Some people have had a hard time understanding the dimensions on the drawing for the NOE 358 155/147 (ELCO) bullet design. The problem is because of the way the design software shows the dimensions of the 2 degree taper on the nose section of the bullet. The design software can't show the 2 degree angle, so instead it simply lists the dimensions where the tapered section starts, it's mid-point, and then where the conical tip portion starts.
A SAAMI spec 9mm throat has a 2 degree taper. The nose portion of this bullet has a matching 2 degree taper to match this SAAMI spec 9mm throat. The tapered section of the nose starts at the .358" dimension shown for the leading edge of the front driving band, and then is a straight taper to the point where the drawing shows .346", where the conical tip of the bullet starts. The point marked as .352" is the mid-point (datum point) for the tapered section of the nose, and is NOT a step in the nose itself, but rather just the way the software shows these dimensions.
If you have a SAAMI spec 9mm chamber/throat in your gun, this bullet should fit fine. The way to set up the proper OAL for the 9mm cartridge when loading with this bullet would be by starting with the "plunk test" in your barrel. Determine this OAL by putting the bullet in a 9mm case and setting it out long, then drop this dummy round into your chamber, so that the 2 degree taper of the nose of the bullet touches the 2 degree portion of the 9mm chamber. Adjust the length of the cartridge until the case head is flush with the barrel hood. This OAL should be about 1.140" with a SAAMI spec 9mm chamber, and this should result in about .260" of the base of the bullet inside the 9mm case, WITHOUT bulging the brass case. This length should also work in any SAAMI spec 9mm magazine as well.
The intent with this bullet was to design the best heavy weight bullet possible for the 9mm, and something that would be ideal for IDPA, USPSA, IDPA, etc., as well as for personal defense use. For a good discussion about how and why the bullet is designed the way it is, take a look at the original discussion thread at:
http://noebulletmolds.com/smf/index.php/topic,597.0.html
This bullet should also work well in the 38 Super.
This bullet will, however, have a nose that is too long to work in the 357 SIG without seating the bullet so deep in the case that the base of the bullet will be below the neck/shoulder junction.
I hope this helps.
Dave
