Cartridge Length Q: Federal Vs Winchester

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Idcurrie

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First: I have no interest in reloading.

So, I've been buying a few different cartridges in .223, .270, and 30-06 to try out and for different hunting applications.

In .223 the Winchester's are SIGNIFICANTLY more accurate in my vanguard. They shoot 1/3 MOA and the Federals shoot 1.5 MOA.

In .270 I've got their cheap soft point and power point bullets and Sierra Gamekings, and nosler accubonds. Between ALL of these rounds, I find the Winchester rounds to be MUCH longer cartridges overall than their federal counterparts.

In 30-06 I've purchased again their generic soft point and power point as well as silvertips, nosler partitions. Again, the Winchester branded cartridges have a much longer overall length.

I haven't had a chance to test these two calibers but knowing what I know about the .223, are these longer Winchester cartridges inherently more accurate because they sit closer to the rifling, kind of like a match chamber would do?

I know they're a bit more $ because of the nickle plated brass (who cares?) and the lubulox coating but in .223 at least there does seem to be an accuracy advantage. Is this because of the longer length on apparently all Winchester cartridges? Why are they so different?
 
"...have no interest in reloading..." Hi. You'll get over that.
Factory ammo will have slightly different OAL's according to the bullet weight. All of 'em load to SAAMI standard lengths. None of 'em publish the OAL of their ammo.
"...the Winchester's are..." That's normal. Every rifle will prefer one brand and bullet weight over another. That's why you have to try a box of as many brands as you can.
"...the nickle plated brass..." Winchester loads unplated brass too. Mind you, if you've found ammo your rifle likes, don't change it.
 
There are many variables that determine what works best. It would be difficult to figure out which one it is.

The main thing is that you have found what your rifle likes. I suggest you buy a quantity of that ammo while you can. preferably the same lot number.

Next time Winchester makes it they could use an entirely different powder. They have many to choose from. Also, there is a significant price hike working its way through the system.
 
Well that's just it. I've found what works best for the .223 but I haven't been able to get the .270 or 30-06 to an outdoor range yet. I'll have to join one. I was wondering if the winchesters would likely be more accurate in them since they are longer than their federal counterparts. Maybe it acts like a match chamber by bringing the bullet closer to the rifling? Just wondering and asking.
 
My target rifles work best with the bullet 20 to 30 thou off the rfling. Some bullets do need to be close, but thay are usually the VLD type.

Stick a loaded round in the muzzle and spin it. That will leave a mark. Do the same with the other brand. Measure discatnce from case mouth to ring. Now you know the "protrusion" to use when you start loading.
 
"...wondering if the Winchesters would likely be..." Maybe. Maybe not. A slightly longer OAL is no guarantee of anything.
If you're not going to reload, you have to try a box of as many brands and bullet weights as you can afford to find the ammo your rifles shoot best. Your .270 might like Winchester or it might not. Ditto for the .30-06. There's no way of telling without shooting.
 
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