Guide to reloading Bullet Corp Bullets.

Guide to Reloading Bullet Corp Bullets

Important Disclaimer: The load data presented here reflects our internal testing and is specific to our equipment and conditions. Do not replicate these loads directly. Always conduct your own load development, adhering to safe reloading practices. Use this guide at your own risk.

At Bullet Corp, we’ve engineered our bullets to redefine performance and value in reloading. Our lead-cast bullets are coated with Bullet Corp Bullet Coating, an advanced, self-drying, self-lubricating, and low-smoke protective layer. Infused with a high-performance thermal agent, this coating maintains stability under extreme heat—even with magnum loads—while a proprietary self-lubricating compound reduces friction and extends barrel life. Its exceptional bonding strength ensures it integrates seamlessly with the bullet, delivering consistent results shot after shot.

For years, local reloaders have relied on copper-jacketed (CMJ) bullets, such as those from a prominent domestic supplier. Rising costs, however, have created demand for a cost-effective alternative. Bullet Corp has answered that call with a bullet that’s not only more affordable but also offers superior accuracy potential.

How Bullet Corp Bullets Differ from CMJ Bullets

Understanding these distinctions is critical for effective reloading:

• Coating vs. Jacketing: CMJ bullets feature a copper jacket plated over lead—a costly process. Bullet Corp bullets replace this with our advanced coating, eliminating copper expenses while maintaining performance.


• Diameter Standards: CMJ bullets are typically sized to .355” locally, whereas Bullet Corp bullets align with the industry standard for lead-cast bullets at .356”. This slight increase ensures optimal bore fitment.


• Ogive Profile: The forward curve (ogive) of Bullet Corp bullets differs from CMJ designs, impacting seating depth and cartridge overall length (COL).


• Cost Efficiency: Beyond performance, Bullet Corp bullets reduce reloading costs, allowing you to shoot more without compromising quality.

These differences necessitate adjustments to your reloading process. Attempting to load Bullet Corp bullets like CMJ bullets will yield suboptimal results—or worse. Below, we outline a proven method to reload our bullets effectively.

Step-by-Step Reloading Process

(Note: Do not add powder or primers until your setup is fully dialed in.)

1. Case Flaring
   Bullet Corp bullets require more case flare than CMJ bullets due to their .356” diameter. Adjust your flaring die to expand the case mouth just enough for the bullet to stand upright without tipping—typically a half-turn on Lee dies. Excessive flare shortens case life, so precision is key. Standard expanders may undersize the case for lead bullets, risking swaging during seating. For best results, use an oversized expander, such as our Bullet Corp Powder Thru Expander Plugs, available on our site.


2. Seating and Inspection
   Seat a test bullet and inspect for coating integrity. Pull the bullet using a bullet puller to confirm no coating or lead has been scraped off. If damage is visible or the base measures below .356” (e.g., swaged to .354”), increase flare and consider an oversized expander. Swaging compromises the bullet, leading to gas cutting and barrel leading.


3. Crimping
   Bullet Corp bullets require minimal crimping compared to CMJ bullets due to their thicker profile. Apply a light taper crimp to remove the flare and prevent setback—no more. Over-crimping, such as with a Lee Factory Crimp Die, may swage the bullet depending on case variation, risking gas cutting. Alternatively, use a Lee Bullet Seating Die with zero crimp initially, ensuring flare removal and no setback. If setback occurs, incrementally increase crimp, then pull and inspect the bullet to verify coating integrity and absence of crimp marks.


4. Setting Cartridge Overall Length (COL)
   Unlike traditional lead bullets, Bullet Corp’s Match Pro profile—developed in-house—features a smaller ogive designed to fit your barrel’s chamber without requiring a shorter COL. This innovation maintains standard lengths, reducing pressure concerns and simplifying load development. Still, perform a plunk test with a dummy round to ensure proper chambering. To confirm your barrel’s maximum COL:
   
   • Remove the barrel.
   
   
   • Measure the bullet length.
   
   
   • Drop the bullet into the chamber and use a vernier caliper to measure from the bullet base to the chamber face.
   
   
   • Add these measurements, then subtract a few thousandths for press and bullet variations.
     Test the dummy round in your magazine and cycle it through the firearm to verify function.
   
   


5. Load Development
   Our testing shows Bullet Corp bullets achieve velocities comparable to CMJ bullets with similar powder charges, minimizing the need for drastic adjustments. Below are sample loads from our controlled tests—use these as a reference only and develop your own safe loads:
   
   • Setup: Somchem S121 (Batch 43/18, -0.8% deviation), Fiocchi Small Pistol Primers, mixed brass, COL 28.5mm, Sig Sauer SP2022 (9mmP, 3.7” barrel).
   
   
   • 147gr FN: 3.6gr – 886 ft/s (avg. 6 ft/s faster than CMJ).
   
   
   • 124gr RN: 3.9gr – 946 ft/s; 4.2gr – 1003 ft/s.
   
   
   • 115gr RN: 4.5gr – 1073 ft/s.
   
   
   • Notes: The 147gr load achieves a 130 power factor, a proven performer. The 124gr at 4.2gr and 28mm COL is our preferred load for CZ Shadow, though it may not factor in the Sig.
   
   

Key Takeaways

Reloading Bullet Corp bullets demands precision:

• Increase case flare for proper seating.


• Apply minimal crimp to preserve coating integrity.


• Leverage the Match Pro profile’s smaller ogive for standard COL—no need to shorten.


• Protect the coating—damage leads to pressure spikes and leading.


• Develop your loads safely—don’t copy ours blindly.

When dialed in, Bullet Corp bullets offer cost savings, reliable performance, and a vibrant range of colors—making reloading both efficient and enjoyable. Trust Bullet Corp to deliver quality from Witbank, SA, to your press.