out to normal or break them down.

What load?
 
The short answer is yes, you would have a pressure issue. Especially in pistol cartridges. The .380 automatic is a lower pressure cartridge at around 21k psi. Target and plinking loads may be obviously lower. But in pistols, because of the lower case volume, differences in seating depth make bigger differences in pressure than a rifle cartridge would.

The above is Especially important with respect to cartridges such as the .40 s&w which operates at higher pressure.

So no, I wouldn't shoot it. You may consider crimping to ensure that they aren't being pushed down into the case later on.
 
Had a 380 with that happen while reloading. I caught it as it came off the press and it was put aside for repair. I'm loading light but still I wouldn't shoot it. Not worth the risk even though this is a new gun which I'm also sure would withstand a +P load.
 
"...the bullet seated way too far..." Indicates the taper crimp die is not crimping. Or you're not operating the ram exactly the same way every time.
 
Thanks and . . .

Thanks for all the info. Glad I didn't shoot it.

And I am not completely sure what happened. This was loaded before I got my turret press and I suspect I missed the "crimp" stage on this one. I always crimp.

Life is good
Prof Young
 
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