Confused on "30 cal" when buying bullets

[taymag]

I started off reloading with 220gr MatchKing and 208 A-Max, both being advertised as 308 diameter and 30 cal.

What happens when a website sells 30 cal and it doesn't state the size? Couldn't it be 310-311 meant for loading AK ammo?

Second part of the question is for cast rounds... I've been shooting Palmetto Projectiles which are .310, Kingshooters which are .309 (both run great) and just ordered some Leatherheads which are .311, I know cast forms to the barrel a little easier which is why I can shoot .311 so why would another company make .309? Just preference?

 

[highlander 5]

All the major bullet makers are very good at designating whether a 30 cal bullet is .308 or .310/.311. In my 45 years of reloading I can't think of a single instance were caliber or cartridge designation was not specified.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Usually if you are buying a .30 caliber projectile it will be sized to .308". I stress usually.

Since a .310" or .311" fmj bullet is more rare the seller will usually advertise that well because reloaders are always looking for the correct bullets to load the 7.62X54R, 7.62X39mm, the 303 British and a few others.

While a .309" cast bullet is more common I see no problem loading a .310" cast bullet in most rifles.

 

[kerreckt]

The different sized 30 cal. cast bullets are made to fit the slightly different bore sizes. All 30 cal. rifles are not exactly .308 in diameter. There are variances with the exact diameter. A properly sized cast bullet will obturate to prevent gas cutting and blow by. This usually requires a bullet that is .001-.002 oversize and of softer lead if, it isn't a gas check projectile.

 

[taymag]

All the major bullet makers are very good at designating whether a 30 cal bullet is .308 or .310/.311. In my 45 years of reloading I can't think of a single instance were caliber or cartridge designation was not specified.

These are what I was referring to

http://www.shootersproshop.com/nosl...rain-custome-competition-hpbt-100ct-blem.html

 

[ArchAngelCD]

These are what I was referring to

http://www.shootersproshop.com/nosl...rain-custome-competition-hpbt-100ct-blem.html

All you had to do is go to the Nosler site and check the specs on that bullet, I did. I highly doubt Nosler would make a 220gr .30 cal competition bullet in anything but .308".

 

[highlander 5]

I would say that they are .308 diameter since they're being advertised as match grade bullets. Can't say I've seen match grade bullets in .310/.311.

 

[PCCUSNRET]

If you go to the full screen image for the video it shows that these 30 caliber bullets are 308. Agree they could have made it a little easier to find but it is listed ;-) Now if they only had some in stock.

 

[WelshShooter]

Typically .30 calibre is destined for .308, .300 winmag etc.

Projectiles designed for .303 and 7.62x54mmR will be advertised as .311 diameter.

Projectiles designed for 7.62x39 will be advertised as 7.62 and usually only sell them in 123gr weights.