OAL of 30-06 loads different..

[Caliber]

I am using the lyman guide to reload some 30-06 of various weights to test in my rifle and I notice that depending on the bullet used each load has a different OAL. After loading 2 different loads 150gn and 168gn bullets, I noticed that visually they look like different OAL's and began wondering if the longer one will fit in my rifle. I have not checked yet as my rifle is being borrowed by my father for some practice. Any thoughts on this or is this normal?

 

[cougar1717]

Yes, different bullets will require different OAL's due to their weight and shape. It is best to have the reloading manual specifically for the bullets you are using. If the bullets have a cannelure, seat them at that oal. If you have a bolt action, it would benefit you to make a dummy round that was intentionally seated long in order to measure your maximum oal. There is enough leverage in the bolt action to seat the bullet to the maximum oal. Even so, it is wise to reduce that measurement for safety.

 

[qajaq59]

I generally make up a dummy round that has a split neck so the bullet wll slide easily in and out. I chamber and measure it. Then I'll seat the bullets about 10 to 20 thousands back from that length, if it a jacketed bullet. Cast is different. I also make sure that they will still feed from the magazine. I think that technique came from the Lyman manual. But I can't remember for sure, and I don't have it handy.

 

[sonier]

+1 on the dummy round, i do that technique and it gives me about a 1/4 moa more accuracy to those loads if there properly set back from the rifling a few thousandths off the rifling.

 

[Caliber]

They are both nosler bullets and I will check that manual or website. I loaded min charges in all of them so I will see if they fit my Bolt action.

 

[OYE]

I would concur with the above postings. Very good advice. I would add that on a rifle
with an extremely long throat ( distance to where the rifling starts) that you would
wish to have a minimum seating depth of " one caliber length " ( with a .308 diameter
bullet you would want a minimum seating depth of .308 ) .

 

[steve4102]

They are both nosler bullets and I will check that manual or website.

Nosler does NOT list OAL for loads tested. They only list SAAMI case dimentions. You need to find what OAL works in your rifle.

SPECIAL NOTE ON CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH “COL”
It is important to note that the SAAMI “COL” values are for the firearms and ammunition manufacturers industry and must
be seen as a guideline only.
The individual reloader is free to adjust this dimension to suit their particular firearm-component-weapon combination.
This parameter is determined by various dimensions such as 1) magazine length (space), 2) freebore-lead dimensions of
the barrel, 3) ogive or profile of the projectile and 4) position of cannelure or crimp groove.