338-06 c.o.l

[bench shooter]

Got a quick question. I was working on loading some 338-06 ack improves last night. This is a fire form load. I was using 225 grain hornady sst but ran out and couldn't find more locally so switched to a 200 grain hornady sp. I made up a dummy round for the new bullet and set it to where the book says at 3.310. I noticed that when seated at this depth the cannular is above the case mouth buy quit a bit and is also jamming into the lands when cambered in the rifle. I seated deeper a little at a time to where it is about .010 off the lands for a length of 3.240. Which also puts the cannular right at the case mouth in case I want to crimp it. My question is since it is seated deeper than what is published where should I start on powder charge. Lowest in the book is 43.5 and max load is 57.3 of varget. Would I be ok going with middle of the road at 49 grains. I know seating deeper increases pressure. Thanks

 

[GooseGestapo]

Whose book?
My .338/06 will allow bullets to be seated out to beyond where they will fit the magazine (Interarms MkX Mauser). Over 3.4". Consider yourself lucky to have a short throat.
If fire forming brass, you want the bullets touching or even "into" the lands to force the case back against the bolt face.
I've used the Hornady 200's but much prefer the Speer and Sierra's. Especially the Sierra 225grn ProHunter.
With the 200grn even touching the lands, you'll be ok with the same charge as a non touching 225.
I generally have found with .308-'06 class cases, 1-1.5 grain reduction is expected if loading to touch the grooves.

 

[steve4102]

OAL is always Bullet and Firearm specific, Never manual specific.

Ignore the OAL listed in every manual you own. Find the correct OAL for your firearm and your bullet of choice.

The OAL listed in manuals is so unnecessary that some manuals refuse to even list the OAL tested.

 

[Captcurt]

OAL is always Bullet and Firearm specific, Never manual specific.

Ignore the OAL listed in every manual you own. Find the correct OAL for your firearm and your bullet of choice.

The OAL listed in manuals is so unnecessary that some manuals refuse to even list the OAL tested.

True that, and just because it chambers a 100gr Hornady doesn't mean that the COAL will be the same for a 100gr Speer. They have totally different ogives, Some barrels have shorter throats too. I load for a friend who shoots a Savage 10 in 270cal. His COAL is .040 shorter than my Ruger with the same bullet.