Forget OAL--use new spec.

[Ankeny]

I certainly hope most of this is in reference to plinking ammo for handguns. OAL is absolutely critical to accuracy in rifles. As for handguns, as long as the bullet will plop in the barrel without contacting the rifling...

 

[Schwing]

When I first started reloading, I spent a couple of years trying to achieve accuracy by following the numbers. Using BHN for pressure calculations, chronographing loads etc, I was convinced that I could mathematically come up with that perfect load. Unfortunately, the science rarely translated into real world accuracy and reliability.


Now, I take the opposite approach and really under think this. I determine my OAL first by using the plunk test and use the longest OAL that passes the test and still fits in the mag. While I do at least look at SAAMI specs to make sure I am not egregiously doing something wrong, I have often found optimal loads that are both over and under those specs (OAL speaking). I then start my powder charge at the bottom of the load data and work up slowly until I get the best accuracy, keeping an eye out for pressure signs.

It doesn't make my head hurt as much and it works for me.

 

[Zendude]

This is why reloading is dangerous. I am at work thinking about bullet seating depth instead of my job. But at least i don't work at a nuclear power plant, so i guess there's no real danger to humanity.

 

[higgite]

When I first started reloading, I spent a couple of years trying to achieve accuracy by following the numbers. Using BHN for pressure calculations, chronographing loads etc, I was convinced that I could mathematically come up with that perfect load. Unfortunately, the science rarely translated into real world accuracy and reliability.


Now, I take the opposite approach and really under think this. I determine my OAL first by using the plunk test and use the longest OAL that passes the test and still fits in the mag. While I do at least look at SAAMI specs to make sure I am not egregiously doing something wrong, I have often found optimal loads that are both over and under those specs (OAL speaking). I then start my powder charge at the bottom of the load data and work up slowly until I get the best accuracy, keeping an eye out for pressure signs.

It doesn't make my head hurt as much and it works for me.

Bingo! That's why manuals give you min and max loads, so you can adjust to your own particular situation. If they specified "ICL" and not OAL, we would be discussing someone's "new" concept of using OAL instead of ICL.

 

[lysanderxiii]

I just develop loads that seem to shoot real good and keep detailed notes on Vm, bullet type, powder, primer, case and OAL and replicate them as needed.

I honestly feel some of you over-think this way too much...

EDIT:

Oh, and you have to work with OAL. How are you going measure internal case length?

 

[LiveLife]

For me holes on target speak volumes.

So those who are not as "meticulous" as some of us "overthinkers", how are your shot group sizes at 15 yards?

My various "OCD" 9/40/45 loads produce around one inch 5 round shot groups at 15 yards using mixed range brass and cheaper components like lead/plated bullets, Promo, etc.

 

[Toprudder]

Not really in the scope of this discussion, but I've gotten a few 2" 5 round groups at 25 yards, and a few 1" 10 round groups at 10-15 yards. Which, for my old eyes, I'm very happy with.

One of my more accurate loads was with AA#5, 45acp. Even though the velocity standard deviation was 25+, I was hitting 1" groups at 10 yards shooting offhand.

I'm always for learning something new, and like to read threads like this, but so far I don't believe I will change how I do things based on what I have read in this thread, even if someone might say I am over-thinking it.

 

[lysanderxiii]

For me holes on target speak volumes.

So those who are not as "meticulous" as some of us "overthinkers", how are your shot group sizes at 15 yards?

My various "OCD" 9/40/45 loads produce around one inch 5 round shot groups at 15 yards using mixed range brass and cheaper components like lead/plated bullets, Promo, etc.

My reloads are about that. I just get there using simpler, and in my opinion, more accurate empirical methods....