Varying depths of bullets

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AlbertaGunslinger

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So I am reloading 223 Rem and I am finding that the depth that the bullets arr being seated varys by ussualy a couple thousandths of an inch and sometimes up to 5 thousandths.

My question is, is this normal or are my dies not functioning correctly? Could it possibly be something that I am doing?

Help is appreciated. Thanks
 
Bullet over all length varies even in a single box as does the actual weight in grains. I see similar when I load .223 SMKs and Hornady HPBT. The bullet ogive may be the same but OAL varies. You are not doing anything wrong based on what I gather from your post.
 
Your seating die uses the ogive as its reference, whereas you are measuring using the tip of the bullet. Measure the length of the bullets you are using, I bet there is 0.005"-0.010" difference in one box. This difference is what you are seeing when the OAL of a loaded round is not perfectly consistent.


Mark
 
I was going to post the exact same question right now.I had the same problem last night with 140 gr. Berger moly bullets for my 260 rem.I had no issues with 139 gr.Lapua scenars,but when i set my die for the Bergers,the first one came out the proper length,but the next one was 10 thousandths shorter,and the one after that was 5 thousandths shorter.Could this be the same issue?The brass is all unfired but sized Lapua.Any advice is greatly appreciated as I am new to reloading.
 
x3, messuring off the base - tip just gives you the OAL, about all this will tell you, is if it will fit in the mag or not, for a true / accurate referance you need to messure off the Ogive of the bullet
 
I've loaded pistol for years and am finally going to load up the crap load of rifle brass I have saved.

So if I intended to load say 2-3 thou off of the lands (just an example), I will have to measure the ogive from each projectile and adjust my die accordingly?

I know I can load to fit the mag and bang away but want to try my hand at precision shooting.

Thanks.
 
If you're truly getting into precision shooting you're going to have to be fussy about a lot of different things not just the ogive. For measuring the ogive for your gun you should use a Seating Depth Tool.
 
CZ_Brno said:
If you're truly getting into precision shooting you're going to have to be fussy about a lot of different things not just the ogive. For measuring the ogive for your gun you should use a Seating Depth Tool.
Click to expand...

I understand the factors like case weight, neck thickness, primer pocket etc though I still have to put them into practice. What seating depth tool should I be looking at getting?

Thanks.
 
Recce. You either load with the bullet into the rifling, or at least 10 thou off. Don't get real close unless you have very good custom made bullets. Most of my match ammo is 20 to 30 thou off the rifling.
 
Thanks. I used that number as an example as I couldn't remember what I had read others recommended.

I'm going to have to pick up a precision mic set.
 
While I am new to reloading, I had a pretty good mentor.
He stressed consistency in technique, and proper set-up.
It might not be the components or the tools.
I realize that's kind of vague but without seeing how you set things up or watching if you are pressing down with the same pressure consistently it's hard to comment on that sort of thing.
 
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