In my Remington 700 VLS chambered for .308 Winchester, a cartridge loaded to an OAL of 2.8250" will just touch the lands. SAAMI spec says maximum overall length for .308 Winchester is 2.800 inches. Is a cartridge loaded to 2.8060" OAL safe in this rifle, even though that OAL would exceed SAAMI spec? In other words, is my chamber cut a bit on the generous side?
Rifle seating depth, SAAMI spec, and OAL
- Thread starter rbethune
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USSR
Member
The maximum allowable OAL (where your bullet's ogive doesn't contact the leade) will vary according to the bullet weight and design being used. Since you have a short-throated rifle (good for you), I would suggest you get a Hornady O.A.L. Gauge and a bullet comparator to determine the maximum OAL with whatever bullet you choose to use.
Don
Don
Zeke/PA
Member
Yes, you are O.K.
If you can EXTRACT this round with No il leffects
If you can EXTRACT this round with No il leffects
NCsmitty
Member
The 2.800" dimension is used mostly to allow the cartridge to fit in a short action magazine.
You mentioned that you were touching the lands at 2.825", and you would like to set your bullet at 2.806".
So, you will be .019" off from your rifling lands.
It sounds like a good load, if it fits in the magazine ok.
As USSR mentioned, you have a short throat to the lands compared to some other 308 rifles, but that may prove beneficial with that bullet, if it shoots well.
If you change bullets and brands, you will probably have to remeasure your COAL.
NCsmitty
You mentioned that you were touching the lands at 2.825", and you would like to set your bullet at 2.806".
So, you will be .019" off from your rifling lands.
It sounds like a good load, if it fits in the magazine ok.
As USSR mentioned, you have a short throat to the lands compared to some other 308 rifles, but that may prove beneficial with that bullet, if it shoots well.
If you change bullets and brands, you will probably have to remeasure your COAL.
NCsmitty
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.
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.
Most 308 bullets are not jump sensitive, so I don't fool with seating depth. I seat my 155's, 168's, 175's less than magazine depth so I can shoot them in bolt rifles or my match M1a's.
Maybe people shooting off 45 pounds of sand bags, and 200 pounds of bench, can see effects of seating depth. But I don't carry this stuff to a highpower match and such effects are in the noise level.
And I sure as heck would not see it shooting out of a deer stand.
Maybe people shooting off 45 pounds of sand bags, and 200 pounds of bench, can see effects of seating depth. But I don't carry this stuff to a highpower match and such effects are in the noise level.
And I sure as heck would not see it shooting out of a deer stand.
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