Is there such a thing as MAXIMUM overall length [.357MAG]

[IDriveB5]

As some of you may have read, I am using bullet velocities for an engineering statistics class I am taking.

One of my variables is cartridge overall length. Is it just the longest OAL that will fit in my cylinder?

686+ 6" bbl

Berry's 158gr RN

Lee's 2nd gives a min OAL of 1.580" and I will contact Berry's tomorrow to see what the recommend. I am just looking for a range of seat depths to play with.

 

[Walkalong]

If you are crimping then your cannalure placement on the bullet and the length you trim your brass will determine your O.A.L. for a given bullet.

You mention Berry's and since they have no cannelure or crimp groove as in lead bullets then yes, your cylinder will determine how long your O.A.L. can be allowing a little for slop and being sure not to tie up your cylinder. Heavy loads with noncrimped bullets will rely on neck tension only to keep the bullets from pulling out of the case under recoil and tying up your gun. The deeper in the case the bullet is the more secure it will be.

Hope this helps.

 

[IDriveB5]

Yup thats helpful.

Do I need to consider pressures [too low] when playing with increasing case length? Obviously this may effect how the powder is ignited each time based on powder position,* but I'd like to avoid getting a bullet stuck in the barrel.

Also, seating this particular bullet to 1.580" puts the shoulder below the rim of the case, so after trimming my brass, I will make sure not to go below the shoulder when seating.


*which I am thinking may not be a big deal with a fast powder like 231.

 

[joneb]

The deeper in the case the bullet is the more secure it will be.

Will a deeper seated bullet increase the pressure ?

 

[Bullet]

Will a deeper seated bullet increase the pressure ?

In revolvers Yes.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

yeah a deeper seated bullet will decrease the space inside the casing...same amount of powder in a smaller space will increase pressure.

 

[Archie]

Maximum OAL is a function of your firearm.

In a revolver, the loaded round must chamber and then rotate. In a lever gun, the loaded round must operate through the action. In a semi-automatic or any other magazine type firearm, the loaded round must fit and move in the magazine. SAAMI sets standards for 'the industry' but one can safely load ammunition to 'fit' one's one firearm.

Also, bullets in a revolver tend to 'pull' just like in an inertial bullet puller. For this reason, one desires a tight neck to bullet fit and a firm crimp. Heavy loads and light crimps will tie up a wheelgun real fast. (Or batter a bullet deeper in a magazine arm.)

Seating the bullet 'out' further effectively increases chamber size. For a given amount of propellent, larger chamber size lowers pressure. Seating the bullet deeper does the opposite.