Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage

[Rodeo Trash]

I am getting ready to start reloading for my new Savage 12 LRP 260 and I have a question about the proper way to measure your lands with a Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage. In the past I have put the guage into the action and applied just enough pressure with one finger and then tighten the screw, after pulling the guage out I would need to bump my rifle or insert cleaning rod from the barreled end in order to release the bullet from the chamber. Then I would measure the gauge from base to tip and thats how I would come up with my C.O.A.L. My question is, if the bullet sticks in the chamber, am I applying to much pressure to the guage? This is the way that I have done it for the last four years but after getting info from another individual, I am starting to second guess myself. Any help on this matter would be much appreciated. And if anyone out there is wondering about the O.A.L. for the new Savage 12 LRP 260 magazine, you will be able to get a C.O.A.L. of 2.980 to fit in the magazine, maybe a bit more but not much.

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage

Getting consistant 'finger pressure' is the tricky bit!

To avoid that, I simply insert the rod/case/bullet into the chamber, and instead of pushing the rod forward with finger,
Pick the rifle up and tip it muzzle to the floor, let gravity put the bullet into it's resting place, then tighten up the thumb screw.

Yes sometimes the bullet stays in the lands, but I find the results more consistent than pushing the rod by finger

(with the muzzle pointed down, you can give the butt of the rifle a smart tap with your palm too.. Whatever works for you!)

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage

Clean barrel will also help prevent false readings

 

[Rodeo Trash]

Re: Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage

Thank you very much for helping me with this. I am going to re-check it using this method. This rifle is brand new and I have also cleaned it.

 

[YAOG]

Re: Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rodeo Trash</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am getting ready to start reloading for my new Savage 12 LRP 260 and I have a question about the proper way to measure your lands with a Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage. In the past I have put the guage into the action and applied just enough pressure with one finger and then tighten the screw, after pulling the guage out I would need to bump my rifle or insert cleaning rod from the barreled end in order to release the bullet from the chamber. Then I would measure the gauge from base to tip and thats how I would come up with my C.O.A.L. My question is, if the bullet sticks in the chamber, am I applying to much pressure to the guage? This is the way that I have done it for the last four years but after getting info from another individual, I am starting to second guess myself. Any help on this matter would be much appreciated. And if anyone out there is wondering about the O.A.L. for the new Savage 12 LRP 260 magazine, you will be able to get a C.O.A.L. of 2.980 to fit in the magazine, maybe a bit more but not much. </div></div>



Rodeo,

The best way to use the LNL OAL tool is to use a very light touch or as suggested above let gravity do the job for you. The important thing to realize is that no two bullet ogives are in the same place relative to the base or tip of the bullet being measured so measuring COAL is not the preferred method to find out where the bullet will start to enter the lands. To set bullet seating depth so the bullet will enter the lands you need to use the bullet ogive height from the case base not the COAL as your measurement.

The Hornady LNL headspace and bullet comparator uses a standard 6" 0.001" caliper for this measurement and it is pretty reliable and allows you to accurately seat bullets knowing where the bullet is relative to the barrel lands. In the case of a factory chamber like yours your bullets will be jumping quite a bit before they get into the lands. This is pretty much the way the factories cut chambers these days. But it is still good to know where your bullet ogive is so you can produce consistent shooting ammo with consistent case lenghts, shoulder heights, neck tension and bullet ogive.

HTH!

 

[Fred_C_Dobbs]

Re: Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage

My routine is to push in the device firmly, push in the bullet until it <span style="text-decoration: underline">barely</span> makes contact and then tighten the thumb screw. Then I push the bullet out <span style="font-style: italic">gently</span> with a small diameter wooden dowel rod until I see the device beginning to back out. Then I withdraw the entire gizmo. Since my method always is the same, it doesn't matter if the bullet is a little stodgy. And since the dowel contacts the meplat and my measurement is to the ogive, I'm not diminishing accuracy.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage

I also you light pressure but start with the tool at the 9 o'clock position and as it enters the chamber i twist it to 12 o'clock. It can require prodding to get it out. Normally, i'd take up to 10 readings and use the average. I would also use 2-3 bullets just in case there is a small difference between them. With a little practice you won't need to take 10 and you will find repeatability is possible with a high degree of accuracy.

 

[RTO]

Re: Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage

+1 on using multiple bullets
I dont take the average though, I keep going until I get about 8-10 readings exactly the same to the thousandth. Normally when I first start it takes me a few to get to applying the same pressure every time. Here I may see a 3 thou vary. After that you should be able to get the same reading. I dont believe in averaging it as then you really dont know if you are into the lands, touching the lands, or off the lands. Another thing to note is if using the same bullet many times you may see seating depth increase. IMO this is from the bullet continueing to touch the lands and slightly be rubbed each time to seat a little deaper each time. This is where multiple bullets will help as well as help make sure all are consistant and not one that maybe slightly off.

 

[Rodeo Trash]

Re: Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Guage

I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for your input. I rechecked my measurements of my lands today with all of the info that was given on here. I measured muliple times with different bullets by inserting the gauge and applying a small amount of preasure and then stopped as soon as I felt the bullet stop. I came up with 2.9085 so this is where I am going to start. Thaks again for everyones help.