Question about determining OAL for a MN M44

[Matt Dillon]

Folks, it has been awhile since I determined the OAL for a cartridge, and I was wondering if anyone had a good method to do so. I am developing 2 loads for a Mosin Nagant M44 (7.62x54). One for a spire point .311 180 grain bullet, and one for a round nose .311 180 grain bubllet. I have "smoked" the bullet tip with either a candle or a sharpie in the past, then closed the bolt, then attempted to see the rifling on the tip of the bullet, then backed off the oal to be 2-5 thousands of an inch less than that. I have had to repeat this process several times, then average the readings in order to get a good starting OAL. Does anyone have a good method that improves on this? I have gotten bullets stuck in the past, and was wondering if anyone had a better method. Thanks so much in advance!

 

[armoredman]

Actually, I just used the reccomeded OAL in the Lee pamphlet. BTW, would you let me know what works well? My Mosin loads kinda bite right now.

 

[longrifleman]

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/oal/index.asp

Here is a good description of the procedure. I made my own set-up by buying some nylon bushings and tapping them for standard machine screws instead of buying the stops. I also bought a piece of round stock instead of using my cleaning rod. If I was doing it again I would look around for a brass rod instead of steel.

 

[smitty03]

Matt,
I can't say enough about the Stoney Point OAL gauge I bought for my 223wssm. It made a huge difference! After the results I obtained, I even sprung for the comparator to fine tune even more... I'm not sure if they'll have the proper case for your rifle, but I know you can send them one and they'll modify if for a nominal charge.