Sweating Run-out

[fatelvis]

After tons of reading here, and many spent dollars, I’ve loaded some pretty accurate 222 loads that I use for mid range F-class. I’m happy with the accuracy, but the OCD side of me wants to make sure I’m making the best ammo possible, so I tested runout, and it reads .003-.005” at the tip of the bullet and .002-.0025” at the neck. Is this acceptable, Or is there room for improvement? I’m using Lapua brass (not neck turned), a factory modified Forster FL sizer with polished expander (expander only opens neck about .001” after sizing down) and Forster BR sizer, (turning case half way through final seating), on a Co-Ax press. Thanks guys!

 

[WillyTP]

Test it, there may be room. On unturned brass I’d say that’s pretty good results. How you feel about your targets? Are you doing everything on the firing line good enough to think this runout is what’s costing you wins? I get caught in rabbit holes too, but I usually know it’s my bench manners costing me, not the reloading.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I dont think youll ever shoot the difference. The wind on a 222 is way more important

 

[fatelvis]

I dont think youll ever shoot the difference. The wind on a 222 is way more important

Honestly, wind doesn’t seem to be a factor. Our 300 range has burns on both sides of the firing line, running all the way to the target. Unless the wind is very strong, I barely notice any drift.

 

[fatelvis]

Also, when people refer to run out, where is the most popular location that they are measuring on the cartridge? I never know if it is at the neck, or at the tip.

 

[WillyTP]

Unless your using a tipped bullet like the A-Max or something like that, I’d stay away from the tip of the bullet. Concentrate on the case neck and where the run out is occurring in the sequence....I.e. after sizing orbullet seating. Then try to fix that part.

 

[WillyTP]

I dont think youll ever shoot the difference. The wind on a 222 is way more important

Dusty, you know we let this kind of stuff wreck our minds.....

 

[jr600yd]

I agree with Dusty. Shoot more worry less.

 

[mikecr]

Also, when people refer to run out, where is the most popular location that they are measuring on the cartridge? I never know if it is at the neck, or at the tip.

My runout measure is on exposed bullet bearing, not on the bullet nose(poor datum).
Measuring on necks won't work with unturned necks, and accepted thickness variance, as this will add to measure.
Are you using a v-block type gauge?

 

[fatelvis]

My runout measure is on exposed bullet bearing, not on the bullet nose(poor datum).
Measuring on necks won't work with unturned necks, and accepted thickness variance, as this will add to measure.
Are you using a v-block type gauge?

I use an Accuracy One case spinner.

 

[Falfan2017]

I used to have a .003-005 runout on my 6br rounds. Changed up a couple things and now it's less than one. Started annealing, started using the Sinclair expander die and mandrel instead of the expander ball in the fl sizer die. Using the le wilson hand seater die. No turning of necks.

 

[mikecr]

That's probably the best gauge.
But you don't really need to move datums down loaded bullet ogives, and worry about it, until you're below .001" in TIR off bearing (and then try to take gold in 'Lowest TIR' at the reloading olympics)..

 

[Dusty Stevens]

(and then try to take gold in 'Lowest TIR' at the reloading olympics)..

Thats the match right after the chronograph games.

 

[WillyTP]

Thats the match right after the chronograph games.

That's probably the best gauge.
But you don't really need to move datums down loaded bullet ogives, and worry about it, until you're below .001" in TIR off bearing (and then try to take gold in 'Lowest TIR' at the reloading olympics)..

That’s what Guffey always wins...just sayin

 

[Ggmac]

Honestly, wind doesn’t seem to be a factor. Our 300 range has burns on both sides of the firing line, running all the way to the target. Unless the wind is very strong, I barely notice any drift.

Use some flags and verify your assumption of little wind , you may be very surprised. You should try shooting in other ranges if you have little to no wind , it's good practice that you'll need .