AR-10 and bullet depth.

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Flyinhi

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I completed an AR-10 build using Aero Precision components. I have shot about 60 or 70 rounds through it. It performs well and accuracy is very good. It shoots better than I do. I have been using the 168G Gold Match factory ammo from Federal. I am ready to reload and wanted to check my Ogive/lands to decide the bullet seating depth. I am using the Bullet comparator from Hornady. The curved one. Comparing the seated length to the lands for my unit with the Federal round using the same bullet I see about .090 different. I want to try about .040 off the lands for my first reload. The OAL for the Federal round is 2..800. The max length is to be no more than 2.810. If I set my reload based on the length of the comparator to the lands, and subtract my .040 I get 2.847 for my reload OAL. that is more than the Max allowed and probably wouldn't fit my clip. Does this sound like what I should be seeing in my measurements? The rifle fires perfect and is very accurate. If I set the reload to max OAL of 2,810 I will have .080 space to my rifling. Does this sound right or am I missing something? Thanks. The actural length to the lands is 2.187 using the comparator.
 
A lot of the ELD type bullets like the jump. Load to Max Mag length and give it a try. You may be surprised on how well they will shot. Work up you load till you find the node, you should be good. Your not using the same bullet so it will be different.
 
In a semiauto, magazine length is limiting. . . there's no avoiding it. As you're happy with its current performance, I would suggest you load to COAL = 0.010" under max magazine, and focus on bullet, powder, charge, and case prep to tune accuracy.
 
If I set the reload to max OAL of 2,810 I will have .080 space to my rifling.

Generically speaking, I would not load all the way to max mag length; as others have suggested, I would (I have...) load to 2.800" and call it a day. There is always a trade-off with semi-auto rifles and trying to tailor accuracy cartridges... and that's the mag length.

I just completed an Aero AR-10 for a friend of mine... previously I had zero interest in the -10 platform, but after building his and shooting it, I'm sold.
 
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