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New to the reloading process and my technical advisor is out of country, so wanted to get some confirmation from some of the experienced people on here.


Details:

Savage LA 308WIN
Winchester Brass
Varget Powder
Berger 175 Target Bullets

My question is based around the final cartridge length (OAL i guess) when using Berger Bullets. I have notched a test case to allow hand insertion of a bullet to 'measure' the chamber length. Multiple tests to ensure accuracy resulted in a final measurement of 2.872''. Based on reading of others with a similar rifle, it sounds like a bullet jump of 0.010 works well and I would like to start there. This would result in a final cartridge length of 2.862" as I understand it, but that seems to violate the "Maximum OAL" published of 2.800".

Research suggests this is due to the longer profile of the Berger Bullet, but I would like to confirm that concept with any other Berger Bullet users out there if possible.

While I am open to new ideas, please refrain from commenting if all you can add is that I should use a different bullet, different rifle, different powder etc... This is what I have and am interested in others WITH EXPERIENCE opinion on the circumstances.

Thank you.
 
The max OAL you see published is just an industry standard that will function in pretty much all rifles , the OAL you want is for your own rifle which you found. As long as the round fits in the magazine you are good to go. As an aside if you go to the Berger website you will find some suggestions for finding the most accurate load by experimenting with seating depth. Good luck.
 
I find the maximum length i can make ammo and have it fit most magazines is 2.820"

I suspect you are looking for accuracy and don't care about the mag.

In that case, I suggest you make 5 rounds at the length that touches the rifling, and then 5 more at 5 thou longer, and also 10, 20 and 30 thou shorter. Shoot these for groups and see if your rifle has a strong preference for seating depth. my experience with Bergers is that most rifles do have a strong preference. Most seem to like to be well off the rifling, but one of mine will not work unless the bullet is in the rifling.

once you know this preference, you can then experiment with powder charges.
 
Thank you Ganderite, this makes sense as well. Magazine space is not a problem, as my rifle started life as a 300WIN MAG which apparently has the hidden benefit of accomadating any 308WIN cartridge.

Did you have luck finding Berger Load Data (start/max) anywhere? I have emailed Berger as suggested by others but have not yet received a reply.
 
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