Reloading Question: Is +/- 2 gr. normal on bullet weight?

[fullautovalmet76]

I bought some 124 gr. FMJ bullets from Zero and weighed them to get the ones that are +/- 0.1 gr for load development. I pulled over 100 bullets and none were any closer than 1.1 gr to what they should be. Is this "normal"?

And what about Montana Gold, are they very consistent in their manufacturing on their bullets? My purpose is for IDPA/USPSA, not Bullseye or anything like that.

Just a novice trying to get an understanding...

Thanks!
-FullAuto

[m25operator]

The answer especially for pistol bullets, is it is not abnormal, you will find premium bullets will be closer in weight, premium rifle bullets are usually very close, both to the weight advertised and from bullet to bullet, Sierra, Nosler, Barnes, Berger etc... They are close enough to use as a rough check of your powder scale, set it to 168 grns and drop a 168 Matchking into the pan, and it will show if your powder scale is having any trouble.

[tombogan03884]

The tolerance on pistol bullets is probably not as tight as on rifle bullets. minor weight variations will have much less effect on the short range accuracy of a pistol, than it would over 100 + yards from a rifle.

[fullautovalmet76]

The answer especially for pistol bullets, is it is not abnormal, you will find premium bullets will be closer in weight, premium rifle bullets are usually very close, both to the weight advertised and from bullet to bullet, Sierra, Nosler, Barnes, Berger etc... They are close enough to use as a rough check of your powder scale, set it to 168 grns and drop a 168 Matchking into the pan, and it will show if your powder scale is having any trouble.

The tolerance on pistol bullets is probably not as tight as on rifle bullets. minor weight variations will have much less effect on the short range accuracy of a pistol, than it would over 100 + yards from a rifle.

M25/Tom,
As usual thanks for your valuable input. I really am beginning to like this stuff! 

[ellis4538]

The most accurate pistol bullet is said to be Hornaday XTP (and the most expensive also).  Having shot USPSA for 30 years and IDPA almost since its beginning I don't think you can go wrong with Zero or MG.  I use both.  Target size is very generous usually, with the possible exception of the Texas Star.  Those damn targets seem to move at the wrong time even if the star is not spinning!  LOL

Richard

[Sponsor]

[SpottHogg]

I agree with everyone on this. Pistol bullets will vary in all brands and types. Lead cast bullets will vary +/- upto 6-7gr. Jacketed bullets I would say the norm is +/- upto 3-4gr. Plated bullets are in between. If your game is run-n-gun or close range bullseye the effect on accuracy is irrelevent. On the other hand if your shooting longer range bullseye or sillouhette than it might be a problem. In this case a bullet with a tolerance of +/- 1gr is desired. The best Jacketed bullets for consistant weight would be Hornady XTP, Sierra Sporting Handgun, and Nosler Handgun. The best consistant plated bullet Ive used is Power Bond bullets. The best consistant Hard cast lead Ive used is Bayou Bullets coated they amazingly run +/- 1.5gr.