Using a Hornady OAL tool, I measured the OAL for some Berger 300gr bullets. Came up with 3.659 which was not too surprising. If I subtract .040 to allow for jump and variance in bullet length that leaves me at 3.619 which is less than what the book calls for that bullet with imr 7828 powder. (Says 3.681) Seems strange as I figured after measuring with the tool to get the max OAL I would get a longer OAL than the book calls for not shorter. Stranger still, I measured SMK 300 gr bullets the same way and get 3.535 before subtracting the .040. That would mean a OAL of just 3.495??? That's below the standard 338 COAL 3.600 for Hogdon 864 powder. Again I expected the tool to result in a longer seating length not shorter. Is it really possible that my rifle is looking for a bullet that short?? If so do I risk overcompression by seating the bullet in that far??? Any help is appreciated.
Finding best COAL for my Savage BA 110. A mystery...
- Thread starter Silence
- Start date
Throw the tool away and seat the bullet in the case and close the bolt on it. Then keep seating the same bullet 0.010 depper in the case until when you close the bolt the rifling dosen't scratch the black marker you put on the bullet. Thats your starting point. The measurement in the book means nothing its what your rifle produces that is important.
Well, I don't think I will throw out a perfectly good tool that seems to be working properly, but I might give your method a try to compare results.
I would agree but a savage bolt handle doesnt stay attached unless the firing pin is binding it together making it super tough to use this method. It’s really the only thing that’s stopped me from buying one when they go on sale for 300 bucks. I don’t need that hassle for something I just want to piddle with.
When you say you came up with 3.569, is that base to tip or base to ogive (ie, what the Hornady comparator is measuring). If it's base to ogive, and the book you're referencing is giving COAL (base to tip), then that would explain it right there.
My main concern is seeing all these posts of people scooting the bullet out so far it won't load via magazine. By my measurements, I'm going the opposite way and pushing the bullet in.....seems backwards based on the measurements I'm getting. I expected to be over the book COAL not under with 300gr SMK bullets in Lapua brass. I guess my chamber is just "Short?.
Just be aware that tip measurements can vary wildly. Measure 20 bullets and see for yourself how much they change.
Then invest in a set of comparators to put on your calipers and see how much more consistent they really are.
Understood and comparators are on order. But my question still stands, as to why it seems to be saying the SMK COAL will be at 3.495 if I allow for .040 off the lands? I have measured 5 types of out of the box ammo and all at least measure 3.625 to almost 3.650. Does 3.495 not seem to be short for a 338 Lapua round that is 040 from touching the lands? If not then how is the factory ammo at 3.625-3.650 not just smashed in to the lands??
I have never handled or taken apart a Savage but I assume it is fairly similar to the Tikka. I have a Tikka, it is doable but it is indeed kind of a pain in the ass.
