OAL: How long is too long?

[DTL]

I'm working on a .308 load for a Rem700 with 160gr Barnes TTSX bullets. OAL touching the lands is 3.015". Even .050" back, that's still 2.965". Magazine length aside, that still seems like an awful long .308 round. How long is "too long"? Should I just look for a different bullet? Have the barrel set back? I have some 175gr Bergers that are "only" 2.990" to the lands. Suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[No1]

Doesn't matter how long as long as the bullet bearing surface has a good purchase on the case neck. I think most people go with 1 bullet diameter into the neck as a minimum. The longer you seat it out the more powder you can fit in the case.

 

[Sig Marine]

Factory 700s have a very long throat and do well with several bullets that don't mind the jump and are very accurate. My .308 liked the 155 Lapua Scenars and the 175 SMKs, both of which didn't mind the jump. I've not used Barnes bullets so won't comment on them or their abilities. Bergers are great projectiles but known to like being near, at or in the lands and more difficult to use with the factory 700s. Having the barrel set back will help but, in my opinion, if the rifle will perform with another bullet, why spend the addition money at this time. Shoot the barrel out and then go custom with a chamber cut for the bullets you want to use.

 

[DTL]

Thanks. I should have plenty of bearing surface. It's not the end of the world if I can't load these in a magazine, just annoying. I'm working up a ladder test, so I'll see what happens. I'm only trying to load 43-44.5gr of powder, so case volume shouldn't be an issue.

 

[rjacobs]

Bergers are great projectiles but known to like being near, at or in the lands and more difficult to use with the factory 700s.

True for the VLD's, but Berger says the LRBT's and Juggernauts(not sure on the hybrids) are actually very jump tolerant.

To the OP: if you dont mind single loading you can load as long as you want provided you get, as was already mentioned, at least 1 bullet diameter into the case. My two factory 700's wont feed anything longer than about 2.820, and 2.850(about longest I can go in an AI mag) basically wont feed at all. You could get the feed ramp worked a little bit to get you a little more OAL for feeding, but I dont believe you can get anywhere close to the 3.xxx that you might need to get into the lands.

 

[918v]

Why do you feel the need to load close to the lands?

Solid copper bullets are said to shoot better with a lot of jump. Some people load them in the 2.750" OAL range and report half MOA accuracy. And they fit in the magazine even!

 

[DTL]

Thanks for the info guys. I've got a few bullet options available, so hopefully I can find something that this rifle likes. I loaded up some 168 and 180gr Sierras. I've got 168gr Amax and 180gr Juggernauts to try as well. I'm only messing with the Barnes stuff because of the lead ban nonsense here in CA. Barnes claims they work best with a .030-.070 jump, so that's where I'm starting. I've never heard of anyone loading them way out. The 145gr Barnes LRX in my 7rm like .060" out, so I have to assume the other calibers will be similar.