Bullet length data

[Zendude]

I have been trying to find data on bullet length for common bullets used in published reloading recipes. The Hornady and Speer websites do not list the length of their bullets. When using published load data, I would like to be able to adjust the OAL for the various bullets (of the same weight and shape) that I use in order to match the case volume in the load data. For example, if a load recipe for a 9mm cartridge uses a 124 grain Speer FMJ RN at 1.150 OAL, I would like to be able to adjust the OAL for my RMR 124 grain RN FMJ, (assuming the Speer and RMR bullets are not the exact same length) in order to match the case volume in the published load.
This is not a substitute for doing a load workup from a lower powder charge and a plunk test, but I would just like to know whether I'm starting with a lower or higher case volume than the published load.

 

[Varminterror]

JBM has a pretty extensive database of bullet lengths for handgun and rifle bullets.

JBM Bullet Length List

For pistol bullets not appearing in that list, frankly, I'd either just buy some and measure them, or I'd ask on here for specific bullets, surely a handful of us would be happy to measure bullets and pass on the info.

 

[Bronx kid]

This might help.

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=62657.0

 

[Bart B.]

http://www.shootforum.com/forum/bulletdb.html

Includes all kinds of data. BC, for example.

Manufacturer's in the database A-Square, Barnaul, Barnes, Berger, Brenneke, Calhoon, CDP, CheyTac, ColoradoBonded, CT, DAG, Dave Tubb, Delsing, DEWC, DKT, DTK, DYN, Federal, Fiocchi, FMJ, FN, Fortek, FP, Freedom, Frontier, GECO, Gian-Marchet, GPA, GS-Custom, H&N, Hawk, HeviShot, Hirtenb, Hirtenberger, Hornady, HP, Igman, IMI, IMI-Samson, Impala, JDJ, JLK, Klimovsk, Lapua, LEADEx, LEE, Lehigh, LIMA, LostRiver, LYM, MEN, Mil, Norinco, Norma, NorthFork, Nosler, PMC, PMP, Powell, PowellRiverLabs, PrviPartizan, Rainier, RCBS, Reichenberg, Remington, RN, RNFP, RUAG, RWS, Sako, Sellier-Bellot, Shilen, Sierra, Sinterfire, Speer, Stoklossa, SWC, Swift, Swiss, The Gun Haus, TMJ, WestCoast, Winchester, WM-Bullets and Woodleigh

 

[Zendude]

Thanks for the data sources. I think this data might explain why my 380 loads using the Hodgdon load data for 100 grain Hornady FMJ and Hodgdon Universal powder is not reliably cycling the slide on my pistol. According to the bullet databases, the 100 grain .355 Hornady FMJ has a length of 0.507 in. I measured the length of my Rainier 100 grain .355 plated bullets and came up with 0.465 in. So, in order to get a somewhat equivalent pressure, I would need to reduce the OAL for the Rainier bullet 0.042 in (.507-.465) compared to the OAL for the Hornady FMJ in the load data. That's a big difference in OAL for a 380.
I don't think I can actually seat the Rainier bullet 0.042 inches deeper because of the bullet profile, but it explains why I had to load to the max charge just to get my 380 to cycle.

I am surprised that bullet length is not listed on most load data, especially for cartridges with a narrow range between the min and max load and those with a short case length.

 

[Duvel]

I would take any bullet information originating from QuickLOAD with a grain of salt, many measurements vary from slightly to grossly incorrect.

 

[JimKirk]

Well ... data does come with a suggested C.O.L. For each bullet ... That is in an around about way of giving you the length(using bullet points to measure ... but they vary somewhat)....

If you follow the data ...it sets the amount of powder, the COL of the bullet and by default ...the volume ... If you change either ...you tweak the data ...folks do that all the time with out a lot of worry ... and have been for many many years ... and it has worked well.... Change the COL to make the ammo to feed and to fit the chamber ...

Your chasing pressure by changing volume ... Is like a dog chasing his tail ...

I've been using three different powders under 90 gr JHP bullets 380 ACP ...they all three operate at different pressures ... Yet they shoot equally well as far as accuracy ...

 

[Offfhand]

many measurements vary from slightly to grossly incorrect.

That's interesting. Can you give some examples? thanks

 

[Walkalong]

Maybe he just means anything in a data list such as these isn't written in stone. Errors occur in data compiled by humans.

Excellent resources.

 

[Zendude]

I did find some conflicting info on the Sierra 9mm 125 grain FMJ bullet. Two of the three sources listed in this thread had the length as 0.581 and the third listed 0.575. Not a huge discrepancy, but I suppose manufacturers designs can change over the years.

 

[rsrocket1]

That's interesting. Can you give some examples? thanks

The Lee 401-175-TC is off
http://leeprecision.net/support/ind...cle/View/347/62/cast-bullet-length-dimensions
also shows dimensions as published by Lee

QL says 0.577", Lee says 0.590", my measurement is 0.563"

 

[Duvel]

That's interesting. Can you give some examples? thanks

Off the top of my mind, no, but working with QuickLOAD pretty extensively (9 & 10mm) it was pretty hit or miss whether the bullet length matched the actual product.