Learned a lesson on OAL yesterday

[Riomouse911]

I loaded up a bunch of Eggleston 148 gr coated RN over 6.8 gr Bullseye in .357 mag cases the other day. They're a long-ish bullet when seated in the crimp groove, with an OAL of 1.664". They shoot well in my 686+ 4".

I went to the range and exercised the Dan Wesson 15-2 (along with other guns). On this I put on the 6" VH barrel/shroud. I loaded up 6 of the rounds and...DANG! The nose of the bullet just touches the forcing cone, keeping the cylinder from closing!

I forgot that the 686+ doesn't have recessed charge holes, and the DW does. That was enough to make the rounds too long for the DW.

Luckily I brought along 100 loaded with the Extreme plated HP 158 gr over 6.5 gr Unique. Those are a much shorter 1.575" when crimped at the cannelure and chamber and shoot just fine through the DW.

The simple lesson I learned is to always confirm that the cartridge/bullet OAL you've created will work in the action of your chosen firearm before you head to the range.



Stay safe.

 

[horsemen61]

Been there myself at least you had other ammo

 

[Jim Watson]

Original .357 OAL was about the same as .38, the Magnum's cylinder not appreciably longer than the Outdoorsman's. Elmer Keith described the matter. His .358429 cannot be seated to the crimp groove in Magnum brass for a Model 27.
Later guns have longer cylinders... most of them.
SAAMI is 1.59". Looks like Mr Eggleston didn't plan for that.

 

[Riomouse911]

Ya, the crimp groove location makes the nose rather long for a 148 gr RN.

I like them for falling plate shoots loaded in .38 Spl cases. They will fit in any .357 or a longish .38 cylinder, the coating cuts down on smoke when fired and the nose profile slides into the chambers really easily with speed loaders.

With just about every plus there is often a corresponding minus...

Stay safe.

 

[FROGO207]

Yep good thing you had a back up! I always try my ammo when trying something new but things slip through the cracks now and again. Don't ask how I might know.

 

[whughett]

Yep, been there done that. It’s a common problem if loading for conversion cylinders in percussion revolvers.

 

[RealGun]

Your thread title triggered me to offer that overall is one word, so COL for "Cartridge Overall Length" is a more meaningful acronym than OAL, although many use that form.

 

[Jim Watson]

It's better than AOL.

 

[Riomouse911]

It's better than AOL.

I think I still have an AOL account...

Stay safe

 

[Ej3]

I had the same issue with .357 using the exact same bullet. But I only loaded a few. Could not get the bullet out with a kinetic puller due the crimp. And pulling only deformed the lead bullet. One day I may just file the noses down a bit and just shoot them.

 

[RealGun]

I had the same issue with .357 using the exact same bullet. But I only loaded a few. Could not get the bullet out with a kinetic puller due the crimp. And pulling only deformed the lead bullet. One day I may just file the noses down a bit and just shoot them.

I put some cushioning material inside my puller. I think it was a paper towel scrap. If the bullet doesn't come out readily enough, you may need to slam it on a more forgiving surface like a block of wood. It shouldn't bounce sharply, reducing the inertia of the bullet.

 

[Riomouse911]

I had the same issue with .357 using the exact same bullet. But I only loaded a few. Could not get the bullet out with a kinetic puller due the crimp. And pulling only deformed the lead bullet. One day I may just file the noses down a bit and just shoot them.

The groove on that bullet is a good one, and a hearty crimp will make it very tough to pop out. If the maker would just move the groove forward about .010 it would work perfectly in every .38 or .357 cylinder. I may just move my crimp above the groove and onto the band and see how that works.

Stay safe.

 

[Jim Watson]

Elmer crimped over the leading edge of the front band... or just overloaded Specials.
R.L. Shockey roll crimped .45 SWC into the front band.

 

[RealGun]

The groove on that bullet is a good one, and a hearty crimp will make it very tough to pop out. If the maker would just move the groove forward about .010 it would work perfectly in every .38 or .357 cylinder. I may just move my crimp above the groove and onto the band and see how that works.

Stay safe.

My Model 19-4 requires shorter brass, so trimming cases for a specific gun is another way to shorten the COL, while maintaining a well placed crimp.