Grease groove in WWII .303 bullets important or not ?

[André]

I use to salvage bullets from (corrosive primed/cordite loaded) WWII ammo before handloading them with modern primers and powder. However, I tumble pulled bullets prior to handloading until they come out shiny. However, I've noticed that the original bullets carry a grease groove which is also cleaned out during tumbling ; then, after being sorted in weight lots, they shoot quite accurately on top of N140/40.0, though. Am I wrong in tumbling the bullets and should I preserve the greased groove ?

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[RobSmith]

The cannelure is not a grease groove. It's there to aid guide the crimping.

[André]

The cannelure is not a grease groove. It's there to aid guide the crimping.

It's still filled with grease, though...

[Brian Dick]

I think what you're seeing isn't grease but a sealer to make them waterproof. Most if not all factory loaded military ammo will be sealed.

[André]

True, it could be sealing wax indeed. Then, I guess it's of no importance in reloads whether bullets are tumble cleaned or not ?

[Bruce McAskill]

No it's not important. It may increase the accuracy of the bullet a little bit without the sealant on them.

[browningautorifle]

It's more like a tar coat to seal. I used brake cleaner sprayed on them and then polished them in a big towel before using them. All the tar coat came off.

[bob q]

It is grease . Since the Enfield was a low powered action they did everything they could to get more velocity and keep pressure down . An undersized bore riding bullet , slick jacket material , and a lubed bullet . It is not a sealer , that is why there is a grease Groove .

[browningautorifle]

It is grease .

That's fine, you're entitled to your opinion. Even when the facts are wrong. It's your opinion.

By the way, the crimp is mid neck, not at the mouth. You can see it on any of them. All military ammo has this type of sealant...and none of them need a bullet lube.

[Daan Kemp]

Comment. Never seen any military or commercial jacketed bullet requiring grease; crimping cannelure yes. Never knew the Enfield was a low powered action either, or about the "undersized bore riding bullet". Could you provide some facts on this please.