.223 oal

[Stewie333]

I am reloading 69grn SMK's with an OAL of 2.360 with no issues closing the bolt. With 52grn SMK's the recommended min OAL is about 2.25. Has anyone had issues with bullets coming loose using a longer OAL with a longer bullet?

Thanks

Stewie

 

[Farlsincharge]

Sierra 55gr btsp at 2.310 in a semi (mag limit). no issues, I would go longer if I could.

 

[sunray]

"...bullets coming loose..." They won't if there's proper neck tension. A light crimp will make your concerns go away too.

 

[Ganderite]

max OAL is determined by mag length (if you want to use it) and the chamber.

A rule of thum is you want at least a bullet caliber of neck holding the bullet.

 

[neotekz]

i loaded mine sierra 69gr HPBT to 2.350 with no problems, they feel very tight. Theres plenty of the bullet in the shell. if you are worried buy a lee factory crimp die that will tighten the neck more.

 

[Stewie333]

Right on, thanks for the feeback. Going to try them out this week end.

Cheers

Stewie

 

[Winnipeg Toymaker]

I normally feed my rifle single. I have been putting the bullet into a resized casing and leaving it longer than usual. I then chamber the cartridge and close the bolt. When the cart is pulled out of the chamber, it shows the length from bolt to lands in the barrel. I then back off 15 thousandths and use this as an OAL. Each bullet sits different so this method has to be repeated for each different type and weight. Accuracy has greatly improved when firing the cheap bulk 55 gr FMJs. if using a mag, the bullet must fit the mag so it can cycle thru the gun. that is why the books state an OAL suggestion.

 

[neotekz]

^thats good advice, i also do that with every new bullet i use. i was surprise when when the hornady 75gr HPBT oal measured 0.030 shorter than the 69gr