My bullets are key holing

Tex Critter

Tex Critter

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I'm using cast Lee 175gr tumble lube SWC. The bullets are not undersized. I loaded over 6.1gr CFE Pistol with a velocity of close to 1000fps.
I also tried 4.7gr of Tite Group which is max for 180gr Horn XTP. My next powder to try will be HS-6. After that I've run out of pistol powders to try. I'm shooting out of a couple Beretta 96's. Any suggestions or recommendations are appreciated.
Tks in adv.
Tex
 
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I had something similar years ago but with a Glock barrel. I solved it by powder coating. Not sure if that would help you out here unfortunately.
 
Reading in Sierra Reloading Manual about exterior ballistics - so the bullet's behaviour from muzzle to / into / through the target. If you are getting "keyholes" on the target paper - it is likely that your bullets are flipping nose over rear end on their trip from muzzle to target - most often that means the bullets are not spinning fast enough to stay front end forward while travelling through the air - a function of their velocity and spin rate of rifling twist - if the rifling was effectively grabbing the bullet to impart rotation - so not likely that you can alter rifling twist in the barrel - is possible that you might be able to alter the muzzle velocity - is possible that you might be able to use shorter (not necessarily "lighter weight") bullets. If the bullet is significantly undersize, or too soft, is possible that the rifling in the barrel did not effectively get that bullet to rotate - might be "stripping" in there. An irregular or damaged muzzle crown can also cause the bullets to "flip" when flying air.
 
Tex Critter said:
I'm using cast Lee 175gr tumble lube SWC. The bullets are not undersized. I loaded over 6.1gr CFE Pistol with a velocity of close to 1000fps.
I also tried 4.7gr of Tite Group which is max for 180gr Horn XTP. My next powder to try will be HS-6. After that I've run out of pistol powders to try. I'm shooting out of a couple Beretta 96's. Any suggestions or recommendations are appreciated.
Tks in adv.
Tex
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Op what is the caliber you loading? if its 9mm Luger, Bullet weights are way too heavy for the cartridge/rifling 175gr? 180gr. Not even all guns can fire 147gr accurately. 175gr SWC tumbled lube bullet top of 6.1 gr of any pistol powder is wow I would be lucky to count my fingers.
 
cast Lee 175gr tumble lube SWC
sounds like a 40
a 40 at the upper end of PF need good Sealing / over size by .001 or .002

leave the cast Lee 175gr tumble lube SWC for a plinker load .... Minor PF and it might shoot ok
 
OP - check the seating depth (OAL) on the bullets. Years ago I seated 9mm bullets too deep and ended up with the exact same problem. The very long jump to the lands allows the bullet to c ock sideways as it engages the rifling, which then causes it to wobble and tumble in flight.
 
I Dont Care About You said:
OP - check the seating depth (OAL) on the bullets. Years ago I seated 9mm bullets too deep and ended up with the exact same problem. The very long jump to the lands allows the bullet to c ock sideways as it engages the rifling, which then causes it to wobble and tumble in flight.
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Sorry, but this makes no sense whatsoever.
 
Tex, spend your kids' inheritance and buy jacketed bullets. ;)

J/K buddy, have not seen you at the range lately.

Doug
 
I had sized my bullets to 356 in a 355 barrel but they keyholed as well. sized the same bullet( H&G 275 weighing130 gr.) to 357 and all was well with powdercoated and quenched wheelweight alloy bullets. I don't like that this size bullet makes for a bit of a bulge in the case so I am going to upgrade to lino bullets next time I sit down at the pot and go back down to at least 356 I hope.
 
I Dont Care About You said:
You may not be capable of understanding it but I experienced it first hand. The problem went away when I lengthened the seating depth.
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I'm more than capable of understanding it, and I'm glad that you figured it out, but in my opinion, you were mistaken as to the cause of your problems.
 
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