ive got a question, im loading im my .243 winchester with 70 grain sierra hpbt match bullets, with varget, in my loading im finding bullet seating depth in my gun, my min oal spec is 2.625 and my rifling is right near 2.620 where the bullet is touching the lands, its on a rem 700 with a hart match barrel. i was wondering if loading down to 2.600 would be ok or a big no no?
min OAL in precision gun
- Thread starter Lead Loader
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Should be no issue as long as you practice safe, sensible load development techniques.
I have a similar 260 Remington with a custom chamber, and I just start a grain or two below the suggested starting loads, just to be sure no undue pressures rear up.
If the recommendation is to not drop below recommended starting loads, then that is where I start.
Regards, Eagleye.
I have a similar 260 Remington with a custom chamber, and I just start a grain or two below the suggested starting loads, just to be sure no undue pressures rear up.
If the recommendation is to not drop below recommended starting loads, then that is where I start.
Regards, Eagleye.
Sierra bullet are very forgiving when it comes to jump into the lands. You can jump them .040 without a problem. Measuring OAL from the base of the case to the tip of the bullet does not give you a true measurement. Just measure a bunch of bullets and you will see why. The base of the case to the ogive will give you a better measurement.
I just got a precision Mic for the .243. I thought my gun was accurate before, but after using the tool, I found that my measurements were off, and my bullets could be longer.
I tried all the tricks people suggest to find the distance to the lands, but the mic told me a new story.
Maybe you could benefit from one too.
I tried all the tricks people suggest to find the distance to the lands, but the mic told me a new story.
Maybe you could benefit from one too.
As long as you have a tight chamber, loading to touch the lands isn't nearly as big an issue as many seem to think it is.
Most Hunter Bench Rest shooters, load so the bullet is touching the lands with every shot.
It sounds like you have a relatively accurate rifle. Those Hart barrels are capable of some magnificent accuracy if they've been mounted and chambered properly. The one thing about having your bullets just touching the lands is that it will enhance consistency from shot to shot. If your chamber is tight enough, it may even help to turn the necks for concentricity and more consistency.
Most Hunter Bench Rest shooters, load so the bullet is touching the lands with every shot.
It sounds like you have a relatively accurate rifle. Those Hart barrels are capable of some magnificent accuracy if they've been mounted and chambered properly. The one thing about having your bullets just touching the lands is that it will enhance consistency from shot to shot. If your chamber is tight enough, it may even help to turn the necks for concentricity and more consistency.
