scoober78
Member
I have been reloading for about two years and have recently decided to try to increase my level of precision by using a Hornady OAL gauge and accurately measuring jump to lands as opposed to simply relying on OAL length of the loaded cartridge.
Loading some .308 168gr Hornady BTHP's on Hornady match brass...I measured 2.343 inches to the lands at the ogive...sweet. Brass is new and was FL sized before case prep. Brass chambers normally in the gun. I prime, charge and seat the bullet to give me the 2.323 inches (.02" off lands). When I pull that round out of the press and attempt to chamber, I get a significant amount of resistance closing the bolt handle. The Hornady manual specifies a COAL of 2.8" and with my desired seating depth the cartridge measures 2.930" OAL.
Is this what is causing the stiff bolt or am I missing something here? If it is the
cause, how can I load to my desired distance off the lands? :banghead:
Appreciate the help and am happy to be posting, not just lurking.
Loading some .308 168gr Hornady BTHP's on Hornady match brass...I measured 2.343 inches to the lands at the ogive...sweet. Brass is new and was FL sized before case prep. Brass chambers normally in the gun. I prime, charge and seat the bullet to give me the 2.323 inches (.02" off lands). When I pull that round out of the press and attempt to chamber, I get a significant amount of resistance closing the bolt handle. The Hornady manual specifies a COAL of 2.8" and with my desired seating depth the cartridge measures 2.930" OAL.
Is this what is causing the stiff bolt or am I missing something here? If it is the
cause, how can I load to my desired distance off the lands? :banghead:
Appreciate the help and am happy to be posting, not just lurking.