Same lot components

[krimet]

I recently ran into an issue where I ordered several boxes of bullets and all but one box were the same lot #. I tried contacting the company to swap, but they're now out of stock and say they can't do anything about it. I've been reloading for a while and usually order hundreds of bullets at the same time. I guess I've just been lucky because in the past they've come in as same lot # as long as I order them at the same time. I've really been considering taking the path of buying all the components to last the lifetime of the barrel. Which leads to my question: When placing large orders (ex: enough bullets to cover barrel life), how do you ensure that the bullets end up in the same lot? Are there certain online retailers that handle it better than others?

BTW, I understand this particular order happened while COVID has stuff off the rails. So, I'm willing to give that a pass. Just trying to get an idea on how to approach it in the future.

 

[FCS]

Note in comments section requesting all components be same lot # if possible.
Most places will honor that if they can.

 

[spife7980]

I do it by buying the large quantity 500/1000/2000 bulk packages over the small boxes of 100.

But you have to be careful with that because sometimes (midway for example) will sell you a bulk order that’s comprised of them pouring shit tons into one large hopper and then repackaging them.

 

[krimet]

I do it by buying the large quantity 500/1000/2000 bulk packages over the small boxes of 100.

But you have to be careful with that because sometimes (midway for example) will sell you a bulk order that’s comprised of them pouring shit tons into one large hopper and then repackaging them.

That would drive me insane. I've thought about buying the bulk packages of 1000+, but can never land on a number that matches close to barrel life. Ex: If I bought for 6mm dasher, I expect my barrel to last no more than 1600 rounds. If I bought 2 x 1000, I'd have 400 surplus bullets. Do you guys just go that route and do something like sell the remainder on the PX? I imagine I might be answering my own questions, but maybe you guys have something crafty that you do.

 

[FCS]

Then buy 5k bullets, enough for 3 barrels.
Barrel is shot out when accuracy you need can’t be regained by barrel cleaning, load adjustment.
Bet you can easily use up the “extra“ 200 bullets.

Or buy enough for single barrel and use the 400 bullets, take measurements with new lot #, make needed adjustment and carry on. Isn’t like you are having to do this every 100 rds.

Making a mountain out of a grain of sand.

 

[krimet]

For sure. Thought about buying further out as well. Was just wondering if someone came up with something creative. Seems like someone is coming up with new ways to do this more efficiently every day.

 

[FCS]

Bullets don’t go bad, I’ll use before selling off.
Unless you are one who chases latest n great bullet, just use’em.

 

[chevy_man]

I've been using up stashes of bullets from 20+ years ago. Usually have just enough to do a load development, then I decide if I need more or to look at another.
I've yet to find one load that won't shoot basically the same after all those years and wildly different lot numbers.


I feel that powder and primer have shown me way larger variations from lot to lot.