Safe Bullet Seating Depth

[Roger Davis]

Im switching from a 65 grain 6MM bullet to a 55 grain 6MM bullet. I load 65's crammed into the lands. With the 55's, im looking a a lot shorter bullet. Was wondering what is the least amount i can seat a bullet into a case and still be safe. This is a single shot bolt action. Thanks. Roger.

 

[watercam]

I have had as little as .100" bearing surface in the neck of a .308 with good results. Not my idea of ideal but it worked. I think that would be a workable minimum for single loading. Just don't jostle the rounds in the cartridge box too much, might ruin your concentricity!

 

[searcher]

I agree. I bought some 62 Bergers that have been discontinued and shoot them in my 6ppc. I found them to shoot great, despite barely being seated into the case. Per response from Walt Berger, they didn't have any data on that bullet because it was "way too short" for the ppc and not designed for it. Regardless - if the case will hold it and you can seat long enough to at least get a soft seat, they are long enough - and can shoot really great. Concentricity can be an issue when not on jam.