New to reloading, not sure about my C.O.L.

[hc1]

I reloaded a few dummy rounds. Remington 700 7mm Remington Mag. Lee Breech-loc Changller kit,Remington brass, Hornady 162 gr. SST bullets.
Reloading manuals list as follows:

Trimmed case lenght...max 2.500---Measured...2.498
Casel Overall Lenght.........3.290
At a C.O.L. of 3.350 The bullet was contacting the lands.
At a COL of 3.338 I was not touching the lands. Thats a change of 0.012 from the 3.350 and a change of 0.048 of the listed COL. Is "3.338" COL too long or am I good to try a few live rounds?

Thanks for your help

 

[rcmodel]

If it fits in the magazine box, and the bullet isn't jammed into the rifling, it should be good.

But with no information given on power type or charge weight, that's not saying it is a safe load.

rc

 

[MutinousDoug]

Assuming your bullet is not in the lands and the cartridge fits in the magazine or you are single loading, you are fine with your COL.

 

[hc1]

56.8 gr Hodgdon 1000 to start with...........and it does chamber form the magazine.

 

[rcmodel]

That is way below the recommended starting load with that bullet & powder.

Hodgdon shows a 67.0 grain starting load with the Hornady 162 gr. SPBT.

You should never go below the suggested starting load with the small bore belted-magnum calibers.

rc

 

[hc1]

Thanks for the replys................

I see on Hodgdon web site that 67.0 is the starting load for the bullet that i am using. What i don't understand now is in Hornady's new 7th edition reloading hand book it shows 56.8 with 68.5 being max. Hodgdon web site shows the max at 70.0.
Which do i go with?

 

[243winxb]

Start low and workup. 67gr could be max in some early rifles.