Seating length/OAL gauge

[Tune_up]

I am new to reloading so don’t be too hard on me if I this is a stupid question. I bought a Hornady OAL gauge and am trying to find the proper bullet length for my 223. The length to the ogive (with bullet comparator) varies from 1.826 when I feel it touch the lands to 1.868 if I force it with 2-3 lbs pressure. The directions with the gauge say to use 2-3 lbs pressure. If I back off that measurement .04 I am at the “touching” measurement. Do I use the "touching" measurement and seat to 1.786-1.826 or start from the “jammed “ into the lands length and use 1.828-1.868 (measured with the comparator)? Thanks for your help

 

[USSR]

Tune_up,

If you're getting that much variance, then you are doing something wrong. Make sure you apply pressure on the base of the modified case, as it will want to back out of the chamber as you apply pressure to force the bullet into the leade. Also, make sure you use the same bullet for your measurements.

Don

 

[Tune_up]

Don, I'm sure you are right about doing something wrong but I think the difference is mostly the amount of pressure I apply. When I 'touch" the lands with the bullet, the bullet will usually come out of the chamber with the case, if I apply the 2-3 lbs pressure then bullet will usually stick to the lands enough to pull out of the case when removed. I think that difference is the 0.04" variance. I quess my question is which is the correct measurement to use?

 

[USSR]

I quess my question is which is the correct measurement to use?

Hard to say. I like to set up my seating die to produce a loaded round where the bullet ogive is .010"-.015" off the leade with my match rifles. With a variance of .040" like you are getting, I wouldn't know what to do.

Don

 

[NCsmitty]

I still do it the old fashion way. I do a partial light sizing and seat a bullet way out, then run it into the chamber and do this several times to average the bullet's oal. I back the bullet down by .020 if it's long enough to be supported by the neck and fits the magazine, and I'm ready to test. COL can vary a lot between brands of bullets.

NCsmitty

 

[williebyte]

Can someone please tell me in laman terms how to use my bullet comparator I got from midway. Im so confused. Please help me.
Robert