what to do to rifle to be able to increase oal

[DiscoBalls]

I have a model 11vt .223 dicks special. I've been reloading 55gr hornady vmaxs and just bought some 68 and 75 gr hpbt matches to try and want to get the oal at 2.26. The problem is the bullet hits the lands at 2.25. What should I do? Thanks.

[Hotolds442]

You can either have a gunsmith lengthen the throat an additional .010-.020, replace the barrel with one chambered to your specifications, or shoot a ton of rounds and hopefully it'll open up due to throat erosion. I personally wouldn't modify a barrel just to reach a certain overall length, especially not for .010 additional length.

[DiscoBalls]

Perfect! Thanks. I guess my follow up question would be to ask if it's safe to load a 75gr hpbt match 2.25 oal when the data I have found says to load to 2.26? Should I load to 2.25 and drop the charge? If so, how much? I'm using reloder 15. Thanks again.

[Hotolds442]

1. You should always start 10% below maximum load and work up. Never assume that a load you read somewhere is a good starting point.
2. The load length you are seeing is the length that that particular powder charge was tested. It does not mean you have to load to that length.

Based on your questions, I'd suggest you buy some reloading manuals and learn more about reloading before you jump in with both feet.

[DiscoBalls]

Thanks for your input, it's much appreciated.

[Model12BVSS]

Hotolds442 is spot on, agree 100%. Just as an example of what he's talking about. Nosler lists for 22-250 data with their 69gr Custom Comps an OAL of 2.6" for all the powders they tested. My chamber only measures 2.493. Started with the min for my powder and worked up, settled on 35.5grs. Tested up to 37grs and found a node at 35.5 so I stuck with it. I settled on 2.450 for my OAL and it shoots 3/4 MOA to 1/2 MOA out to 600 yards. It's basic common sense and safety concerns that are 110% necessary when you're reloading. Never just pick a charge weight and load it. Follow the min and max in the reloading book you're using, cross reference with multiple diff manuals if need be. Start at the min and work up in .5gr increments until you find the swee spot, check every case for pressure signs. Anything Joe Shmoe gives you as a pet load, ie info not found in an actual manual, always decrease it by 10% and work up to it.