New to loading .308. A-Max questions

[TonyAngel]

Hey guys, I'm getting ready to load up my first batch of .308. I already have the date on the SMK, but don't have a Hornady book. Do any of you know what the OAL should be with a 169gr A-Max? I'm not looking to start touching the lands, just want to get started, so I'm looking for what is listed or recommended. I was going to load them to the same length as the SMKs, but read somewhere that due to the shape of the bullet they should be seated deeper than the SMK.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[USSR]

Tony,

With most .308's, you must exceed the magazine length before your bullet's ogive will contact the leade. Just load them to mag length, and check to be sure you are not touching the leade.

Don

 

[TonyAngel]

Well, that's easy enough. Thanks a lot.

 

[srkavanagh6621]

usually with the .308 Min Over All Length must be at least 2.800" so try to aim for that it will fit in your magazine and shoot without problem!

 

[93LXRag]

Hornady 7th edition lists the 168 gr. A-MAX (#30502) at a O.A.L. of 2.800". There are 4 bullets in that same 165-168 grain classs that are listed .050 less at 2.750". The A-MAX also has the highest BC at .475.

-Steve

 

[USSR]

Something to remember: OAL listed in reloading manuals, is simply the OAL that THEY used with their load, and is not etched in stone.

Don

 

[Joker7940]

Since you are familiar about touching the lands the best way to be sure is to get a oal gauge like from hornady or older models from stoney point. That way you will be sure what your max oal length would be for each bullet for YOUR rifle. The reloading specs in the manuals are the "for everyone" specs like USSR mentioned. They are on the very very safe side. Most chambers/throats will give you a min of 10, 15 even 20 thous way before you even think about hitting the lands with the ogive. If you want to be sure for every bullet for every rifle check them out.
http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/catalog/2009/69-70_precision_gauges.pdf

 

[TonyAngel]

Thanks a lot for the info. I'm going to get one of those gauuges the next time I go to Cabelas. I remember seeing them, but didn't know what they were for.