Max Overall Length

Eluxman · Aug 1, 2014

So here's the question keep in mind Im new to reloading

Im loading 308 win its says Maximum Overall Length 2.810 it states it in my book & with my reloading dies
now I have been shooting factory loads Remington Core Lokt 308
when I measure these I get 2.730 & its a big difference I checked two boxes to make sure I know the 2.810 is a max length
I use the factory rounds to set my die for the first time Ive been shooting factory rounds & now Im reloading
Im shooting a Winchester 308 model 100 semi auto riffle

any advice thanks

BradMacc82 · Aug 1, 2014

What load do you plan on developing?

Type/weight of bullet and powder??

Traveler · Aug 1, 2014

The load data in the reloading book will state powder charge and OAL. Use the numbers on that load. Using a different seating depth will invalidate the data they gave you.
The usual, start low and work your way up applies.
Semi auto rifles will likely not cycle with minimum charges.

sgt23preston · Aug 1, 2014

Typically different weight bullets are different lengths...

If you look at Lyman's 49th reloading book, 308s run between 2.403 for a 110 grain lead bullet - 2.875 for a 200 grain lead bullet...

That's a range of OAL's of .472 = A LOT...

You need to read the books to determine what to do...

OR go by the information provided by the bullet maker...

The internal pressure (PSI) of the load uses the dimension between the back of the bullet & the inside bottom of the case to determine volume ...

DaemonAssassin · Aug 1, 2014

I'm currently running 40.2gr of IMR3031 in a 308 w168 SMK @ 2.775 with no issues. I needed it to be a little shorter than 2.800, due to the rifle I'm shooting.

j8064 · Aug 1, 2014

sgt23preston said:
Typically different weight bullets are different lengths...

If you look at Lyman's 49th reloading book, 308s run between 2.403 for a 110 grain lead bullet - 2.875 for a 200 grain lead bullet...

That's a range of OAL's of .472 = A LOT...

You need to read the books to determine what to do...

OR go by the information provided by the bullet maker...

The internal pressure (PSI) of the load uses the dimension between the back of the bullet & the inside bottom of the case to determine volume ...

This ^

The OP's original question is based on cartridge MAX OAL.

Maximum OAL is generally the longest loaded cartridge that will safely chamber in a firearm factory chambered for the caliber. And, yes, different projectiles of different weights and lengths definitely come into the mix. That means actual COAL for a particular bullet will vary based on firearms, charges, primers, cases etc.

With experience reloaders learn there is room to work within published MAX and MIN COAL parameters while working up the best load for a firearm. But exceeding either parameter is not recommended.

Pinecone · Aug 1, 2014

Maximum overall length is just that, the MAXIMUM.

2.730 is is shorter than 2.810, so what is the problem???

And actually, the overall length varies with the bullet. Heavier bullets are longer, so stick out more. And if you shove them too far into the case, you can end up with over pressure be making the case volume effectively smaller.

And max overall length is based on the SAAMI specification for the round. Depending on your rifle, it may shoot better with a longer loaded round (less jump to the rifling). But you want to make sure you do not jam the bullet into the rifling, unless you know what you are doing.

On my Rem 700, due to the VERY long Rem throat, it works best with thebullets seated as far out as I can and still fit them in the magazine.

Biggfoot44 · Aug 2, 2014

We're giving lots of info on lots of topics, but I'm not sure what the OP is actually asking.

whistlersmother · Aug 2, 2014

That's okay, I'm listening because I have the same questions.

I'm going to be re-loading Makarov from cut down Luger.

Speer says Maximum is .984, but the load data says tested at .980 - not much room for adjusting the bullet seating die.

So I'm wondering if I can be a little longer than .984 and still be okay. Plan on shooting in a CZ82 and a P64.

Lee claims MCOAL is .982 - even tighter when minimum is .980

Overboost44 · Aug 2, 2014

whistlersmother said:
That's okay, I'm listening because I have the same questions.

I'm going to be re-loading Makarov from cut down Luger.

Speer says Maximum is .984, but the load data says tested at .980 - not much room for adjusting the bullet seating die.

So I'm wondering if I can be a little longer than .984 and still be okay. Plan on shooting in a CZ82 and a P64.

Lee claims MCOAL is .982 - even tighter when minimum is .980

As an FYI, the Sierra book cautions you to be very carful with the Makarov cartridges and the bore of the gun. I imagine you know that already. That said, they have the max COAL of .975. With the Sierra 95gr and 100gr bullets the COAL is .950

Biggfoot44 · Aug 2, 2014

OK then. COL can be a factor in many different contexts. For semiautos , COL can effect fitting into the magazine, and reliable feeding.

COL pre se can indirectly effect chambering. The tip of the bullet is not the part that contacts the throat/ rifling , it is some point on the ogive. This is determined by the shape of the particular bullet. If a Data provider specifies an exact bullet , a specific COL will also put the "point of first contact w/ rifling" at a specific. Different bullets , even of same weight and general description may or may not have similar ogive.

Same set of variables regarding the bullet's displacement of otherwise powder space inside the case , and the effect on pressure thereof.

Eluxman · Aug 2, 2014

OK here's what Im loading using powder BL-C (2) 42 grains & Sierra 180 grain boat tail bullet my book calls for a MIN OAL 2.800
The factory loads I was shooting where 150 grain bullets that where 2.730 & crimped after looking at my book I see there is a Min oal & a Max and can be different as to the weight of the bullets

Pinecone · Aug 2, 2014

Which book?

Eluxman · Aug 2, 2014

Modern Reloading second edition Richard Lee

Biggfoot44 · Aug 4, 2014

As regards the situation in post #12 , the bullet used in that 150gr factory load has a different nose shape , and likely different (bullet) length than a 180 Sierra Boattail.

DaemonAssassin · Aug 4, 2014

Eluxman said:
OK here's what Im loading using powder BL-C (2) 42 grains & Sierra 180 grain boat tail bullet my book calls for a MIN OAL 2.800
The factory loads I was shooting where 150 grain bullets that where 2.730 & crimped after looking at my book I see there is a Min oal & a Max and can be different as to the weight of the bullets

That minimum OAL doesn't sound quite right. The longest I can remember seeing in a book was 2.810. You sure you read it right? Generally the MAX OAL is 2.800 for a 308.

Klunatic · Aug 4, 2014

Get a Hornady Lock n' Load OAL gauge. This is a sure way to know safe OAL for each and every bullet you reload. Usually you will find the OAL measurement from the ogive to the lands is longer than the factory manual. The limiting factor most of the time is the magazine. I can safely load some of my rifles .020-.040 off the lands but they won't feed in the magazine because they are too long.

http://www.hornady.com/store/OAL-Gauges/
http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/manuals-current/metalic-reloading/LNL-OAL-Gauges.pdf

Max Overall Length

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