I have successfuly loaded my 1st hundred rounds and have shot almost 50 of them with no problems. Only question that I have now is about OAL. My bullets seem to vary in length by .005 - .010. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?? I'm at or slightly above minimum and nowhere near the max. Any input will be appreciated.
Made my 1st batch and have questions about OAL....
- Thread starter wscato
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dodgestdshift
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You don't say what you are loading and with what bullet. Variances will usually occur.
If there isn't gunk accumulating in the seater, it probably is variance in the bullet. You don't say whether there is exposed lead on the tip of the bullet but this can be deformed without much effect. Remember when you measure the cartridge you measure the bullet tip, when you seat the bullet the seater plug doesn't always push from there causing a discrepency.
Just be careful don't make your cartridges too short, this can increase pressure.
If there isn't gunk accumulating in the seater, it probably is variance in the bullet. You don't say whether there is exposed lead on the tip of the bullet but this can be deformed without much effect. Remember when you measure the cartridge you measure the bullet tip, when you seat the bullet the seater plug doesn't always push from there causing a discrepency.
Just be careful don't make your cartridges too short, this can increase pressure.
In general, that kind of variation is common even with commercial ammo. It all depends on the type of bullet you're using. The bullet seater is pushing on or above the ogive, but you are measuring the OAL from top to bottom. The tops of some bullets are not uniform, so that could be one source of the variation. Another source might be your handle operation. If you don't have a consistent handle pressure for every round, the bullet might go in a little farther for some and a little less for others.
ThreadKiller
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OAL is going to vary some. Depends on the tolerances of the bullet you're loading. How soon the seating stem makes contact with the bullet will determine the OAL. Just take an average I guess.
Get a cartridge case gauge from Dillon or Midway or whoever. This nifty little device is a quick and easy way to determine if your loads are too long, if the case is too long and if it will chamber reliably. Pretty handy.
Tim
Get a cartridge case gauge from Dillon or Midway or whoever. This nifty little device is a quick and easy way to determine if your loads are too long, if the case is too long and if it will chamber reliably. Pretty handy.
Tim
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