firing pulled bullets question:

cpileri

What changes, if any, occur in flight and ballistics if one were to re-load and shoot projectiles "pulled" from old rounds. I have a few .308 cal and the pull marks are scratches that go from below the cannelure to above it. seems that gas could escape around thru these gouges as it went down the barrel, and throw off the accuracy or cause it to tumble. I would prefer a projectile that hits point first, at least. Anyone reloaded any like this, and noted any changes? Anyone with ballistic expertise have any suggestions? Carl

JustC

if the gouges aren't too deep they will fly fine. What type of puller was used? You may tumble them with some cases just to smooth them out some but not too long.

jonk

I have fired military surplus 147 gr pulled bullets and will say this. They are as accurate as non pulled mil. bullets, which is to say not too accurate... but for the price, they are great.

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"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.

Iconoclast

I've used recycled slugs w/ scratched bearing surfaces many times. No prob. Depends on the method and care used to extract from the original load. If the bullet was not distorted, they will be fine. Don't forget, some scratches can occur in loading, as well. Unless there're horribly deep grooves cut in the jacket, the bullet upset as it is forced into to the bore configuration will 'iron' out such minor defects virtually instantaneously. I wouldn't use such projectiles where utmost accuracy was required - but if that was your intent, I'm sure you wouldn't either.