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MacD Super Member
Joined: Apr 08, 2011 Posts: 1052 Location: Canada
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 1:47 am Post subject: The Elusive OAL |
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While doing some research I stumbled upon this drawing. Thought I would share with due credit to "Unclenik" the originator. This is for lead bullets but is a good way to also set max OAL in a barrel for other types.
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_________________ La a'Blair s'math n Cairdean
(Friends are good on the day of battle) |
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SingleShotLover Super Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:41 am Post subject: Re: The Elusive OAL |
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Nothing wrong with headspacing on the bullet (lead of course) as long as loads are kept reasonable and your rounds feed properly. Accuracy is usually enhanced, as noted on your chart. Pressure is likely to skyrocket if you try the same thing with jacketed bullets.
Good info.
_________________ If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!
The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.
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wncchester Member
Joined: Apr 08, 2006 Posts: 160
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Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 3:06 pm Post subject: Re: The Elusive OAL |
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OAL for anything really isn't very elusive to anyone who has even a dim idea of what it's all about. I think. ??
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PaulS Super Member
Joined: Feb 18, 2006 Posts: 4330 Location: South-Eastern Washington - the State
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Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:09 pm Post subject: Re: The Elusive OAL |
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Each gun is different, each chamber is one of a kind. I usually start with the load data and the listed OAL in the recipe. If I get groups that are less than MOA then I can further develope the load from there. My rifles seem to like a bit of a jump from the case to the riffling - especially my old 03A3 Springfield. I tried once to seat the bullet near the lands and found I couldn't unless I went to bullets heavier than 180 grain. The 165 grain BTSP was out of the case before it ever hit the lands. It doesn't seem to limit my accuracy though - most of my loads make groups under 3/4" at 100 yards (the ones I keep anyway)
I keep copies of all the loads I have ever fired - just so I don't make the same mistake again.
_________________ Paul
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Speer, Lyman, Hodgdon, Sierra, and Hornady = reliable loading data
So and So's pages on the internet = NOT reliable loading data
Always check data against manuals
NEVER exceed maximum listed loads |
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MacD Super Member
Joined: Apr 08, 2011 Posts: 1052 Location: Canada
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Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 9:49 am Post subject: Re: The Elusive OAL |
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wncchester wrote: |
OAL for anything really isn't very elusive to anyone who has even a dim idea of what it's all about. I think. ?? |
Anyone who has an idea realizes that OAL is a key factor in both function and accuracy. Getting it right is one of the variables that makes reloading and shooting your own ammo so much fun.
I would thank you for your input but you added nothing to this discussion.
_________________ La a'Blair s'math n Cairdean
(Friends are good on the day of battle) |
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Ominivision1 Super Member
Joined: Sep 20, 2010 Posts: 2984 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 12:50 pm Post subject: Re: The Elusive OAL |
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I have one M700 chambered in 30/06 that has a max saami spec chamber and shoots excellent with certain loads seated out .003 above normal OAL lengths and gives my rifle the best moa at 200 yards. Like Paul said, each rifle is it's own individual.
_________________ Regards
Limitations are but boundaries created inside our minds. |
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SingleShotLover Super Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 5:37 am Post subject: Re: The Elusive OAL |
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MacD wrote: |
Anyone who has an idea realizes that OAL is a key factor in both function and accuracy. Getting it right is one of the variables that makes reloading and shooting your own ammo so much fun.
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Exactly. Each firearm is a law unto itself. I have had apparently identical rifles that, due to chambering differences, require different OALs. Chambering reamers wear, headspace can be set maximum or minimum, and a host of other issues cause each to have its own sweet spot. If all you want is a cartridge to go "bang", anything will mostly work. If you are looking for the best accuracy for a given firearm, it takes effort. As you said, that's what makes it fun.
_________________ If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!
The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.
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Elvis Super Member
Joined: Jul 27, 2008 Posts: 9253 Location: south island New Zealand
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 12:37 am Post subject: Re: The Elusive OAL |
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the cleaning rod method seems simple enough. I guess Im one of the "just make it go bang" crowd as Ive never bothered to muck around with it. I usually keep a good acurate factory round to set my seating die with and go with that length. if it fits in the mag and chambers smoothly are the most important things for me.
_________________ You shot it You pluck it !
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SingleShotLover Super Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 4:48 am Post subject: Re: The Elusive OAL |
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Elvis wrote: |
the cleaning rod method seems simple enough. I guess Im one of the "just make it go bang" crowd as Ive never bothered to muck around with it. I usually keep a good acurate factory round to set my seating die with and go with that length. if it fits in the mag and chambers smoothly are the most important things for me. |
It all depends on what one wants out of their firearms. If reasonable hunting accuracy is your goal and your method works, no problem. If you are one of those (and here I plead guilty) that obsesses on trying to shave that last little bit from those groups, OAL, primers, powders, case length, bullet and style, primer pocket cleaning, neck-sizing, re-bedding or even re-barreling is all part of the quest. Nothing wrong with either goal...just a matter of to each his own.
_________________ If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!
The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.
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