OAL length guage errors

['Freak]

The kitchen table here in my cracker box is a Hofmann & Hammer woodworking work bench with 19” of wooden front vise perfect for amongst many other things, clamping rifle barrels in position.

 

[daniel brothers]

really good stuff

 

[jdboy]

I use a method that I learned from a prior thread and sorry but I do not remember who posted it. I take a fired case and coat the inside of the neck with JB Weld. I insert long the bullet I want measured being careful not to pull it out at any time and pull some JB Weld out of the neck. I chamber the round and slowly close the bolt and let it set for about 8 hours. The original poster of this method said he used 24 hours but for me I have found 8 hours to suffice. I get about the same readings as using a split neck case and bullet but never have to worry about or wonder if the lands have pulled on the bullet at all. The first time I used this method I did it on three separate rounds of the same lot number bullet as a test and all three had exactly the same readings. Although there is that wait to get your reading you only have to do it one time and not repeat the process several times as I end up doing with other methods.

I used this method the other night to make dummy cartridges with the various bullets that I run through my rifle. Instead of using JB Weld I used a no drip epoxy and was able to make up 5 dummies in a relatively short amount of time. Each one was several thousands longer than my previous COAL measurements.

 

[SFGUY]

I like to color around the olive of the bullet (layout fluid will work great as well) and just use any color felt tip marker. The marks are small and very light. Some folks like to just "kiss" the lands. That would work if bullets were all perfect, or if our reloading tools kept perfect tolerances but they don't. So I suggest to either be in or out. If your plan is to kiss the lands..some will and some will be in tighter, some will not kiss at all. Watch the rounds string vertically with pressure changes.
Basic demolitions theory. Contain a charge, get higher detonating velocities. Do not contain it and velocities fall. Same sort of thing with longer barrels giving time to burn all of the powder and build pressure.

 

[waldo1979]

Never got the Hornady to produce consistent results. Prefer this tool:
http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloadi...lair-bullet-seating-depth-tool-prod35491.aspx

 

[Nude nut]

For those using a split case or soft seated bullet to find the lands put sizing wax on the orgive of the bullet to prevent sticking also dunk bullet in flour boat tail end half way up the bullet this will let you know if bullet has been pulled out on extraction with a distinct white line it will stand out like dog doo doo on a white blanket.

Cheers Trev.

 

[ashiha]

So if we were to consider Eric's method of putting substantial force on the rod a "hard jam", if someone says that they loaded 0.06" Jam, it would be 6 thou further in than that? Does this mean that those who are jamming are deforming the bullet when they chamber?

 

[Brians356]

So if we were to consider Eric's method of putting substantial force on the rod a "hard jam", if someone says that they loaded 0.06" Jam, it would be 6 thou further in than that? Does this mean that those who are jamming are deforming the bullet when they chamber?

Not necessarily. If they are sizing for minimal neck tension on the bullet (not uncommon in this group) then it may just be seating the bullet deeper when chambering.
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[ashiha]

Not necessarily. If they are sizing for minimal neck tension on the bullet (not uncommon in this group) then it may just be seating the bullet deeper when chambering.
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Seems like just one more hassle that goes along with jamming.

With that said, how often do you all find that jamming is worth the trouble? The best group I've ever shot was with a gentleman's 6 PPC benchrest rifle and he showed me that his load had a 6 thou jam using Berger Columns, but I don't expect something like the SMKs that I shoot to benefit from it as much.

 

['Freak]

So if we were to consider Eric's method of putting substantial force on the rod a "hard jam", if someone says that they loaded 0.06" Jam, it would be 6 thou further in than that? Does this mean that those who are jamming are deforming the bullet when they chamber?

Much depends on how folk arrive at the reference point that they will label as their point of zero “jam”.