I'm starting my next batch of loads and got pretty confused by the type and weight of the bullets available. The most important question is there a big problem with seating a bullet that is shorter than the recommended C.O.L.
For example I couldn't find any load data for the .308 Winchester service rifle for a 165gr SST in my Hornady 7th Ed reference. It only shows 155gr and 168gr. In each case the COL is 2.80.
I did find some 165gr Hornady SST's in the standard (whatever that means), Winchester with a 2.750 COL.
I pressed one of them into a gage cartridge and came up with 2.7490 after crimping.
I have been shooting NIB Rem 150g FMJ's since I bought the AR10 with a COL of 2.7880. and the first batch of reloads were 168gr SST Hornady and I had no problems.
How critical is the COL. and isn't there a relationship between the proper headspace and the overall length ?? Now I'm really confused.