24 November 2003, 23:38
Sauer-Mauserover size bullets in a tight bore
I am new to reloading for rifles and would like to ask a question regarding oversize bullets in an undersize bore. Rifle is a 9,3 (.3660) and the bore slugs out as .3655. The copper jacketed roundnose Bullets I have vary in diameter and measure upto .3665, or .001 over size. Question...will this over size bullet cause problems with pressure and should i refrain from using bullets slightly (.001 to .0015 oversize) in my rifle? I can sort thru the bullets if I need to so any advice is welcomed. thank you in advance. S-M
25 November 2003, 02:36
KingfisherS-M, the difference you're talking about should not be a problem with proper loading technique. If you were dealing with a .003 difference or greater, then I'd start to be cautious, but not at .001-.0015. You wont even notice a difference. That'd be like the difference between using a bullet with a relatively soft jacket vs. a bullet with a really hard jacket. If you start low and work up, you'll be fine.
25 November 2003, 16:48
AtkinsonI wouldn't be concerned at all....
25 November 2003, 18:08
<400 Nitro Express>S-M:
I entirely agree with the above posts, you will have no problem at all.
I have a .400/.360 2 3/4" Purdey Nitro Express rifle which is supposed to be a .367" groove diameter, but the bores slug .3635". I shot off the shelf jacketed 9.3 (.366) bullets in it for a number of years with no problems. I now size them down in a reducing die and can't tell a difference, other than a slight improvement in accuracy. You'll be fine.
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"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."