Undersized pulled bullets?

[2ndtimer]

So, I loaded up some 9mm ammo last night with some 115 gr TMJ pulled bullets from American Reloading (yeah, I am cheap and they seemed like a bargain). But I noticed a few slipped freely into the sized charged cases. When I measured them with a digital caliber, they miked .353 or smaller. The question is what to do with these undersized projectiles? Can they be melted down by someone who casts their own bullets? Will the plating also melt and be able to be skimmed off? I hate to just toss them, if the lead can be harvested and "recycled".

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[Local Loader]

Seems like some 380auto bullets got mixed in.
If you want to use them, you could try resizing them but might be more hassle than it's worth.

 

[RVTECH]

Seems like some 380auto bullets got mixed in.

.380 bullets should be the same OD as 9mm.

 

[Local Loader]

.380 bullets should be the same OD as 9mm.

Some are but most are a little smaller, normally 380 is 0.353-0.355, most 9mm is 0.355-0.357 and 38 is 0.356-0.358
Not unusual to see 0.355-0.356 for 380 either.

 

[kmk1012]

Could it possibly be the reason they got pulled in the first place? I just loaded a few 147gr pulled bullets from American Reloading and found about 2% to be shorter than the others. The discount from using those bullets is worth the trouble though. I got a ton of components when they were accepting double coupon codes (thx @arakboss!!!)

 

[gmerkt]

Some are but most are a little smaller, normally 380 is 0.353-0.355,

Those sold for reloading are sized .355. On occasion, I've used some 95 gr. .380 bullets in 9mm Para.

It might be that factories have made some .380 with undersized bullets. Instances of deviations can be found.

 

[arakboss]

Could it possibly be the reason they got pulled in the first place? I just loaded a few 147gr pulled bullets from American Reloading and found about 2% to be shorter than the others. The discount from using those bullets is worth the trouble though. I got a ton of components when they were accepting double coupon codes (thx @arakboss!!!)

That was a sale for the record books. I think I placed 50+ orders during that sale. I eventually received all but one order (the free gold dot bullets never shipped, and I didn't bother to ask about them).

I pass the credit on to @Richo877 for alerting me to the double code option.

 

[DLS]

Regarding the original question, yes the bullets can be melted and cast into new bullets. The plating will simply float to the surface as part of the dross, where it is easily skimmed away.

Clean bullets like this are a joy to work with. The alloy composition is consistent and predictable and there is very little fluxing and skimming necessary to gain good results.

 

[2ndtimer]

Thanks for answering the original question, DLS. Appreciate it.