Replacing bullets in factory loads

[CBB1]

This may be a no-no, but is it feasible to knock out the bullets in factory loads and replace them with a better quality bullet of the same weight? Reason for asking is I found some cheap federal bullets for my 300wm that shot very well during the start of the ammo shortage so I bought several boxes. After hunting with them I didn’t particularly like their performance on game and would like to go to a better constructed bullet. My thoughts were to knock out the existing bullet with my bullet puller, resize the neck, recharge the brass with existing powder and reset a different bullet of the same weight? I understand I don’t know what I don’t know, but why wouldn’t it work?


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[JFK]

That’s not a good idea and not a safe way to go about loading ammo. Different bullet, ogive, seating depth equals different pressure. Besides the safety aspect, there is no guarantee the new bullets would shoot as good as the factory ammo.

 

[Newtosavage]

Agreed. Not a good idea.

 

[Wrench]

I'll be the odd man out, look up the bearing surface length and weight of the donor bullet and that of the replacement. If you are close, give it a go. Most factory ammo is loaded south of pressure limits and rifles will take north of pressure limits.

Understand that you are taking risks.

Since you are never going to be able to replicate the load with a available powder, and replacing the bullet anyhow and must have dies to do the job....you're only a primer and powdwr away from just shooting what you have to harvest brass.

 

[mmac]

I think your are better off shooting everything and calling it practice and then reloading the brass as normal. Seems to me you likely do all the work and have load that isn't good anyway.

 

[CBB1]

Thanks guys, that’s kinda what is thinking but didn’t know for certain. I’ll just shoot them and reload the brass.


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[zrodwyo]

You could just dump a grain or two out and check for pressure. If no pressure work back up to the full factory charge.

 

[Rich M]

I did that w 350 Legend. Took bullets and powder out to use diff powders and bullets. Seemed like a good idea at the time.

Results varied. Some shot 2,400+ fps and others were 2,150 fps. Likewise had diff velocities between brass. Live & learn.

I’d shoot em up, full length size and work up a better load.

 

[Formidilosus]

This may be a no-no, but is it feasible to knock out the bullets in factory loads and replace them with a better quality bullet of the same weight?

Yes, it’s called “Mexican Match”. This used to be a thing and very common in certain competitions, and I have shot tens of thousands of rounds of Mexican match. In the last couple of years I have made Mexican match with multiple types of 223 and 308 ammo, and 6.5 Creedmoor by doing nothing more than using a collet puller to remove bullets, and then seating an appropriate replacement back in the case with no sizing or anything.

As Wremch pointed out, pay attention to weight and type if bullets, but the vast majority of commercial ammo is loaded well below maximums and as long as like weight projectiles are used the risk of over pressure is extremely low.

 

[jimh406]

I think the idea is “ok”, but realistically, you’ll want to resize/lube the cases and check/cut them to length. Besides the case, the bullets are likely to be the most expensive part of the round, so just shoot them for practice.

 

[CBB1]

Mexican Match, I love it.

I have plenty of bullets so I may have to give it a try. I’ll be replacing Federal power points with Hornady Interlocs. I’ll report back.


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