Hey guys. I have a Savage Axis in .308 Winchester.
I have a number of once-fired .308 cases from FC and from Winchester. I have set up a press with 308 dies and have done some chambering tests (sized and seated bullets without powder or primers and tested them in my rifle). When I seat bullets to a COL recommended by all documentation (2.800"), the bolt absolutely won't close. Furthermore, visual inspection suggests this length is just not correct for the bullets I have.
I am using Hornady 150gr FMJ boat-tail bullets. My case lengths are all very close to written spec for .308 cases, but it seems my bullets must be shorter than normal, because to seat at 2.800, the bullet sticks way out of the case. See the picture below, this is still shorter than spec, at about 2.790" or so, and there's still a sizeable gap before the cannelure even starts.
If I press the bullet further, the cartridge will chamber. I seated a bullet to a depth that looked visually correct (about 1/3rd of the cannelure visible above the mouth) and when I do this, the round chambers well.
When I seat them in a way that seems correct, the COL is about 2.715". I measured my American Eagle factory rounds and they are 2.710" COL.
It seems to me that if factory ammo is being produced at a 2.710 COL and it fits the rifle perfectly, why is it that all documentation suggests 2.800, even for this specific bullet weight?
Logic tells me I'm simply going to just have to load my cartridges at about 2.715", but should I be looking into other possible issues first?
Any seasoned reloader's thoughts are appreciated!
I have a number of once-fired .308 cases from FC and from Winchester. I have set up a press with 308 dies and have done some chambering tests (sized and seated bullets without powder or primers and tested them in my rifle). When I seat bullets to a COL recommended by all documentation (2.800"), the bolt absolutely won't close. Furthermore, visual inspection suggests this length is just not correct for the bullets I have.
I am using Hornady 150gr FMJ boat-tail bullets. My case lengths are all very close to written spec for .308 cases, but it seems my bullets must be shorter than normal, because to seat at 2.800, the bullet sticks way out of the case. See the picture below, this is still shorter than spec, at about 2.790" or so, and there's still a sizeable gap before the cannelure even starts.
If I press the bullet further, the cartridge will chamber. I seated a bullet to a depth that looked visually correct (about 1/3rd of the cannelure visible above the mouth) and when I do this, the round chambers well.
When I seat them in a way that seems correct, the COL is about 2.715". I measured my American Eagle factory rounds and they are 2.710" COL.
It seems to me that if factory ammo is being produced at a 2.710 COL and it fits the rifle perfectly, why is it that all documentation suggests 2.800, even for this specific bullet weight?
Logic tells me I'm simply going to just have to load my cartridges at about 2.715", but should I be looking into other possible issues first?
Any seasoned reloader's thoughts are appreciated!
