The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

HALODIN wrote:TJust to clarify something - when you say "cast boolits," are you grouping home and factory cast boolits together?

Yes.

Thanks.

HALODIN wrote:I reloaded another 25 rounds last night having adjusted my seating die to move the crimp ring out of the way and they all seated nicely this time. I still get a variance on the OAL though, 2.784" -> 2.800". The only thing I can think of, is the polymer tip on the A-MAX bullets are causing it, but perhaps not. I also might buy some new brass as a test.

The tips on the bullets vary in length especially after they come out of the seater die. Grab a dozen or so of the bullets and measure them, you'll see what I mean. Those measurements are fine, don't worry about it.

Blu

HALODIN wrote:I reloaded another 25 rounds last night having adjusted my seating die to move the crimp ring out of the way and they all seated nicely this time. I still get a variance on the OAL though, 2.784" -> 2.800". The only thing I can think of, is the polymer tip on the A-MAX bullets are causing it, but perhaps not. I also might buy some new brass as a test.

I've found it very difficult to measure OAL using the point of the bullet - like you found, they get deformed easily, particularly when its a polymer or soft lead tip.
Apart from actually fitting the round in the magazine, what you're interested in is what the'jump' is before the bullet engages with the rifling, and that's independent of the actual length of the bullet, but more on the shape of the bullet's ogive. I've found it better to get a proper bullet comparator to measure seating depth . . Sinclair do a nut shaped one (Reloading Solutions stock them), with holes in each side correspoonding to different calibres and cut with an chamber reamer, so it mimics the rifle barrel.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.../bullet- ... 34014.aspx

Triffid

Triffid wrote:

HALODIN wrote:I reloaded another 25 rounds last night having adjusted my seating die to move the crimp ring out of the way and they all seated nicely this time. I still get a variance on the OAL though, 2.784" -> 2.800". The only thing I can think of, is the polymer tip on the A-MAX bullets are causing it, but perhaps not. I also might buy some new brass as a test.

I've found it very difficult to measure OAL using the point of the bullet - like you found, they get deformed easily, particularly when its a polymer or soft lead tip.
Apart from actually fitting the round in the magazine, what you're interested in is what the'jump' is before the bullet engages with the rifling, and that's independent of the actual length of the bullet, but more on the shape of the bullet's ogive. I've found it better to get a proper bullet comparator to measure seating depth . . Sinclair do a nut shaped one (Reloading Solutions stock them), with holes in each side correspoonding to different calibres and cut with an chamber reamer, so it mimics the rifle barrel.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.../bullet- ... 34014.aspx

Triffid

Triffid, for Halodin that's all running before he's learned to walk. Best to let the guy learn the basics first and get some practice in putting rounds together. At this stage of his reloading that's a bit too much information even though it is good stuff. I'm not criticizing mate, just an observation is all.

Blu

Blu wrote:Triffid, for Halodin that's all running before he's learned to walk. Best to let the guy learn the basics first and get some practice in putting rounds together. At this stage of his reloading that's a bit too much information even though it is good stuff. I'm not criticizing mate, just an observation is all.

Blu

No problem, you're probably right. I'm just trying to stop him getting too hung up about OAL.
Triffid

Triffid wrote:

Blu wrote:Triffid, for Halodin that's all running before he's learned to walk. Best to let the guy learn the basics first and get some practice in putting rounds together. At this stage of his reloading that's a bit too much information even though it is good stuff. I'm not criticizing mate, just an observation is all.

Blu

No problem, you're probably right. I'm just trying to stop him getting too hung up about OAL.
Triffid

Yep I understand, he'll get it. With time comes the experience.

Blu

I measured 6 and they were all pretty close, but you're right they vary even before seating them in the brass.

4 x 1.209
1 x 1.208.5
1 x 1.210

I'm looking forward to see how they perform over the weekend!

Blu wrote:The tips on the bullets vary in length especially after they come out of the seater die. Grab a dozen or so of the bullets and measure them, you'll see what I mean. Those measurements are fine, don't worry about it.

Blu

Thanks. I was looking at these last night, I'll do some reading over the weekend and see where that takes me! :cheers:

Triffid wrote:I've found it very difficult to measure OAL using the point of the bullet - like you found, they get deformed easily, particularly when its a polymer or soft lead tip.
Apart from actually fitting the round in the magazine, what you're interested in is what the'jump' is before the bullet engages with the rifling, and that's independent of the actual length of the bullet, but more on the shape of the bullet's ogive. I've found it better to get a proper bullet comparator to measure seating depth . . Sinclair do a nut shaped one (Reloading Solutions stock them), with holes in each side correspoonding to different calibres and cut with an chamber reamer, so it mimics the rifle barrel.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.../bullet- ... 34014.aspx

Triffid

Don't hold back on any useful info, I might not be able to use it just now, but it gives me more to think about which is a good thing. I think I've made good progress this week, but I need to stick these down range before I make any changes. Keep them coming! :cheers:

Triffid wrote:

Blu wrote:Triffid, for Halodin that's all running before he's learned to walk. Best to let the guy learn the basics first and get some practice in putting rounds together. At this stage of his reloading that's a bit too much information even though it is good stuff. I'm not criticizing mate, just an observation is all.

Blu

No problem, you're probably right. I'm just trying to stop him getting too hung up about OAL.
Triffid