OAL/COL for a 357

[gonoles_1980]

My Layman manual says 1.59 OAL, the Hodgon site says 1.61 COL. My measurements have measured from 1.6035 to <1.61. Today was the first time I had one measure the full 1.61. So far I've had zero issues with the bullets. I would have to push past the crimp line to get the bullet to seat at 1.59.

Why the delta's in OAL/COL? Looks like SAAMI matches the Layman book.

 

[rcmodel]

Two different brands of bullets.

Not all bullets have the crimp groove in the same place.

IMO: Measuring OAL of revolver cartridges is a waste of time anyway.

Seated and crimped in the crimp groove is the correct OAL for that bullet design.

rc

 

[Steve C]

IMO: Measuring OAL of revolver cartridges is a waste of time anyway.

2nd that opinion.

The only thing I do is drop a loaded round if using a heavier or longer bullet into one of my Colts to make sure it doesn't extend beyond the cylinder as Colts have a shorter cylinder length than my Smiths or Rugers.

 

[tcj]

Unless you're also going to shoot the cartridge in a lever gun.

 

[rcmodel]

Lever-gun or not.

The crimp groove on the brand of bullet, or mold you are using is either in the right place?

Or it isn't.

Measuring it will not change anything.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

I log the OAL with revolver bullets, as well as the average length of the bullet its self, but everyone is right, crimp into the middle of the canellure, or roll the case mouth into the crimp groove, and that is the correct OAL for those bullets and that case length.

 

[gonoles_1980]

Thanks, I am crimping on the tiny crimp groove in the Speer LSWCHP's. I've shot 100 rounds doing it this way. I was just curious on the differences in the manual and the site, I'm within spec on the site.