Unable to obtain C.O.L listed in manual

S

schultzie

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Good morning,

Iam reloading 308, using 125gr Speer TNT's. I have a new speer manual. They list the tested COL as 2.635". I've followed the set up instructions that came with the lee dies Iam using and with the bullet seater adjustment bottomed all the way out down the shortest I can get is 2.700".

Iam not overly worried about this. But for my first handloading set up the plan was to duplicate the loading manual to a T. I'd simply like to know if Iam doing something wrong, or if its as simple as they used RCBS dies for their loads.

Sierra lists 2.700" for their 125gr bullet. Vihatuori powder lists a COAL of 2.756" with a 125gr Nosler ballistic tip.

Thanks in advance.


Karl
 
OAL in the manual is a guideline for a specific bullet. If you're not using that specific bullet, it may be difficult to hit a certain oal. More important is to make sure that the base of the bullet is no further into the case than the bottom of the neck, and it fits in your magazine (if using a repeater) and feeds properly.

You should probably start loading at minimum loads and work up If you're watching for pressure signs, the differences due to bullet seating depth will not matter one bit (they'll be minimal in a .308 anyway). :)
 
How are you settimng your seating die?
Here is how I set mine.
with a case on the ram, raise the ram to the top and hold it there. Turn in your seating die until you feel it touch the case. You now have 2 options. 1 if you want to crimp turn it a 1/2 turn down. 2 if you don't want to crimp, back it out 1/2 turn and lock it there. Play with your seating rod to get what you want.
 
Set the die IAW the lee instructions. With the press all the way to the top screw the die in til it touches the shell holder then one turn out. they say 1/4 to 1/2 back in for a crimp.

I played with it a little bit, screwed the whole die in and ended up crushing some shoulders.

Starting at the min load listed for the bullet and working my way up in batches of 10 to find what my rifle likes. Weatherby Vanguard Sport in .308.

I'll try setting the die using the touch method described by iceman.

Iam not really worried. 2.700" is well withing the 2.810" "max". Was just really curious as to how they got the bullet seated as deeply as the book says they tested.

As I mentioned, new to reloading. Done a bit with my dad, but this is my first crack at it on my own.
 
The inside of your seating plunger must be very deep and wide and your bullets very pointy therefore contacting far down the bullet. If you stuffed something soft in the seater ie paper towel you could probably seat deeper by pushing on the bullet tip rather than on the ogive of the bullet. Just an idea.
 
bullets are short with a short flat section before it goes into the ogive and then a sharp point.

decided that 2.700" is good enough (other manufacturers use this as their OAL for 125gr 30 cal bullets in 308)

loading some up and then off to the range monday or tuesday.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Karl
 
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