Tolerance for OAL of bullet
- Thread starter ChetRomeo
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JohnhenrySTL
Member
Did the data apply to that exact bullet? Also in some instances if I set depth to the the crimping groove the OAL measures shorter than the suggested minimum OAL even when the data list the exact bullet I use. I always set to the crimping groove or cannelure. If I’m concerned about it being too short, I back off max charge and work up 3 rounds at a time.
Do the bullets have a crimping groove?
Do the bullets have a crimping groove?
Schwing
Member
based on what i see in that pic, you need to go a bit deeper. I always crimp in the center of the crimp groove or cannelure. While I wouldn't go as far as saying forget about OAL for these, I am kind of saying it. Just set the depth so that they crimp as close to the center of the crimp groove as possible and start at the low end of the load data and work up. You will never have pressure issues that way
As a side note. I also don't fret too much about variations in oal until they get over .005 or so.
As a side note. I also don't fret too much about variations in oal until they get over .005 or so.
JohnhenrySTL
Member
Yes it looks like you need to go deeper. As always, start below maximum charge and work up.
Archie
Member
Over all length?
Must be long enough to work through action - if any - and,
Short enough to fit and function in the magazine or cylinder.
Length of case can affect chamber pressure. If a bullet is seated out 'long' the chamber internal volume is greater and therefore a given powder charge will burn with less pressure. If a bullet is seated 'deep', the chamber internal volume is reduced, resulting in greater pressure. In most handguns, this isn't too meaningful until the bullet is jammed down on the powder charge.
Loading a rifle bullet 'long' reduces internal volume, but if the bullet is wedged into the leade, that retards movement of the bullet and raises chamber pressure.
In any event, don't work up a load and then change ANYTHING without started from the bottom again.
Having a number of rounds loaded with differing seating depths can influence accuracy, but with a handgun, usually the difference isn't noticeable.
Must be long enough to work through action - if any - and,
Short enough to fit and function in the magazine or cylinder.
Length of case can affect chamber pressure. If a bullet is seated out 'long' the chamber internal volume is greater and therefore a given powder charge will burn with less pressure. If a bullet is seated 'deep', the chamber internal volume is reduced, resulting in greater pressure. In most handguns, this isn't too meaningful until the bullet is jammed down on the powder charge.
Loading a rifle bullet 'long' reduces internal volume, but if the bullet is wedged into the leade, that retards movement of the bullet and raises chamber pressure.
In any event, don't work up a load and then change ANYTHING without started from the bottom again.
Having a number of rounds loaded with differing seating depths can influence accuracy, but with a handgun, usually the difference isn't noticeable.
It's not a guide, it is the correct OAL for the bullet they used. Forget the OAL they used, crimp into the crimp groove of your bullet and that is the correct OAL for that bullet. Adjust the max charge down if it is shorter than the OAL for the bullet used in the data.
buck460XVR
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^^^This. Anytime you are loading for a revolver using a bullet with a cannelure, your aim is to roll crimp into the center of the cannelure. If the OAL is too long for your gun, it's because the bullet is to long for the platform/cylinder and is not appropriate. This is why some heavy for caliber handgun bullets have two cannelures. Discrepancies like this is why we start low and work up, as difference in cannelure placement among bullets, makes changes in case capacity. Changes in bullet profiles also changes cannelure placement and friction in the barrel, resulting in changes in pressure. Cannelures in revolver bullets are there to assist in bullet jump from recoil and to aid in the ignition of slow burning powders, thus they determine where crimp is applied, not book numbers. If your cases are different than book case length used, even using the same bullets, your OAL may be different.
Sunray
Member
SAAMI Max OAL for .44 Mag with any bullet is 1.610". Measured from the pointy bit to the flat part of the case. Mind you, they used a flat point bullet like an HP. However, the ultimate test is your revolver's cylinder. If the 1.635" OAL doesn't have the bullet sticking out into the cylinder gap, you're fine.
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