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Would you shoot these?

D

DerMeister

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 28, 2011
115
0
33
Michigan
#1
Here is the deal, during Thanksgiving my uncle gave me some 9mm for my pistol that some guy at work reloaded for him. The bullets look like cast lead, and thats all I know as I don't know anything about reloading.

He kept on saying that they were a match grade hot load, but know nothing about what grain they were or anything else.

I then gave him some .308 brass I have that I fired through my R700 Tactical. I gave him 38 pieces of brass, that I said they guy could just have as I didn't have any use for it. He asked if I wanted him to reload it for me, and I said that I don't really need it, but let me know how much he would want.

Well then today I get a voicemail saying the brass has been reloaded, and it'll be $30. Well WTF. Apparently it has a 165gr bullet on there and 42 grams of power. He said the bullet will go 2600 fps.

The first reloads I got didn't look too spectacular, and I generally avoid reloads at all cost as I can't bring myself to trust someone elses work when it comes to the $1000 I have invested into this rifle, or my life.

So what do you reloading guys think, do those numbers check out, and would you shoot them?
 
#2
Re: Would you shoot these?

So you GIVE him 38 brass, and he wants to charge you like $.80 apiece to have it back?

No thanks.

"Hot match loads"...what's a match reload? I don't consider any reload "match" unless it has been tuned to a specific gun.

I'd pass on all of it. Especially nondescript reloads described as "hot".
 
#3
Re: Would you shoot these?

Thats what I was thinking, I was like what is a hot match load? He kept on repeating it, but couldn't explain what it actually was without just saying "its a hot match load".

Not that I actually want to shoot a "hot load" by any means as I am only shooting paper don't trust someone elses definition of a hot load.

The price was what really upset me, I could go and buy factory ammunition for cheaper. I don't want to be rude, but I am very obligated to buy them.
 
#4
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DerMeister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is the deal, during Thanksgiving my uncle gave me some 9mm for my pistol that some guy at work reloaded for him. The bullets look like cast lead, and thats all I know as I don't know anything about reloading.

He kept on saying that they were a match grade hot load, but know nothing about what grain they were or anything else.

I then gave him some .308 brass I have that I fired through my R700 Tactical. I gave him 38 pieces of brass, that I said they guy could just have as I didn't have any use for it. He asked if I wanted him to reload it for me, and I said that I don't really need it, but let me know how much he would want.

Well then today I get a voicemail saying the brass has been reloaded, and it'll be $30. Well WTF. Apparently it has a 165gr bullet on there and 42 grams of power. He said the bullet will go 2600 fps.

The first reloads I got didn't look too spectacular, and I generally avoid reloads at all cost as I can't bring myself to trust someone elses work when it comes to the $1000 I have invested into this rifle, or my life.

So what do you reloading guys think, do those numbers check out, and would you shoot them? </div></div>
Lets see, 42grs of RE15 or Varget with a 165grain bullet, thats right in the wheelhouse, if thats what the powder is.
 
#5
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DerMeister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thats what I was thinking, I was like what is a hot match load? He kept on repeating it, but couldn't explain what it actually was without just saying "its a hot match load".

Not that I actually want to shoot a "hot load" by any means as I am only shooting paper don't trust someone elses definition of a hot load.

The price was what really upset me, I could go and buy factory ammunition for cheaper. I don't want to be rude, but I am very obligated to buy them. </div></div>

If you gave me 30 pcs of 308 brass Id charge you 15 bucks, and I dont load hot, I load accurate, though sometimes a rifle likes a max load, but I havent fouind any of mine that like or need that "HOT" load.
 
#6
Re: Would you shoot these?

So your supposed to pay nearly new price for reloads that you supplied the brass for?

"Hot" match loads? RUN!

Personally I don't trust what other people put together, no matter how "experienced" they are.
 
#7
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Teggy1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So your supposed to pay nearly new price for reloads that you supplied the brass for?

"Hot" match loads? RUN!

Personally I don't trust what other people put together, no matter how "experienced" they are.
</div></div>
^^^this, avoid them like the plague. Even if they were "safe", it's not worth the risk or hassle.
 
#8
Re: Would you shoot these?

I'm not a fan of other peoples' ammo, unless I see them shoot (a decent amount) of it first.

I'm honored when someone at the range/club lets me shoot their guns with my ammo - though I ABSOLUTELY understand when they want THEIR ammo to go through their gun. It's a big deal. You're trusting your wellbeing and equipment in them.

I wouldn't give $0.80/round for some generic rifle ammo Joe Schmoe put together from MY spent brass. Not when Cabelas has FGMM175 for $18/box!

I'd politely tell Joe S. to keep it because it won't do any good. Your rifle is zeroed to XYZ ammo, and by the time you got it sighted in, it would be gone.

Or, buy it and not shoot it.

Two topic-related stories:

A fella at a sniper match had 30-40 rounds of 308 to give away, because he had rechambered to 260. After seeing him have success with his rifle all day, and because he told me exactly what load it was (44gr RE15/168amax), and because I knew my rifle handles pressure, and because it's harder to goof rifle ammo than pistol ammo, I shot it. It ran nice.

Another fella, alongside me at a local match needed ONE round of 308 to complete the course of fire. He asked me for one. I told him he could have one, but warned him it was stiff (45.5Varget/175smk). He took it. Locked up his bolt and he had to beat it open.
 
#10
Re: Would you shoot these?

For what it's worth...

It seems clear that you were waiting to find out what it would cost before deciding whether to have the brass reloaded. Obviously, that got lost in translation between you and your uncle or between your uncle and the guy who did the reloading.

I understand the principle here. No one likes to be charged for something they didn't necessarily want, especially if the price doesn't seem particularly fair. If you value your relationship with your uncle, then I suggest you pay the $30 and chalk this up to experience. Your uncle still has to work with this guy and $30 is a small price to pay to avoid the potential drama and hard feelings that could come of this.

I agree with the others in cautioning you not to shoot the reloaded brass. Too much is unknown. I would take it somewhere where they could be safely disposed of.

Anyway, you have the benefit of my wisdom. Let your conscience be your guide.
 
#12
Re: Would you shoot these?

Id ask the guy why he's charging so much for these 38 shells, like I said before, my cost to reload 38 308 shells is right around $19, the only way his would cost so much more is if he loaded some super premium bullets like the new Hornady GMX bullets or Trophy Bonded Bear Claws. If theyre regular 165 Hornady SP or Sierra Pro Hunters they wouldnt cost him that much to load. Tell him youll pass, I would.
 
#14
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DerMeister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is the deal, during Thanksgiving my uncle gave me some 9mm for my pistol that some guy at work reloaded for him. The bullets look like cast lead, and thats all I know as I don't know anything about reloading.

He kept on saying that they were a match grade hot load, but know nothing about what grain they were or anything else.

I then gave him some .308 brass I have that I fired through my R700 Tactical. I gave him 38 pieces of brass, that <span style="font-weight: bold">I said they guy could just have as I didn't have any use for it. </span>He asked if I wanted him to reload it for me, and I said that I don't really need it, but let me know how much he would want.

Well then today I get a voicemail saying the brass has been reloaded, and it'll be $30. Well WTF. Apparently it has a 165gr bullet on there and 42 grams of power. He said the bullet will go 2600 fps.

The first reloads I got didn't look too spectacular, and I generally avoid reloads at all cost as I can't bring myself to trust someone elses work when it comes to the $1000 I have invested into this rifle, or my life.

So what do you reloading guys think, do those numbers check out, and would you shoot them? </div></div>

I would say "NO Thanks", and that he can keep the brass as originaly stated. Or, you could ask him if he has his FFL allowing him to reload for profit. I reload for a couple of buddies, but they supply the components, and they are usually sitting in the garage at the same time.
 
#15
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Squarenut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For what it's worth...

It seems clear that you were waiting to find out what it would cost before deciding whether to have the brass reloaded. Obviously, that got lost in translation between you and your uncle or between your uncle and the guy who did the reloading.

I understand the principle here. No one likes to be charged for something they didn't necessarily want, especially if the price doesn't seem particularly fair. If you value your relationship with your uncle, then I suggest you pay the $30 and chalk this up to experience. Your uncle still has to work with this guy and $30 is a small price to pay to avoid the potential drama and hard feelings that could come of this.

I agree with the others in cautioning you not to shoot the reloaded brass. Too much is unknown. I would take it somewhere where they could be safely disposed of.

Anyway, you have the benefit of my wisdom. Let your conscience be your guide. </div></div>

This is what I have decided to do, he has given me a few good deals on ammo, and been all around helpfull and friendly to me. He expresses interest in firearms, and owns many, but it is not his strong point when it comes to having any actual knowledge about them. I gave him a call back today and asked him why they were so expensive, and he repleid "its just a hot match load". I agree that $30 is too small of an amount to create tension and hard feelings with a family member. I'll make it clear that the guys price is high and he shouldn't be selling for profit. If I can visually see and point out problems with the ammo, I'll say no thanks.

I'll probably just hold onto them in case I get into reloading. If that happens, I'll just pull them apart and check them out.

I really appreciate them responses guys, this place is great. I'll let you know what I get.
 
#16
Re: Would you shoot these?

Toss them...get someone to pull the bullets for you if you wish. If you set them aside, you may forget what they are/give them to someone who gets hurt...you never know. I fired one round of .25-06 that friend reloaded, in his rifle. Ruined the bolt, gas everywhere...no harm to me. He had "loaded with RL 25"...but he later found a can of Varget on the top of the bench also. Don't shoot other folks "hot" or otherwise reloaded ammo.
 
#17
Re: Would you shoot these?

Hot match load to me equals these are proof rounds maybe a little more than proof.

The brass I would say I said keep them but how much. Thank you for letting me know how much.

Never shoot anyone’s hand loads in your guns unless they are worked up for your gun.
 
#18
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DerMeister</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Squarenut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For what it's worth...

It seems clear that you were waiting to find out what it would cost before deciding whether to have the brass reloaded. Obviously, that got lost in translation between you and your uncle or between your uncle and the guy who did the reloading.

I understand the principle here. No one likes to be charged for something they didn't necessarily want, especially if the price doesn't seem particularly fair. If you value your relationship with your uncle, then I suggest you pay the $30 and chalk this up to experience. Your uncle still has to work with this guy and $30 is a small price to pay to avoid the potential drama and hard feelings that could come of this.

I agree with the others in cautioning you not to shoot the reloaded brass. Too much is unknown. I would take it somewhere where they could be safely disposed of.

Anyway, you have the benefit of my wisdom. Let your conscience be your guide. </div></div>

This is what I have decided to do, he has given me a few good deals on ammo, and been all around helpfull and friendly to me. He expresses interest in firearms, and owns many, but it is not his strong point when it comes to having any actual knowledge about them. I gave him a call back today and asked him why they were so expensive, and he repleid "its just a hot match load". I agree that $30 is too small of an amount to create tension and hard feelings with a family member. I'll make it clear that the guys price is high and he shouldn't be selling for profit. If I can visually see and point out problems with the ammo, I'll say no thanks.

I'll probably just hold onto them in case I get into reloading. If that happens, I'll just pull them apart and check them out.

I really appreciate them responses guys, this place is great. I'll let you know what I get. </div></div>
What the hell is a Hot match load? If i remember correctly he used 42grs of what kind of powder was it now, pls ask him. 42grs of Benchmark or 3031 with a 165 is about max but a light load with Varget or RE15. Just because he's using a bit more powder doesnt mean the price is going from $10/box(My cost) to $16/box, it wouldnt in my book. But pls as him what kinda powder he loaded in them. And tell the old coot he cant charge extra for loading for someone, its his cost or nothing, thats the way I do business, so to speak, though I do get "tips" from just about everybody I load for, cept for my cheap in laws, some of them, LOL
 
#19
Re: Would you shoot these?

Overall interesting discussion, but wanted to throw my 2 cents in -- I would never shoot anybody else's handload unless I knew their exact loading practices (i.e. my roommate) and trusted the spec 100%.

I was at the range in March actually saw someone's 44 mag revolver get wrecked after it shot 3 fireballs out the front. When the RSO asked what round they were using, the owner said some test handloads his uncle gave him.
 
#20
Re: Would you shoot these?

I reload regularly with a handful of guys....Only one of those guys would I shoot a "blind" reload from.

By blind I mean that I was not there taking part in the reloading process that produced said round(s).

Please do yourself a favor, do not shoot these. Have them dis-assembled if/when you purchase them so they are not accidentally shot by yourself or soemone else.
 
#22
Re: Would you shoot these?

I think people are saying the bottom line is... its not safe to shoot other peoples reloads. Unless you watched him make the ammo, you have no idea what your getting.

My grandfather gave me some 39-06 "reloads" one time. When I asked him where he got the steel core AP bullet from he argued with me that there were all "hunting rounds". After I showed him the obvious AP marking, he realized he had no idea what he had given me. Needless to say, I disassembled the rounds, burned the powder, blew the primers, resized the brass, and recycled the projectiles AFTER I weighed them.

Plus any douche bag who is going to charge you more than what new ammo costs, is just bad at business any way. I wouldn't trust his work.
 
#23
Re: Would you shoot these?

Guess Im lucky, everyone I reload for and I have more than 20 guys and a gal all trust what I load for them, they always tell me load what you think will work, no problems so far, cept for one guys 7600 didnt like 150 Hornady SPs so he gave them to his cousin, his rifle did like them, que sera, sera.
 
#24
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage 10fp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think people are saying the bottom line is... its not safe to shoot other peoples reloads. Unless you watched him make the ammo, you have no idea what your getting.

My grandfather gave me some 39-06 "reloads" one time. When I asked him where he got the steel core AP bullet from he argued with me that there were all "hunting rounds". After I showed him the obvious AP marking, he realized he had no idea what he had given me. Needless to say, I disassembled the rounds, burned the powder, blew the primers, resized the brass, and recycled the projectiles AFTER I weighed them.

Plus any douche bag who is going to charge you more than what new ammo costs, is just bad at business any way. I wouldn't trust his work. </div></div>

Hope you mic'd the diameter of the bullets too. A .311" one in there would make for an UGLY day.
 
#25
Re: Would you shoot these?

OP: this still sounds a bit fishy. Anyone with any experience reloading, knows that it takes a lot more than just a "cook book" to load up a load for a particular rifle. Loads need to be tested, and worked up. Start low and go slow. Just because some reloading manual says it's safe doesn't mean it'll be safe or accurate in your rifle. And "hot loads" are to be avoided at all costs unless you have already gone through the process yourself and know where the limits are for your rifle with a particular powder/bullet/primer/brass/COL combination. Any one of the previously mentioned factors, if off just a bit, could result in a KABOOM.

I also agree with not leaving these bullets laying around somewhere. Take them down and reduce them to components. It's just not safe.
 
#26
Re: Would you shoot these?

No thanks if you ask me. Unless you were there to see what was going on. I would have just told him to keep the rounds. If they were some top notch quality reloads he should have no problem just keeping them for himself.
 
#27
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JGorski</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And guys, Dermeister didnt say the 308s were hot loaded, he said the 9mms were. </div></div>

but he did say 42 'GRAMS'....not 'grains'
??????????
 
#28
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage 10fp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think people are saying the bottom line is... its not safe to shoot other peoples reloads. Unless you watched him make the ammo, you have no idea what your getting.

My grandfather gave me some 39-06 "reloads" one time. When I asked him where he got the steel core AP bullet from he argued with me that there were all "hunting rounds". After I showed him the obvious AP marking, he realized he had no idea what he had given me. Needless to say, I disassembled the rounds, burned the powder, blew the primers, resized the brass, and recycled the projectiles AFTER I weighed them.

Plus any douche bag who is going to charge you more than what new ammo costs, is just bad at business any way. I wouldn't trust his work. </div></div>

Hope you mic'd the diameter of the bullets too. A .311" one in there would make for an UGLY day. </div></div>

Would you take a risk like that in an old 1903 or garand. I guess I just didn't want to potentially destroy a $1000 historic rifle. Better safe than sorry I guess.
 
#29
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: was21</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JGorski</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And guys, Dermeister didnt say the 308s were hot loaded, he said the 9mms were. </div></div>

but he did say 42 'GRAMS'....not 'grains'
?????????? </div></div>
42 grams wouldnt fit in any case would it? Typo ya think?
 
#30
Re: Would you shoot these?

Yea, that was a typo on my part. Well, this thread ended up being for almost nothing. My uncle stopped by today and dropped off the ammo, apparently the guy said I could just have the cartridges to see how I like them.

He ended up using 2 of his own brass, so I have a total of 40rds. He wrote the specs on the box and they are as follows,

165gr BTSP inter lock
42gr H235
2600fps

They all look ok, nothing looks bad. I weighed the loaded cartridges(I know this isn't a good indicator by any means) and they all came out close to the same. I can get pictures if anyone wants them.
 
#31
Re: Would you shoot these?

Are you sure it is H235 and not H335? 42.0 grains of H335 in a 165 would probably generate 2600 fps, more or less. Might be worth double-checking. I'm not familiar with H235 and I did not see it on the burn rate chart.
 
#33
Re: Would you shoot these?

Nope, on both boxes he clearly wrote H235. I did a google and snipershide search and didn't find anything on it.

However H335 is probably what he meant, as that is what I found after a quick search.
 
#34
Re: Would you shoot these?

A real good way to see if you should shoot someone else's reloads. If you'll trade skivvies with him in the middle of the day & your ok with that then shoot his reloads. If you won't then maybe you shouldn't. I'm just sayin'.
 
#35
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DerMeister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nope, on both boxes he clearly wrote H235. I did a google and snipershide search and didn't find anything on it.

However H335 is probably what he meant, as that is what I found after a quick search.

</div></div>

Hey DerMeister, since a bunch of us have voiced in now so just curious if you still intend to shoot these.

FWIW...another perspective is I reload for bolt guns and an M1A, all in 308WIN. One bolt gun has phenomenal accuracy & safety shooting CCI mag primers, 45.0gr Varget behind a 168. This round would be very hot for my M1A also in 308WIN and potentially damaging to its piston system.

Or another point...that 45.0gr is specific to Winchester brass. Unless I were to personally start low and work up, I would hate to see what that charge with a mag primer would do to my bolt gun if I loaded it in Lake City Match brass with far less volume.
 
#36
Re: Would you shoot these?

If ever you have to ask is it worth the risk when it comes to reloading I say no. If you were talking about baking pies or building sandcastles have at it but with things that can result in loss of life or limb never.
 
#37
Re: Would you shoot these?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hamstur</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DerMeister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nope, on both boxes he clearly wrote H235. I did a google and snipershide search and didn't find anything on it.

However H335 is probably what he meant, as that is what I found after a quick search.

</div></div>

Hey DerMeister, since a bunch of us have voiced in now so just curious if you still intend to shoot these.

FWIW...another perspective is I reload for bolt guns and an M1A, all in 308WIN. One bolt gun has phenomenal accuracy & safety shooting CCI mag primers, 45.0gr Varget behind a 168. This round would be very hot for my M1A also in 308WIN and potentially damaging to its piston system.

Or another point...that 45.0gr is specific to Winchester brass. Unless I were to personally start low and work up, I would hate to see what that charge with a mag primer would do to my bolt gun if I loaded it in Lake City Match brass with far less volume. </div></div>

No absolutley not, I think I will see if my other uncle who reloads will be interested in having them to break them down and use some of the components for his FN .308.

Thats another good point, I was thinking that the guy had no idea what i was shooting these through, so if I had an M1a, his "hot match loads" could possibly damage it.

Anyways, thanks for your replies everyone, I will not be shooting these and will having them taken care of in a few weeks.
 
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