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Morning folks,

Just a quick question, I'm trying to experiment with a load for my 308 and have used a Hornady OAL gauge to measure the chamber and have found that the distance base to ogive is 2.256 and the rounds that I have loaded are 2.216.
If I load to 2.230 ( so that I am 0.026 away from the rifling ) is this going to be far enough away to still be safe or would this be too close ?
The reason for the question is that when measured overall ( COAL) the length comes out at about 2.810 which is longer than the standard 2.800.

Hopefully this makes sense ? I am just curious to see if seating closer to the rifling will tighten of loosen the groups.

Cheers
the Greek

A lot of factory rifles are typically 'long-throated' - because the manufacturer has no idea what bullet you will choose.

A jump of 10 to 20 thou. is fine and often there is little to be gained by going closer - with a factory rifle.

But, only the target will tell you the best 'jump' for your particular barrel/bullet combination.

I have loaded .308 to a coal of 2.870" for years now started it with my AW and it has worked well in 3 other rifles ( the boys Winchester stealth will group 1/2" all day with it). I won't be changing anytime soon.