New Reloader question

steve1973

steve1973

CGN Regular
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Location
Alberta
Hey guys,

Just taking the reloading plunge and have a first time question before I charge a bunch of cases. First off, I am reloading 8mm Mauser and it states the Max OAL is at 3.250. I am loading the larger 195 gr. Hornady spires. I loaded up a dummy round and adjusted it out to 3.120. From reading, most rifles are more accurate with the bullet closer to the lands. Is this an acceptable distance from the lands? Shorter? Longer? I just want to make sure I am at a good starting spot before I charge 50 odd cases and seat the rest. Thanks!!
 
with some mausers, esp the late war, you may not have a choice- the length of the box mag is NOT the length of the action- i had one like that- it was a real 57mm and wouldn't take 30-06 length cartridges- check that out first, then it's usually the shorter the bullet has to "jump" th engage the rifling the better
 
"Distance from the lands" is not constant for all rifles; you have to measure it for your rifle for every different bullet that you use. To do it, drop an unloaded bullet into the chamber and use your cleaning rod to measure the distance from the crown to the tip of the bullet. This is distance "A". Now remove the unloaded bullet, close and #### the bolt and measure the distance (using your cleaning rod) from the crown to the bolt face. This is distance "B". Subtract "A" from "B", that is your max cartridge length for that bullet, touching the lands. Subtract another 1 mm to give you a AOL of 1 mm from the lands. Sometimes, magazine length limits the use of max AOL, so make up a dummy round and see if it fits your magazine. Have fun.
 
Col

1. Resize a case, no primer and no powder
2. Seat your bullet long
3. Crimp just enough to hold the bullet
4. Insert the cartridge
5. Close the action and don't force it.
6. If you have to force it you have to much crimp.
6. Withdraw the cartridge
7. Measure OAL
8. Substract a cople 000 for safety.
9. Have fun.
 
If you are just starting out - follow the manual.
Load up one dummy round - no primer, no powder at exactly 3.250 inches.
Make sure that round works through the mag, feeds and chambers.
Mark the length and bullet weight with a marker, you can use it next time to set your bullet seater.
Load your 50 cases and shoot them.
Worry about fine tuning after you have more experiance.
After you have a load that looks promising, then play with OAL.
 
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