204 case length

[hughie]

New reloader here. I bought some Nosler 204 Ruger brass. Says its fully prepped and ready to load. Measured case length and calipers are reading 1.829. Reloading book says case lenght should be 1.840. How will this effect
COL and seating depth. Also should I full length resize this brass before reloading. Thanks

 

[Sunray]

I wouldn't believe 'em that it's ready to load. I'd size it.
Anyway, if you have your dies set up, the seating depth will need adjusting. I wouldn't worry too much about OAL. Varies by bullet weight anyway.

 

[rcmodel]

Case length has no effect on COL.
OAL / COL is measured from the base of the case head to the tip of the bullet.

How long the case is doesn't enter into that measurement.

I generally at least partially size new cases just to make sure the necks are round.
They sometimes get dinged up in shipment.

But if you notice no flattened or dinged neck, you probably don't need too.

I think your cases will 'grow' slightly after the first firing and resizing.

rc

 

[hughie]

So how do I determen the proper seating depth

 

[rcmodel]

You don't need to determine how much bullet is inside the case neck.

Just seat to the recommended OAL in your manual and go from there.

rc

 

[hughie]

Ok, thanks for your help!

 

[gamestalker]

Load it, shoot it, forget about it!

GS

 

[Scot43]

You don't need to do anything with new Nosler custom brass other than prime it, add powder, seat your bullet and shoot it. It comes already sized and with the case mouth chamfered. By the way…it is excellent quality brass. I have some in 204 and 22-250 that I've reloaded over 15 times!