Inconsistent OAL

[Johnny P]

The OAL that I’m trying to achieve is 3.325”. The maximum allowed is 3.334”. My finished product never exceeds 3.325” and I measure every one, but I often get some that are as short as 3.319”. But that is measuring from the head to the tip. The front tip of the case neck is always right within the crimping groove. I was just wondering if the variable was typical.

You are trying to do something that is of no importance as long as the loaded cartridge will function in the rifle. As mentioned by JimF, the HP match bullet is formed from the base forward, and this leaves the tip of the bullet somewhat irregular. A slight irregularity at the base of the bullet affects accuracy, but a slight irregularity at at the tip doesn't.

By setting the OAL as the criteria, you are changing the distance the bullet is off the rifling.

[dryheat]

It is amazing how uninformed reloaders can be. If you are depending on OAL for accuracy your pi**ing into the wind. The tip of the bullet can be as out there as Pinocchios nose and, with in reason, not make any difference. A lot of reloading is Voodoo. Bullets make a difference.

[JohnMOhio]

Merc, have you checked your primers. They may not be seated the same. Just a thought.

[nf1e]

Most loading charts post a min OAL in their specs for a specific bullet. This is to assure the loader that he is not placing too much of the bullet in the case and thereby increasing pressures to a dangerous level. Setting up seating dies should be done using proper measuring tools that read Base to Ogive and then decisions need to be made as to the distance from ogive to lands. It's not rocket science, but a lot of us get it wrong.

[fguffey]

what dies are you using?

OAL of the brass, or the loaded round?

I have case length when measured from the end of the neck to the case head, I have a measurement that is taken from the datum to the case head; when added the two lengths do not add up the overall length of the case. When I seat a bullet in the case I have a length from the top of the bullet to the case head, when I want COl (case overall length) I measure from the top of the bullet to the case head.

The case does not have 'overall' without the bullet.

F. Guffey

[fguffey]

but a lot of us get it wrong.

One say someone is going to suggest 'the lot of you' to quit kicking the can down the road.

The ogive measurement from the ogive to the case head is another measurement.

F. Guffey

[Parashooter]

. . . when I want COl (case overall length) I measure from the top of the bullet to the case head.

The case does not have 'overall' without the bullet. . .

I think someone is confused.

"COL" generally means Cartridge Overall Length - logically enough, since case length is only one component of that dimension. The "Overall" part means "all elements, including case and seated bullet" - of the assembly known as a cartridge.

[PWC]

Since we don't have a "like" button; Guffey is correct

[fguffey]

Since we don't have a "like" button; Guffey is correct

Thank you; we have so many reloaders on all forums that are self designated experts that have learned all they know from the Internet.

F. Guffey

[nf1e]

Thank you; we have so many reloaders on all forums that are self designated experts that have learned all they know from the Internet.

F. Guffey

What's an Internet? Humor

[lyman]

What's an Internet? Humor

hee hee

[nf1e]

Don't believe anything you hear, and only half what you see.

IMG_3113.jpg

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[fguffey]

What's an Internet? Humor

Quote Originally Posted by fguffey View Post

Thank you; we have so many reloaders on all forums that are self designated experts that have learned all they know from the Internet.

There was an Internet reloader that covered the reloading forums like the wind; he did not own a press but reloaders bowed to him, when forced to get technical he got angry.

Needless to say reloaders were scared of him.

F. Guffey

[nf1e]

Got it. I call that type the" Boogie Woogie Google Boys". The world is full of ex-spurts.

[PWC]

Expert....

Ex = has been
Pert (pronounced "spert") = a drip under hi pressure