HTC PTU with jacketed bullets?

Is it good practice to use an HTC powder transfer unit (see link below) for jacketed bullets or is there a reason that it should be used with all lead bullets?

https://www.photoescapeinc.com/products/45htc-ptu-lnl-ap.html

-Trevor

I use it with all my lead bullets. They're all the same diameter anyway.

I think a jacketed bullet would just fall in the case, so I think that's a no-go.

hengehold wrote:Is it good practice to use an HTC powder transfer unit (see link below) for jacketed bullets or is there a reason that it should be used with all lead bullets?

https://www.photoescapeinc.com/products/45htc-ptu-lnl-ap.html

-Trevor

It is loaded question, Trevor.

Let me express my thoughts on the subject, and you should decide for yourself.

Firstly, WesG is absolutely correct about OD difference.  Most JHP bullets are sized at 0.451", while most lead/HTC bullets are sized for 0.452"/0.453".  Bearing surface on #68 and JHP bullets (i.e. Zero) is very close (~0.270", if I remember correctly).  Hence you can't use same setup for both, as neck tension will be non-existent for JHP bullets.  So you would need to up ever slightly powder die/measure to provide for at least additional 1/16 - 1/32 for neck tension while loading JHPs.

Secondly, you might need to use two different crimp dies.  The reason behind, - as soon as JHP bullet out of neck tension area there is a potential for gasses going around the bullet if there are any gaps left.  While it is purely theoretical, we need to remember that different brass has different spring back.  In short, - testing is necessary to determine if this is a factor.

Thus from technical stand point, yes, you can use HTC PTU for loading JHP bullets.  However this is where "can" and "good practice" needs to be decided based on testing.

Hope this helps.
AP