Reloading Instructions

Thank you for your interest in shooting the latest technology in solid copper, match grade projectiles. Due to their unique design that includes a Seal Tite band, or sealing band, there are some reloading practices that must be followed for optimum performance. The copper used in manufacturer of these projectiles is very soft and until loaded into the case, which then protects the Seal Tite band, care must be taken in handling the bullets to ensure the Seal Tite band is not damaged. This is the reason they are packaged in a divided box.

Above is an exaggerated view of a bullet and its features. In reality the Seal Tite band is only .001-.004" larger than nominal caliber diameter, depending the caliber, and the use of a magnifying glass when seating the bullets to ensure seating is done properly is recommended. Standard reloading procedures can be followed with the following exceptions:

1. Brass casings should be trimmed to standard trim length. Ensure the inside of the case mouth is chamfered a minimum of 1/4 of the thickness of the brass wall thickness. This will ensure the Seal Tite band is not sheared off if it needs to be installed further into the case than at the mouth of the case. Brushing with a bronze brush is recommended inside of the neck after chamfering to also reducing shearing of the body and Seal Tite band. Brushing also reduces carbon build up that happens over time. Some slight copper shaving is normal on the body and, or, Seal Tite band but does not effect the size to a degree it that the material removed effects bullet flight or sealing. A couple tenths of a thousandth sheared off looks like a lot of shavings but it is not a concern as long as the proper procedure was followed. A 20° chamfering tool such as a rotary burr eliminates all copper shaving and is highly recommended.
2. When seating the bullets, press the bullets into the case until the Seal Tite Band comes in contact with the brass or use the pre-established COAL method (see 3 below). This will allow approximately .020” jump of the Seal Tite Band into the chamber throat. If less of a jump is required, blacken the entire bullet and seat it shallower looking for marks. Pay close attention to marks on the Seal Tite Band from the throat just as you would look for marks on the Ogive from the lands if trying to see what the jump is on a normal bullet. On CEB bullets with a Bore Rider and Driving Band combination (MAX designated bullets), you must also look for contact on the leading edge of the Driving Band as well to ensure excess pressure from contact will not occur. Do not leave the Seal Tite Band out of the case more than .030” or the bullet may get stuck in the throat. If there are any contact marks anywhere, seat the bullet deeper. There are bullets made for more projection if needed.
3. Since our Meplat is machined and consistent from bullet to bullet, COAL can be measured very accurately. Measuring the COAL is an easier way for most people (including us), to seat our bullets to proper depth. The distance from the tip to the boat tail side of the Seal Tite Band is given in the individual bullet descriptions which is called the bullet projection. This dimension plus the cartridge trimmed to trim length will put the Seal Tite Band in perfect position which will be against the case mouth. This will typically allow .015-.020” jump of STB into the chamber throat. If the cartridge overall length (COAL) is too long to fit into your magazine, the bullet can be seated deeper which in turn will give the bullet more jump into the chamber throat. Do not in any case seat the bullets with the Seal Tite Band deeper than one half of the brass neck length. Otherwise the bullets will not be held securely enough to ensure they will not move if dropped on the tip or bumped.
4. Our bullets are capable of obtaining the same muzzle velocity as any other bullet of the same weight with similar pressure results. Our test results stated in the individual bullet descriptions are typically achieved using rifles with longer than standard barrels and are not typical results obtainable by using standard length barrels. Whatever your particular rifle is capable of producing speed wise with other bullets of a similar weight is what we recommend shooting our bullets at. As with any bullet, the maximum obtainable speed may or may not be the most accurate speed to shoot these bullets. A case in point is, our .338 Lapua test rifle with a 34" barrel is capable of firing our MTH D64 LD HPBT-MAX at 3200fps but is most accurate at 3110 to 3130fps.