OAL Confusion

[Mainsail]

On page 340 of the Lyman Reloading Handbook (49th) is the data for 9mm Luger. The last load on page 342 lists an OAL of 1.058". The diagram on page 340, however, seems to show an OAL 1.169". Some factory 147gr HST measures 1.125" I want to load up some 147gr lead bullets.

So what do all these numbers mean!?!?!

What do I load my rounds to?

 

[Walkalong]

Within reason you need to pick an O.A.L. that feeds well in your gun/s.

1.168 (By Speer #13) is the MAX O.A.L. for a loaded round.

Some manuals show what they loaded the round at. Speer tested all their 147 Gr bullets at 1.130.

Someone who shoots 147 Gr bullets will come along soon with some suggestions on O.A.L.

Which lead 147 Gr bullet? Someone here may shoot that same bullet.

 

[rcmodel]

The max OAL shown in the diagram on page 340 is the SAAMI maximum length for the 9mm with any bullet style. Anything longer then that may not fit in any standard magazine.

The OAL shown with each bullet is the OAL they used to test that particular bullet.
It should be close to the right length to feed properly in most guns.

Bullet shape effects seating depth, OAL, and feed reliability.
So when you change shapes, the OAL has to change too.

In any case, it will not be more then the SAAMI max length shown in the drawing for the SAAMI cartridge specs.

rc

 

[Mainsail]

OK, so if I'm understanding this right, the diagram is the max any round should ever be. The OAL listed with the data is the OAL they used, but isn't a hard number. My HSTs at 1.125 are the OAL the Federal is using for that particular bullet size/shape.

I'm loading HSM 147gr Truncated Cone lead bullets.

Thanks everyone!

 

[rcmodel]

You got it!

Proceed on.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

He's a fast learner rc.