bullet seating

[riggers]

hi all just got into reloading can some one explain how to get the bullet seat right im a wee bit in the dark cheers

[henry d]

One way is to use an OAL gauge with a special case for your calibre. Basically you place the special case on the end of the guage with a bullet , the ones you intend to use, in the end you can then place it into the chamber (bolt removed) and move the bullet forward using the rod in the gauge and when you feel it touch the lands lock the gauge and withdraw it then measure it with your caliper gauge. You can then work it so that you have 10-15-20 thou back from the lands and see which gives the best grouping.

 

Does that make any sense to you

[AndyCM]

One way is to use an OAL gauge with a special case for your calibre. Basically you place the special case on the end of the guage with a bullet , the ones you intend to use, in the end you can then place it into the chamber (bolt removed) and move the bullet forward using the rod in the gauge and when you feel it touch the lands lock the gauge and withdraw it then measure it with your caliper gauge. You can then work it so that you have 10-15-20 thou back from the lands and see which gives the best grouping.

 

Does that make any sense to you

 

Hi,

Henry's method works ok if the bullet is not on the short side (say a 55g in a .243)

 

What I start with is SAMMI spec & seating long.....working the same bullet in bit by bit (adjusting the seater) to get the right length. Once you are at the chosen COL if you half seat the bullet (press handle from contacting bullet to half way travel) THEN back off spin cartridge 180degrees & finish seating you will help concentricity.

 

Boat tail bullets are nice to seat as they don't jump out when you least expect them!

Cheers

Andy

 

- what calibre / bullets are you doing?

[riggers]

hi guys i am using 87 v max hornady hogdons 414 powder

[AndyCM]

hi guys i am using 87 v max hornady hogdons 414 powder

 

Hi Riggers,

 

IF you are using a .243 Hornady list 2.640 COL for the 87g vMax, that's a good place to start.

 

Cheers

AndyCM

[Harnser]

All you need is a resized un primed case . Insert a bullet just into the case by hand or by seating die . Use a black felt tip pen and colour in all of the bullet . Now chamber the cartridge into the rifle and lock down the bolt . Unlock the bolt and eject the cartridge carefully into your hand . You will now have a cartridge with the bullet set at the absolute maximum overall lenght ,you will be able to see the marks on the ogive were the lands have touched the bullet . Measure the overall lenght of this cartridge and use it as a yard stick for setting your bullets in the case . you can now set your bullet depth by seating your bullets to a minus of this maximum overall lenght . DO NOT SET YOUR BULLETS TO THIS MAXIMUM OVERALL LENGHT AS THEY WILL BE TOUCHING THE LANDS AND COULD COURSE HIGH PRESSURES .

Harnser .

[william]

hi guys i am using 87 v max hornady hogdons 414 powder

 

I use vit n160 46grns with my 87grn hornady's I have not missed a fox from 80-280 yds this year!

[wy111]

There could be a problem with Harnser's way, using a resized case, the head could be forced into the lands and jam when you try to eject, so all you get is an empty case and a stuck head.

There are special cases made for OAL seating, but if you use a unsized, fired in your rifle case, and with a fine saw(Dremmel), cut 2 crossways slots down the neck. These can be nipped up by hand. Insert head and chamber. Extract and measure. Do this several times so you get a consistant measurement. This gives you a max OAL. Another thing, it is better to measure from the Ogive and not the tip, as they are not a consistant length.

If I can dig out the site, there are good articles on making diy gauges.

[wy111]

Heres one http://www.larrywillis.com/calipers.html

[wy111]

Heres t'other http://www.larrywillis.com/OAL.html