2.982 length to ogave. To long for 223?

[chevytruck_83]

I recently used my hornady oal tools to measure the distance from base of modified case to lands on my friends savage axis. The result to ogave was 2.982. this seems really close to the seat the bullet at least the diameter rule i have been readind about. If i work up loads starting at 2.981 and go down is that safe. Or should i start less. Bullet we would like to use is the hornady hpbt 68 grain which is a pretty long bullet for a 223. Thanks nick.

 

[necchi]

Ok, It's not a BR gun right?

I use the Hornady tools also. I usually measure 3-4 different bullets and measure each holding the rod in 4 different positions,, 12-3-6-9 o`clock.
So now I have 12-16 measurements that I can average for a more accurate idea of what the "average" bullet from the box will be at in contact with the lands.

.001 off the lands with just one bullet in one position with the tool might actually be a couple thousands "into" with a different bullet even from the same box.

Once I have an average, I'll back off .005-.010 from the lands to start a load development.

.010 off is a good safe bet to find your charge, then I can go back and mess with seating in .005 increments.
(sometimes it's .020 off and .010 increments)

My advise is to try several bullets at least, you might be suprised at the variance, keep it safe friend,

 

[chevytruck_83]

Its def not a bench rest gun. However... Even though this is only barely over a 350 dollar gun with scope. Loaded with 69 grain match kings it consistantly holds easy half inch groups. Honest to god. That is using the standard lengths given in one of my load books. Sure it will probably the best we can aquire but I keep reading about how important jump is, so why not shoot for better. Right? We did measure a few times. Coming up with very similar measurements each time. Using a couple bullets. All from the same batch and bullet design though as its all i had at the moment besides a flate base 40g which i don't think would have even stayed in the case.

 

[necchi]

Oh Ya,
I can get the lowley Handi rifle in 223 shooting dime size groups at 200, ;D

My point about the factory guns isn't too belittle them at all, but many times the chamber isn't tight enough to realize a significant gain with crowding the lands, and ya still gotta load the magazine.
Don't get me wrong, it does pay to experiment with seating.
When it comes to the factory guns, one the biggest things that gained accuracy at least for me was getting control of runout.
Keeping the case neck itself and bullet relation as straight as possible made a huge differance, and when the bullet is/was way out in the neck it's tuffer to do. I had to buy the darn tools too measure runout, but I have to say it's buy far the best money spent towards accuracy gained of all the tools I have.

 

[chevytruck_83]

Thanks for the input. So what tools would you suggest then.

 

[Taildrag15X]

I use a Bersin Tool form Swiss Arms, like this one....of course it helps they're made in a friends Machine Shop (Island Machine) in Plattsburgh, NY;

http://www.centuryarms.com/bersin.pdf

 

[necchi]

Tuff call, opinion is many and varied.
I have the RCBS Case Master Gauging tool and it serves me well. Others say because it does several things it doesn't do any of it well.

Lot's of out fits make them, I don't beleive the ones that "straighten" after the bullet is seated are worth the money, I feel it's best to seat proper the first time and get it right than try to "fix it" after the fact.

Here's a link to a search for your own research here on this forum, Concentricity Gauge;

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?action=search2

Good luck man, this loading thing seem's to be a never ending learning experiance, fun ain't it?

 

[chevytruck_83]

Sure is. I foolishly thought that once i got 3/4 inch or better i'd be happy and i guess thought I would stop there. Yea right.