APOD Firearms

Bullet Identification

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Gulf Coast States

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • sibilicus

    Shooter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Nov 12, 2016
    Messages
    47
    Points
    8
    Location
    Pensacola
    Okay, I usually just read and learn. Very rarely do I initiate a thread (in fact don't know that I ever have) but I am stuck with this one. Recently someone gave me a pile of bullets (a large pile). But none of them are identified. I was wondering if anyone knew where I might find a bullet identification chart. Maybe a manufacturer chart. I have several different bullets to identify. An example is the one I picture here. Can anyone identify this bullet? How do you know if you do? All help is greatly appreciated. bullet.jpg
     

    Attachments

    • bullet.jpg
      bullet.jpg
      20.2 KB · Views: 229

    RackinRay

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    13   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 28, 2012
    Messages
    3,538
    Points
    113
    Location
    Pensacola, west side.
    Roasters correct. Measurement and weight is best first check. I have micrometer and scale if you need assistance in that determination.
     
    Last edited:

    RackinRay

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    13   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 28, 2012
    Messages
    3,538
    Points
    113
    Location
    Pensacola, west side.
    Best guess from the pic would be a .357 gas checked lead truncated cone bullet.

    That lubrication groove pattern may be possible to identify to a manufacturer or mold manufacturer, but basically knowing the caliber and weight will enable you to load and shoot them with confidence.
     

    sibilicus

    Shooter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Nov 12, 2016
    Messages
    47
    Points
    8
    Location
    Pensacola
    Oh yes, I have all of the tools. I know it a 9mm (for 38 special) bullet at 165 gr. I just can't figure out the composition.
     

    sibilicus

    Shooter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Nov 12, 2016
    Messages
    47
    Points
    8
    Location
    Pensacola
    So if I understand correctly, I don't necessarily need to know the composition (FMJ. JHP, etc.) just go bu the weight and calibre?
     

    SAWMAN

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    9   0   0
    Joined
    Oct 21, 2012
    Messages
    13,937
    Points
    113
    Location
    Cantonment,Fla.
    If you can score/scratch it with your fingernail it is soft lead. If not,it is hardcast (mo-bedda).
    Looks like the design that was commonly known as the Keith bullet. Origionally designed by Elmer Kieth.
    If you don't know who Elmer Keith was,you should probably give the bullets to me. . . . THANKS . . . --- SAWMAN
     
    Last edited:

    sibilicus

    Shooter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Nov 12, 2016
    Messages
    47
    Points
    8
    Location
    Pensacola
    If you can score/scratch it with your fingernail it is soft lead. If not,it is hardcast (mo-bedda).

    Looks like the mo-bedda bullet. So my question is as a beginner reloader, what would I call this bullet so as to determine the powder and charge for it's use?
     

    RackinRay

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    13   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 28, 2012
    Messages
    3,538
    Points
    113
    Location
    Pensacola, west side.
    If you can score/scratch it with your fingernail it is soft lead. If not,it is hardcast (mo-bedda).

    Looks like the mo-bedda bullet. So my question is as a beginner reloader, what would I call this bullet so as to determine the powder and charge for it's use?

    You can load it once you know the diameter and weight. You say 9mm for .38, but the .38 is a .357 diameter like the .357 magnum, and the 9mm is .351 diameter. Sending a PM with contact number for further discussion if you would like. I have been loading for a few decades now, not as long as SAW I bet...but a lot of years.
     

    SAWMAN

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    9   0   0
    Joined
    Oct 21, 2012
    Messages
    13,937
    Points
    113
    Location
    Cantonment,Fla.
    Remember also . . . cast bullets,both hard and soft,have different diameters. Some diameters vary by .003" ,up or down. A gas check can be a different diameter alltogether because it cups the lead,keeps it from melting and getting destorted. It keeps the bbl from getting extremely packed with lead. But you must clean more often than with copper clad bullets.
    The pic of the bullet you posted above,looks to me like it is hardcast. --- SAWMAN
     

    RidgeRunner

    Master
    GCGF Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    28   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 12, 2014
    Messages
    4,290
    Points
    113
    Location
    Beulah
    I think you are confusing two words : composition = what it is made of IE: lead + ?, and configuration is the shape or design IE: semi wadcutter
     

    sibilicus

    Shooter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Nov 12, 2016
    Messages
    47
    Points
    8
    Location
    Pensacola
    Well, I learned a lot today. Mostly I learned I need to learn a lot more. Thanks to all who helped, especially RackinRay.
     

    FrommerStop

    Master
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Apr 7, 2016
    Messages
    6,897
    Points
    113
    Location
    NWFL
    9mm is .351 diameter
    The actual bore-groove diameter varies a little bit, but .355 is what most say.
    By the way when there is a gas check that suggests the bullet is intended for higher velocities. It is the bullet base that receives the heat from the powder combustion and gas checks are intended to protect the base from heat.

    9×19mm Parabellum (9mm Luger) 9.02 (.355)
     

    Latest posts

    Top Bottom