.303BR Interlock 174gr RN OAL?

[stevebc]

After getting dubious results from SMK's, I did a little research here and decided to pick up a box of Hornady Interlock .312 174gr RN #3130 to try in both my No.1 and No.4.
Does anyone have a suggestion for overall length?

 

[mbogo3]

Hornady book 2.945" OAL...........Harold

 

[TheTooner]

My favourite bullet for my .303s. I trim my cases with a Lee case length gauge and seat the bullets to crimp them on the cannelure.

 

[stevebc]

Hornady book 2.945" OAL...........Harold

Thank you, Harold.

 

[stevebc]

My favourite bullet for my .303s. I trim my cases with a Lee case length gauge and seat the bullets to crimp them on the cannelure.

That's my next question.
Do they have to be crimped?

 

[TheTooner]

No, but I like them better crimped. When I first started I made a batch of ammo with .311 Sierra bullets that had no cannelure and I didn't crimp them. I guess my neck-sizing was a bit sloppy because a few of those cartridges had their bullets move in the neck and a couple even fell right into the case. Never had that problem with the .312 Hornady but I feel better with them crimped especially when out hunting.

 

[stevebc]

Fair enough, thanks. With any luck I can try these out next week.