SSN Vet
Member
I see the conventional wisdom is to seat the 124 gr. XTP to ~1.120" and my manual gives a min. OAL for generic 124 gr. jacketed bullets as 1.090".
However when I go to do the plunk test in my new CZ 75B barrel with bullets seated for a COAL any longer than 1.080" the bullet profile engages the lead before the case rim "plunks" on the edge of the chamber. This is confirmed as I can't freely spin the cartridge in the chamber, as the bullet is engaging the rifling. If I seat to <1.080 I get a nice "plunk" and the bullet can be rotated freely. And I'm confident that my setup can hold 1.075"-1.080" tolerance, so that is my plan.
However, at 4.6-4.7 gr. HP38, my charge is a little on the warm side (at least by the latest "wussified" reloading manual standards). I've easily launched >1,000 124 gr. rounds (both plated and jacketed) down range with this load over the years. But I am normally seating RN bullets at ~1.150"
I've measured the bullet and space above the powder to confirm that this is not a compressed load.
So I'd like to canvas the forum:
Is this a result of the XTP bullet profile? or does the CZ have a short lead?
What is the COAL of a factory load with the 124 gr. .354" XTP?
Does this load pass the "reasonable man" test?
Thanks in advance for any helpful comments.
However when I go to do the plunk test in my new CZ 75B barrel with bullets seated for a COAL any longer than 1.080" the bullet profile engages the lead before the case rim "plunks" on the edge of the chamber. This is confirmed as I can't freely spin the cartridge in the chamber, as the bullet is engaging the rifling. If I seat to <1.080 I get a nice "plunk" and the bullet can be rotated freely. And I'm confident that my setup can hold 1.075"-1.080" tolerance, so that is my plan.
However, at 4.6-4.7 gr. HP38, my charge is a little on the warm side (at least by the latest "wussified" reloading manual standards). I've easily launched >1,000 124 gr. rounds (both plated and jacketed) down range with this load over the years. But I am normally seating RN bullets at ~1.150"
I've measured the bullet and space above the powder to confirm that this is not a compressed load.
So I'd like to canvas the forum:
Is this a result of the XTP bullet profile? or does the CZ have a short lead?
What is the COAL of a factory load with the 124 gr. .354" XTP?
Does this load pass the "reasonable man" test?
Thanks in advance for any helpful comments.
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