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Other Ammunition Calibers => Reloading => Topic started by: gadabout on June 28 2022 10:52:01 AM MDT

Title: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on June 28 2022 10:52:01 AM MDT
Boy I got those American sorting blues as I am sorting 115 from 124 from an order from American reloading. V-crown so it's worth the trouble but I have the beam scale set at 124 and the 124 work the scale but the 115 don't budge the scale. I even sorted out a 147g shipped in error. If anyone has a better idea for sorting I would like to hear it!!!  You just can't tell by looking at these bullets as they are all v-crown.   Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on June 28 2022 11:51:33 AM MDT
OK only took about 2 hours. It is a 150 to 350 mix with 124 coming out on top with the 350 also got 5 147g. I wouldn't like anymore as I always thought 147 was pushing 9mm but shot a bunch with no problems. I just have been shooting 124g a lot more lately. Shot 115g for years so I am OK with that also.  It doesn't get anymore boring than sorting bullets!! Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: oldman10mm on June 28 2022 01:58:22 PM MDT
That's a job for an electronic scale. I had a similar project and worked great/fast.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on June 28 2022 02:47:58 PM MDT
Absolutely, something along the lines of the RCBS Chargemaster would cut the time down dramatically
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on June 28 2022 03:37:25 PM MDT
I don't know, it would seem to me American would box them as they pulled them. Just me though, I am sure they have a reason for a 115/124 mix!!!  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on June 28 2022 11:24:03 PM MDT
Yea, they?d rather you spend the time sorting them instead of them having to mess with it?just a guess
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on July 13 2022 02:43:57 PM MDT
I reloaded 50 of the 125 v-crown and boy they are nice!!  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on July 30 2022 05:38:26 PM MDT
Big sale going on at American so I have another 500 v-crown coming. Looks like more sorting blues.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: marlin39a on July 30 2022 05:57:48 PM MDT
I just ordered 500 of the 115/124 V Crown today.  I use a cheap MTM electric scale to sort.  Works fast and accurate.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: The_Shadow on July 30 2022 06:35:28 PM MDT
Yes the cheap digital scale is fast at doing unknow weights for sorting purposes.  I just sorted a pile of 150gr / 165gr 308 bullets recently.  I was surprised that they had nearly equal amounts after I was done!  Also found 3 that were 125 grain.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: John A. on July 30 2022 06:40:27 PM MDT
Now that you have them sorted, keep them that way.  LOL.

I've been using coffee cans to keep bullet weights separated.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on July 31 2022 08:56:55 AM MDT
I will look at getting a cheap digital scale.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: marlin39a on July 31 2022 05:34:50 PM MDT
This is the one I use
https://www.mtmcase-gard.com/products/reloading/reloading-powder-scale-ds-750.php
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on July 31 2022 05:59:57 PM MDT
Some of the more inexpensive ?My Weight? scales would work perfectly for your sorting. You should be able to find them on Amazon too

https://myweigh.com/
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 02 2022 12:33:48 PM MDT
Afternoon Craig, Something like the My Weigh GEMPRO 250 would work well for sorting. I use this to verify my RCBS ChargeMaster is dropping the correct charge, along with check weights

Ken

(https://i.postimg.cc/sfZTgs1t/059-FB26-F-4-BCF-406-F-80-E9-403-E00567194.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: sqlbullet on August 03 2022 06:35:17 AM MDT
When I ordered this mix, I stood them up in lines and sorted them by height to start.  That got me about 98% accurate very quickly leaving very few bullets to be weighed.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 03 2022 09:31:51 AM MDT
I am just back from the local store that hasn't had primers or powder in years and bought a frankfort arsenal powder scale that works very well as it is set up for grains. I did return the scale bought at Walmart yesterday. The FA scale was pricey at 45.00 but it does exactly what I want it to do so I am happy. I can see why everyone steared me to this kind of measure as it is very fast and I will cut down time sorting the v-crown!!  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on August 03 2022 10:01:41 AM MDT
Quote from: gadabout on June 28 2022 10:52:01 AM MDT
Boy I got those American sorting blues as I am sorting 115 from 124 from an order from American reloading. V-crown so it's worth the trouble but I have the beam scale set at 124 and the 124 work the scale but the 115 don't budge the scale. I even sorted out a 147g shipped in error. If anyone has a better idea for sorting I would like to hear it!!!  You just can't tell by looking at these bullets as they are all v-crown.   Craig


I use a cheaper frankford arsenal digital scale. I tend to put 2 projectiles at a time on the scale. (It just seems to go faster)  If the result differs from lets say 230ish or 248ish then I evaluate closer. I recently went thru 3000 mixed gold dots and made pretty quick time of it. Maybe 1.5 hrs max. All to find like 100 of the 115gr bullets that contaminated the lot haha. Still worth it to me.

I just did a 40 cal FMJ mix from American (500qty) in like 15-20 mins max. 155s, 165s, 180s
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 03 2022 12:05:55 PM MDT
I just did 30 115g v-crown and measured as I went, found 2 124g overlooked on the first beam scale measuring. I think your "put two on" idea is a good one. This scale allows you to weigh like 5 or 10 and if the weight goes up or down you can reweigh that group. I am finding it real fast going one at a time. Will play some more.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 04 2022 10:43:50 AM MDT
Just did my 500 v-crown from American that arrived today. I was done sorting in 45 minutes. It couldn't have gone any better!! The scale work flawlessly. I did do something to speed thing up. I held my hand full of bullets closer to the scale. Sounds dumb but it worked to speed thing up. Ha Ha. Thanks to all for the scale advice as I couldn't be happier!! Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 04 2022 01:18:33 PM MDT
Glad it?s helping Craig, anything that can save time that doesn?t compromise quality or safety is huge
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 04 2022 03:55:49 PM MDT
Yeah Ken, the fact that it is easier just helps with the decision to buy pull down bullets which saves a lot of cash and I am using a much better bullet than I would buy at full price. I like all aspects of reloading but sorting bullets was a brain deadening affair. Next up I am looking for aa5 data for a lighter 124g load but have had problems with the light loads not working the slide but with 5 lbs of power pistol coming I don't think that will be a problem for long.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 04 2022 04:32:33 PM MDT
Hey Craig, Could you please post a link to the pulled bullets that you are using / having to sort? Depending on price, it may be worth it for me to get the ones your using. I?m paying something like $37.00 for 500 powder coated 124gr RN from Missouri Bullet Company
Thanks
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on August 04 2022 05:29:32 PM MDT
These are $69 per 1000 FMJ new to the door. Pretty hard to beat. No sorting. As I recall they are manufactured in Slovenia near the Italian boarder.

https://americanreloading.com/9mm-380-auto-355-356/3080-9mm-124gr-fmj-new-1000ct.html

Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 04 2022 05:39:52 PM MDT
Thanks DoubleA!
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 04 2022 05:45:05 PM MDT
These are $99.99, that must include shipping?

9mm 124gr FMJ NEW - 1000ct
Condition:  New 42 Items
New

Caliber: 9mm

Bullet Diameter: .355

Bullet Weight: 124gr

Bullet Style: FMJ

$99.99
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on August 04 2022 05:47:23 PM MDT
Notice the 30% disc count code (1776)

Free shipping

No tax

No brainer!
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 04 2022 05:52:27 PM MDT
Nice, should have read a little more closely I guess, Thanks!
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on August 04 2022 05:55:28 PM MDT
I have used mostly RMR bullets for 9mm range ammo but these are even 30-35% cheaper (and RMR has great pricing)
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 05 2022 03:56:42 PM MDT
Ah Ken I think I paid something like 45 buck out the door delivered  for the 115 and 125g mix from American. DoubleK has the link but like everything else you must check the site as it sells out in a few days. Also some of the FMJ and others are new product so the price is higher. I use them as I love the product and am online enough to check everyday  or so. The only thing to watch is the JHP mix they come up with everyso often can be a problem as you don't know what you are getting. Just study and you will understand what they are doing. Enjoy!!  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 06 2022 08:56:23 AM MDT
One more point is that my v-crown were a 500 count and the  DoubleK group was 1000. Just a headsup and they are out of stock today. You must check every day if you need rounds.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 06 2022 09:45:24 AM MDT
Thanks Craig!
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 06 2022 02:58:10 PM MDT
Shot some 115g v-crown today that shot great so I loaded the same with 125g. The powder is AA5 at 6.1g.Perfect load the115g for the S@W CSX. This gun is very light and small but perfect for carry. This load shot light but worked all the slides and was very accurate. Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 07 2022 10:00:59 AM MDT
Shot the 125g loads with 6.1g AA5 and it went very good. I was shooting the FN 509, the S&W CSX and the Glock 34. I was real happy with the round as there was not excessive recoil at all. It will be the round untill tomorrow when the Power Pistol arrives. I will use these rounds at the range until the AA5 is gone like a few thousand rounds or so.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 07 2022 10:14:01 AM MDT
I take it you buy Hoppe's by the case 😀
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 07 2022 10:15:31 AM MDT
JHP don't need cleaned very often!!  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 07 2022 02:12:11 PM MDT
Absolutely, I just can?t not clean them after a range trip, I really need to get past that
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: John A. on August 07 2022 02:16:59 PM MDT
I used to be like that.

My guns all looked brand new almost all the time.

Now, they look good, but a bit fouled and dirty.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on August 08 2022 07:25:52 AM MDT
This seller on GB fairly often has some interesting bullet deals too. Typically there could be some sorting and/or culling involved. He usually has unbranded Lone Wolf Glock barrels too. 10mm, 9x25, 357sig etc

Here is a current example of a solid 10mm/40sw bullet deal. $0.06 for Federal .400 dia FMJ mix.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/942489705

Buying pulled bullets can offer some really good values. Generally after sorting I polish the bullets in corn media with Lucas additive. They look new and it removes all the tarnish pretty quickly.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 08 2022 12:26:41 PM MDT
Well I received the 5 lbs of Power Pistol today and have loaded up 50 124g v-crown at 6.1g as I have loaded this round for 40 years or so. It is nice to have the right stuff for a change.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 08 2022 01:35:00 PM MDT
Just did 50 115g just for fun testing at also at 6.1g. I did notice that aa5 at 6.1 only weights 4.3g so I had to change the powder drop for the power pistol. Does that make cease? I may be confused on this. Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on August 08 2022 07:45:32 PM MDT
You need to adjust for volume for every powder. They are all different. The powder drop doesnt know weight only volume. 
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 09 2022 09:06:47 AM MDT
well now that makes sense. Oh shot the Power Pistol rounds today and they were perfect as expected. I couldn't be happier. Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 14 2022 04:35:04 PM MDT
Just found some 95g projectiles I forgot I got for reloading 380. Loaded some up to test in 9mm with the 6.1g Power Pistol should be fun and light to shoot. Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on August 16 2022 08:32:31 AM MDT
For anyone looking to do some sorting haha $45 delivered. Disc code 1776

https://americanreloading.com/9mm-38-super-357sig-355-356/4007-9mm-critical-defense-mix-500ct.html
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 16 2022 09:07:35 AM MDT
I just ordered some!!!  Creaig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: blaster on August 16 2022 07:22:05 PM MDT
you must have got the last of them. they are sold out. ;D
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 17 2022 06:46:36 AM MDT
Yeah that's the way it is with the better bullets. They sell out in a day or two but the Range mix or even the better mix's never sell out. I do get some nice bullets thru them cheap so I go there every day or two.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: blaster on August 17 2022 07:59:52 PM MDT
buying factory seconds and pulled bullets is about the only way I can afford to shoot jacketed bullets anymore.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 17 2022 08:19:58 PM MDT
Absolutely, buying boxes of XTP, or HAP get expensive quickly
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 20 2022 05:32:13 AM MDT
Just got my critical duty 500 yesterday so I will be sorting and weighting the 500.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 20 2022 08:20:38 AM MDT
Morning Craig, when you buy these ?pulled bullets? what bullet style and preferred weight do you like the most? Also, what kind of percentage are damaged or unusable if any?
Thanks
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 20 2022 12:20:12 PM MDT
Hey Ken, all are shootable with minor scratches and I mean minor!! They allways give you a few extra incase but I have never seen one I wouldn't load and shoot!! As far as what I hope for in 9mm lately I have been hopping for 125g but the last order I just weighted and it was mostly like 95% 115g with 20 100g but no 125g. I will work up a load for 115 but I have shot that weight for 45 years!! On a side note in weighing the bullets today I went to a three bullets per weighting and boy it went fast like 40 minutes I was done with all 500. Now with most being 115g looking for 345 on the scale was easy but it was easy to pull out the 100g as it only then weighted a total of 330 or so and I would weigh them all separate. Real easy!! Also the style I am going for are JHP.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on August 20 2022 03:34:15 PM MDT
Thanks Craig!
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on August 23 2022 09:09:29 PM MDT
$28 per 500 shipped with both discount codes. Dont know how you could beat that price. No tax free shipping.

40 cal FMJ mix. My last batch hardly even had any crimp lines once I got them cleaned up and sorted they looked like almost new.

https://americanreloading.com/40-caliber-10mm-400-401/3242-40-fmj-mix-500ct.html
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on August 24 2022 06:19:29 AM MDT
Yeah I have been getting bullets from them for 10 years or so and except for one order that came apart in transit all orders were good. They even offered to make good on the order that came apart but they always put in extra so I had a full order when I counted everything. A really great company. Even helped with primers during the last two years.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on September 06 2022 12:23:49 PM MDT
OK I ordered some HST mix whatever that may end up as and much to my surprise they are all HST 124g I couldn't be happier. Strange delivery, the cci small rifle primers came first and then the bullets came a few days later. At leased I got them both.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on September 06 2022 12:51:18 PM MDT
I would imagine that would be due to the primers being hazmat and the bullets are not.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on September 06 2022 12:55:46 PM MDT
Hey Craig, did you get the HST?s from American Reloading, or another vendor? If the price was right, I?d like to get a bunch
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on September 06 2022 04:12:54 PM MDT
Hey Ken yeah it was American and I think they may still have them. Look for discounts all so.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on September 06 2022 04:38:46 PM MDT
They have them but you have to act quickly. You can get on their email list and many times they will specifically be advertised with a direct link.  I am assuming that I get their emails based on orders over the years but I bet you can create an account and start receiving their emails. When they get posted its also common to see 1 or even 2 discount codes that will discount your order by up to 40 percent. They ship USPS priority mail for free and I have never been charged tax either.

Another source with a good amount of frequency is a GunBroker seller (bang for your buck).  American reloading is typically the cheaper option but bang for your buck lots have already been culled, sorted and polished.  They have gold dots, Barnes, critical duty frequently also. Most of the stuff from American reloading will be mixed and need some clean up.

https://www.gunbroker.com/All/search?Sort=13&IncludeSellers=2201491&PageSize=48
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on September 06 2022 06:18:31 PM MDT
Great info, Thank you!
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on September 07 2022 10:02:46 AM MDT
These are $59 per 500.

I know there is also a 150gr micro HST offering so they could also be those too.

https://americanreloading.com/9mm-38-super-357sig-355-356/4024-9mm-147gr-hst-500ct.html
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on September 07 2022 01:07:43 PM MDT
Thanks, on their website, it looks like they are getting $84.99 for 500, unless I?m missing something. If they could be had for $59.00, that?s not much than I?m paying for cast 180gr from Missouri Bullet Company
Thanks
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on September 07 2022 01:35:52 PM MDT
Quote from: Kenk on September 07 2022 01:07:43 PM MDT
Thanks, on their website, it looks like they are getting $84.99 for 500, unless I?m missing something. If they could be had for $59.00, that?s not much than I?m paying for cast 180gr from Missouri Bullet Company
Thanks


Add it to your cart. You will then see the discount code (30projos) which will deduct 30 percent.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on September 07 2022 03:38:00 PM MDT
Nice, Thanks!
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on September 27 2022 08:29:45 AM MDT

9mm 124gr HST. $49 per 500. Not many available act quick!


https://americanreloading.com/9mm-38-super-357sig-355-356/4133-9mm-124gr-hst-500ct.html
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on September 27 2022 08:49:01 AM MDT
Out as of now, but will keep checking back, Thanks!
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on September 27 2022 08:56:48 AM MDT
Quote from: Kenk on September 27 2022 08:49:01 AM MDT
Out as of now, but will keep checking back, Thanks!

Bummer. There were 6000 available when I sent it.
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on September 27 2022 12:07:14 PM MDT
Yep, everyone?s scooping them up
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: DoubleA on September 30 2022 11:37:59 AM MDT
Gold dot and HST 124gr

https://americanreloading.com/9mm-38-super-357sig-355-356/2051-9mm-124gr-gold-dot-500ct.html

https://americanreloading.com/9mm-38-super-357sig-355-356/4133-9mm-124gr-hst-500ct.html
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on September 30 2022 12:01:02 PM MDT
All ready got um coming. Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: gadabout on October 03 2022 12:49:32 PM MDT
Received them today and already loaded 61 so I am ready for shooting tomorrow. These are 124g Gold Dot but are different than I remember, these are a JHP that is a tight hole at the bullet top not very open as I remember them but I am sure they will shoot fine.  Craig
Title: Re: Sorting blues
Post by: Kenk on October 03 2022 01:30:17 PM MDT
What you were saying about the cavity opening is interesting. All the Gold Dots I?ve worked with or have seen have a very large and deep cavity