Correct COAL, need ADVICE

Attached is a picture of a 308 dummy round. I put the bullet in the case and pressed it about 3/4 of the way in. I then put the round in my rifle (SAVAGE 308) and close the bolt with no "extra" effort whatsoever. The lenght is 2.852 touching the lands.

Now how much further should I set the bullet in the case. Or how much space is required between the bullet and lands?

I this the correct COAL process for every gun when reloading?

PS: I don't know why my pictures won't show up, but the link is there.

http://s957.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=DSC03255.jpg

http://s957.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=DSC03255.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref...00000416838508

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref...00000416838508



Thanks, Dennis

Dennis,

No correct answer...

Some bullets like to be jumped, some shoot best into the lands.
I would load 5 bullets at the following lengths

2.837, 2.852, 2.867 and see what works best. And then load to that COAL.
You also need to keep in mind that bullets touching the lands or jammed into them, tend to have higher pressures than those being jumped.
Working up a load is frustrating, but rewardng when it works.

I prefer to measure it with the Stoney Point (hornady now?) tool. Average out 5-10 bullet measurements for each bullet used. Use that as a reference point for that bullet, and start with a seating a couple thou shy of that...assuming that fits in the mag. Don't often need to monkey with it from there--because I usually test a lot of powder/bullet combos. Exception would be the Barnes, where I'll start further back from the lands.

I am far from an expert but in my experience the long vld bullets always prefer a jam and the light for caliber bullets have luckily always preferrred a jump to the lands. I would certainly start with a jump of .015" minimum and work my way out with the bullet of choice.

Just a side note, if this is going to be a hunting rifle I wouldn't jam them. If for whatever reason you extract a loaded round in the field the bullet can stick in the lands and the resulting powder mess in your action means your hunt is delayed until you can give it a thorough cleaning.
Otherwise it looks like you're on the right track :)

Luke

Dennis,

This procedure works fairly well to determine the OAL to the lands. Just a comment: If you haven't done it already, I'd suggest repeating the same procedure a few times to make sure you are getting consistent measurements.

What bullet will you be shooting?

Berger 175 VLD hunting match grade