Loading some 308 tonight I used both 168gr SMK and 168gr Custom Comp Nosler. I had my seating die set to a 2.905 COAL for the Noslers. When I switched to the SMKs the COAL shrank to 2.87". I just went with it because I didnt want to mess with my die. After I was done I decided to see what the length was with a comparator I bought a while ago but hadnt fooled with much. As you experts know the length to the ogive was almost identical on the different bullets. A light went on in my head and I see now what I have read here many times before. I guess it never made sense until I did it for myself. Ever have one of those moments? Other than mag length, I now see why COAL isnt a useful measure. From now on I will focus on and record this ogive measurement, however it is refered to. When recording it do you all subtract the size of the comparator or just use the entire measurement? Mine came in at 3.270". Since the comparator is an even 1", I suppose its just as easy to not include it.
I realize this is elementary to seasoned reloaders but when it all comes together for us novices, its pretty cool. You read about all this stuff but its not easily understood until you do and see it for yourself,especially forthose of us who didnt have a mentor and had to learn reloading without such benefit.
I realize this is elementary to seasoned reloaders but when it all comes together for us novices, its pretty cool. You read about all this stuff but its not easily understood until you do and see it for yourself,especially forthose of us who didnt have a mentor and had to learn reloading without such benefit.
