7.62x39 OAL problem

[squirrelshooter]

I’ve just started reloading 7.62/39 for my Savage Axis and I’ve run into an issue I haven’t seen before. The spec I found for my load is 2.190” with a Hornady 123 gr. SST. My Lee die, screwed all the way in will only get me 2.231”. I’ve never had to screw a bullet seating die in that far on any of my other calibers that I reload. Not sure if will be an issue or not in the bolt gun. The brass is once fired, by me, in that rifle, S&B. Any idea what’s going on?

 

[Ganderite]

The OAL for YOUR rifle is determined by the magazine length and the chamber throat.

Will the loaded round fit the chamber?

Will the loaded round chamber and extract, without leaving rifling marks on the bullet?

IF "yes" you are good to go.

For a hunting rifle, I like to load the rounds 25 thou shorter than the magazine length, if that will chamber ok.

 

[B]

I wouldn't worry about going that low in a bolt gun. You don't need to worry about crimping into the cannelure so just use whatever OAL shoots and works best.

 

[4fifty8]

...with a Hornady 123 gr. SST. My Lee die, screwed all the way in will only get me 2.231”....?

Have loaded this bullet using Lee die no problem seats to cannelure for use in my bolt rifle maybe screw die a bit further in your press?

 

[squirrelshooter]

If I screw the die in farther would it change the way the die seats the bullet after I swing the arm on the press? The die is already to the holder then adjusted the way it should be

 

[4fifty8]

Screw seating die in touches shell holder then back out 1 full turn - give or take - adjust to get required seating depth.

 

[B]

Screw seating die in touches shell holder then back out 1 full turn - give or take.

Lee dies need to be screwed in flush plus another 1/4-1/2 turn in.

 

[4fifty8]

Seating die screwed in/adjusted as shown 56mm/2.2" OAL.

 

[squirrelshooter]

I screwed mine in until it touched the holder then another 1/4 turn. I’ll have another look though. 4fifty8, is that bullet seating die screwed all the way in on the top adjustment?

 

[4fifty8]

Just about. If seating die screwed in too far case contact will happen. Avoid.