I've just started reloading for rifle - got a nice light target load for .222 Remington from the current Lyman book that works great with 50gr Hornady Spitzers. Now I want to load 50gr bullets from another manufacturer that are slightly longer - can I use the same seating depth or do I have to make an adjustment? If the new bullets aren't listed in any reloading book I can get my hands on, how do I figure out the new depth?
Bullet seating depth...rifle
- Thread starter Anzacman
- Start date
Anzacman said:
Based on my very limited experience in reloading rifle ammo, I would tend to think that if the bullet is seated further down into the case (because it is longer), it would affect the pressures generated. How much ??, who knows. However, if you're loading at max load or close to it, I would back off 5 grains to be sure and I would check to see if you could seat the new bullet out further if the mag, or rifle land configuration permits it.
The best bet would be to see if the bullet manufacturer has some reloading data available for that specific bullet..you would then be more confident in your reloaded component.
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The length of the bullet is not the issue, the position of the full caliber ogive of the bullet in relation to the rifling is. One some bullets this dimension might be farther forward, on others, it might be farther back.
The first question is whether or not you want the round to function from a magazine, if so the length of the magazine determines the maximum OAL of the cartridge. If you single load the rounds, the bullet can be seated out until it contacts the rifling. Once you have determined a maximum load, you can then experiment to find the most accurate load. Once the most accurate load has been determined, you can experiment to find the sweet spot with regards to the distance of the ogive from the lands.
The first question is whether or not you want the round to function from a magazine, if so the length of the magazine determines the maximum OAL of the cartridge. If you single load the rounds, the bullet can be seated out until it contacts the rifling. Once you have determined a maximum load, you can then experiment to find the most accurate load. Once the most accurate load has been determined, you can experiment to find the sweet spot with regards to the distance of the ogive from the lands.
Not likely applicable to your situation, but bullet seating depth can be a factor if the powder charge is being compressed.
As mentionned, if you are using the magazine, there is a maximum oal.
If you are shooting for accuracy, the realtionship of the ogive and the leade is a factor worth exploring. If you are getting into a situation where the bullet is being jammed into the rifling, be careful with heavier loads.
As mentionned, if you are using the magazine, there is a maximum oal.
If you are shooting for accuracy, the realtionship of the ogive and the leade is a factor worth exploring. If you are getting into a situation where the bullet is being jammed into the rifling, be careful with heavier loads.
