CrashDodson Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 I am new to reloading. I have a STI mutt that I want to have some minor and major loads for. As a member of a shooting squad i will be sourcing bullets from ibejihead. When looking at their 180 grain options there are two sizes. a .401 and .400. I am not sure the significance of the difference in size. Could someone enlighten me as to why I would choose one over the other? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc88 Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Chamber tolerances would be the biggest reason. If you have an AET barrel then the .400 would be the best choice. My SVI AET barrel will only tolerate .400 bullets. My Tanfos would eat .401 (Bayou Bullets) no problem. Accuracy should be similar with either bullet. .400 size would be your safest choice. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzt Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 There are exceptions to every rule. However, in general, lead bullets should be .001" larger in diameter than the bore. That applies to lubed lead, poly coated and plated. Your best bet is to get a lubed lead bullet or a .402" dia round slug and slug your bore. That way you know for sure. If you don't want to slug your barrel, then just buy 250 of each diameter and see which one is the most accurate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashDodson Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 Thanks for your replies. I did not know anything about slugging a bore, so after research I understand the idea. Where would I get a soft bullet to use as the "slug"? The barrel is a KKM precision match bull barrel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzt Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 It really doesn't have to be dead soft. Swagged lead bullets are dead soft. Bullseye lead bullets are usually about Br18~21 hardness. The only difference is it will take a little more effort to move the "hard" bullet down the barrel. If you want the most precise slug, go to Dardas Cast Bullets http://www.dardascastbullets.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=dardas&Category_Code=SLUGS He sells them for $1 ea plus shipping. You push it down your bore, wrap it carefully and send it back to him. He will email you the bore dia. If you want to try his excellent bullets, just order them +.001" over the diameter he gave you. He sizes to multiple diameters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ming the Merciless Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Or you could call KKM at (775) 246-5444 and ask them what bullet diameter they recommend? Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cactusbrew Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Way too easy ming, way to easy. Ha-ha I think the kkm barrels are .401 but don't quote me. I for one would email or call kkm and save u the hassle with this whole slugging concept. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashDodson Posted September 14, 2015 Author Share Posted September 14, 2015 Thanks. I just assumed that there would be variances in barrel to barrel at those tolerances. I will call them but I also ordered some slugs from Dardas as the recommendation above. At only a few bucks its not that big a deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzt Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 Make sure to use at least a 3/8" dia. rod to push the bullet through. It will make life easier and won't deform the bullet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashDodson Posted September 21, 2015 Author Share Posted September 21, 2015 Make sure to use at least a 3/8" dia. rod to push the bullet through. It will make life easier and won't deform the bullet. Thanks, I got the slugs from Dardass in. KKM has never responded to my question. Do I use a hammer to tap it through? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashDodson Posted September 21, 2015 Author Share Posted September 21, 2015 KKM replied today and said the barrel is .4000 +-1 .0005 In that case the .401 would be the correct bullet size? I am going to slug the barrel to be sure. Just waiting on my calipers to get here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cactusbrew Posted September 27, 2015 Share Posted September 27, 2015 Go with .401. Seriously, go with the .401 and go on in life. No need to slug the barrel or anything else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashDodson Posted September 27, 2015 Author Share Posted September 27, 2015 Thanks Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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