Accuracy adjustments for Length etc question...

[pcgunner]

I'm reloading for the long haul with what I have in stock after my hiatus - it's a long job again LOL

However, in doing so I have to load the first few hundred for fine tuning in my guns again as well as the new guns we have.

So for example, I have reloaded some 9mm for 2 guns we have to fine tune for accuracy. The Overall length I have my die set to is 1.160 (max is 1.169).

I tend to leave the length alone once I have it set up and I never vary the crimped width once I get it set below the max.

So I was wondering if aside from the powder measure difference do you all take the time to adjust the overall length as well?

Thoughts?

Thanks as always in advance

 

[Blue68f100]

I've only have one hand gun where I adj the length improved my grouping. It was an older BHP. The reason for the group change was that I could not eject a live round. What happened was I ended up reducing the group size to 1.5" from 3" by adj the OAL shorter by 0.010". This made no change on all my other 9's. Does not hurt to try but I would not waste my time.

 

[LiveLife]

I have reloaded some 9mm for 2 guns we have to fine tune for accuracy. The Overall length I have my die set to is 1.160 (max is 1.169).

I tend to leave the length alone once I have it set up and I never vary the crimped width once I get it set below the max.

So I was wondering if aside from the powder measure difference do you all take the time to adjust the overall length as well?

I load for multiple pistols and my general range practice/plinking loads must work in any of the guests' pistols (friends/family/neighbors/coworkers) who often accompany me to my range sessions. These loads are loaded to mid-to-high range load data and to increase neck tension for more consistent initial chamber pressures, I load them to 1.135" OAL using 115/124 gr FMJ/plated RN bullets.

For greater accuracy specific to my KKM/Lone Wolf barrels that have longer leade/freebore (They will accommodate longer than SAAMI max of 1.169"), I use 1.160" OAL to reduce gas leakage.

Interestingly, Atlanta Arms Elite Match grade AMU 115 gr FMJ rated to 1.5" at 50 yards (used by many match teams and US military teams) is loaded to 1.130" at 1150 fps while Select grade 115 gr TCJ (plated total copper jacket) is loaded to 1.135" at 1250 fps - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=10187322#post10187322

I am currently conducting load development for 9mm carbine loads at 25/50/100 yards and will be testing 1.135" vs 1.160" OAL with various 115/124 gr bullets - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=10186246#post10186246