Advice on COAL 308

[RichAllen]

I've been loading my F class rifle using similar measurements I got from box lapua ammunition.
I now know the OAL of my chamber and I want to seat the bullet closer to the lands.
My current load is:
46 grains of varget
Norma brass 2.02 OAL
fed 210M Primer
SMK 155 @ 2.80 COAL.
My chamber measured 2.897 using the stoney point gauge.
When I start increasing my COAL should I worry about the pressure? I'm within a grain or two of max.

Any recommendations on increasing the COAL with my current load would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

 

[Rust]

Increasing the COL should not increase pressure, but rather decrease it. In addition, the latest pressure testing data I've seen using higher frequency,finer time division) equipment would suggest that loading a jacketed bullet into the lands does not spike pressure as commonly believed.

If your loads are a grain or two off of max that is actually a lot so try it and keep an eye on your pressure signs.

 

[Travelor]

Stoney Point,now owned by Hornady?) makes a modified case and guage to measure the exact length to load the bullet in relationship to the lands. Use it and it will work great for you.

Our local group of shooters has found the Sierra 155 Palma bullets to have different lengths due to being made on different dies even within the same box. We have settled on loading this bullet .010" into the lands with a soft seat,.001"-.002" neck tension). This way the bullets of differing lengths seat themselves using the lands and end up the same with relation to the gun. Works much better than trying to "jump" the bullet with no pressure problems.

George

 

[RichAllen]

Thank you both for replying to my post. Travelor, the reason I posted this was because I bought the Hornady OAL gauge. I wanted to make sure that by utilizing the information I got from the tool I wasn't needing to change my load.


Thanks again,


Rich

 

[Rustystud]

Rich:
I and some others are shooting Berger 210s VLDs with a heafty dose of VV550. My loaded round is 3.145 COAL. I am shooting them in a long action rifle with a deep throated chamber. I have only about .200 of bullet bearing surface in the neck. I use a taper crimp die to hold the bullets in. This gives me enough for another 3-4 grains of powder. We are pushing the 210s at 2600-2650 fps out of 30-32 inch tubes. I have loaded them hot enough to get 2700 fps but it hammers the brass and accuracy drops off. Our testing has resulted in 3-5" vertical at 1000 on good days and under less than 10" horizontal if the wind gods are with us.
Rustystud