Measure bore diameter without slugging?

[bainter1212]

Hey folks,
I've got an old Mosin that was poorly counterbored, so I cut down the barrel and re-crowned with 11 degree target crown. I want to handload for this rifle once I get it finished, and I understand that these old Mosins often have bores that measure out larger than .308.

My question is this - is there any reason that the bore diameter can't be measured at the crown, now that it's nice and sharp? My calipers have jaws that are meant to measure "inside" , on the backside of the caliper. So far, measuring with the calipers has given me a consistent groove-to-groove reading of .3105. As always, I measured about 15 times, re-zeroing my calipers each time. A couple of times the # was different, however by far .3105 was the most consistent number that it came out to.
Can I rely on this number? If so, should I load .310 or .311 bullets?
Any response is appreciated, thanks a bunch guys.

 

[rcmodel]

.311.

Bigger is always better, regardless of what you think it measures without slugging it.

rc

 

[wgaynor]

Slugging a bore is so easy, I'd do it to ensure accuracy and match that to what your calipers are currently telling you. That way, you know if your calipers were right, and you have confident in what you think is correct.

When I slugged my Mosin's bore, is was .313

Like RC said, bigger is better.

 

[45lcshooter]

Go with the closest whole number RC is right.

 

[bainter1212]

Thanks guys. .311 it is.