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  1. #1
    Machine Gunner Lurch's Avatar
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    Default Bullet weight vs length

    So I was looking at some tracer bullets for 223 and 30 cal. and noticed they are much longer then their equal weight counterpart. When reloading tracers obviously you load for weight of the bullet but how does the length effect pressures? In other words using the same amount of powder and setting the OAL the same, the longer bullet is going to go into the case further so how would that effect the pressures?

    These rounds are for plinking not accuracy and will be shot in a safe environment where tracers are allowed.

  2. #2
    Smells Like Carp
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    Longer bullets has more bearing surface which can increase pressure. Pushing a bullet deeper will raise pressure.
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  3. #3
    Machine Gunner Lurch's Avatar
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    Thanks for the info. I didn't think of the bearing surface increasing pressures but that makes sense that it would be harder to push the longer bullet out of the barrel. So the obvious answer is lower the powder charge to lower the pressure or use a slower burner powder correct?

  4. #4
    Smells Like Carp
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    Work up loads as you would with any new bullet
    I like sex, drugs and automatic weapons. That's why i'm a dues paying member of the Libertarian party. Struggling to keep the government away from messing with the above.
    My Wife has her own vice.

  5. #5
    The "Godfather" of COAR Great-Kazoo's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lurch View Post
    Thanks for the info. I didn't think of the bearing surface increasing pressures but that makes sense that it would be harder to push the longer bullet out of the barrel. So the obvious answer is lower the powder charge to lower the pressure or use a slower burner powder correct?
    A 62 gr FMJ is similar to a 62gr tracer. Follow load data, NOT what someone online said they "tried" Start low and work loads as necessary.
    If you're wanting to load for enjoyment of tracer rounds, low to middle data.
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    "when you're happy you enjoy the melody but, when you're broken you understand the lyrics".

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