Author Topic: OAL Question (Read 338 times)

tvc15 · « **on:** August 20, 2005, 01:20:30 PM »

I have a .270 bolt action rifle. I have always had problems with "chambering" factory ammo. Several years ago I started shooting only federal and hornady loads because the preformed excellent. Now that I am starting to reload I am concearned about OAL. I have a sierra manual that calls for a max OAL of 3.340. The hornadys that I love are 3.18. I also have some 150 grain cheapo rounds that are 3.30 (they chamber fine) Now the question. I am loading a dummy bullets to make sure I have no chambering problems and that I clear the lands. These are speer 130 grain, and I am down to 3.20 and everything looks good. How can a larger longer bullet fit but a smaller shorter bullett have chambering problems? Hope you don't think I'm stupid. I just want everything to be safe and proper. thanks in advance.. TVC15

Chuck White · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2005, 02:24:13 PM »

TVC15
Generally speaking, when we load our brass with a heavier bullet, more of the bullet goes down inside the case neck!

Most times the overall length of the loaded cartridge is unchanged when we use heavier bullets! This is primarily true because they still have to function through the magazine!

hogship · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2005, 02:27:49 PM »

It all depends on the profile shape of the bullet.....and where the ogive is.

The ogive is a point along the profile where that particular bullet meets the lands. It really doesn't have anything to do with bullet weight, but has everything to do with the shape.

You are ripe for getting a Stoney Point gauge. It will tell you where the best OAL for any particular bullet is for your rifle.....and it won't coincide with the specs in your manual. Every rifle is different....it's time to come up with a load that is appropriate for your rifles characteristics.

hog

hogship · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2005, 02:37:29 PM »

BTW.....The OAL listed in the manuals is a general guideline that will be useful for proper function in all rifles using that cartridge. It isn't an absolute when considering one particular rifle. Some magazines can handle longer OAL cartridges, though there's no need to do it unless adjustment of ogive to lands becomes necessary for your needs.

In some cases, the search for accuracy may make it necessary.

hog