Minimum neck engagement.

[model14]

In loading 165 grain Nosler BT's for my new 700 ADL 30-06 (had been on the dealer's shelf since 2007, so he gave it to me for $300), I have come onto the problem of way too generous a throat length versus trying to seat the bullet just touching the lands. I can just touch the lands with barely one bullet diameter (.308) of neck engagement in the case. The interference fit in the neck is .003". I am shooting single shot, so magazine interference is not a problem. I don't feel this is a safety issue, but I would like to hear your opinion. My starting out load is a mild 44 grains of Varget, which should give me about 2500 fps. Thanks. M14

 

[D R Greysun]

In loading 165 grain Nosler BT's for my new 700 ADL 30-06 (had been on the dealer's shelf since 2007, so he gave it to me for $300), I have come onto the problem of way too generous a throat length versus trying to seat the bullet just touching the lands. I can just touch the lands with barely one bullet diameter (.308) of neck engagement in the case. The interference fit in the neck is .003". I am shooting single shot, so magazine interference is not a problem. I don't feel this is a safety issue, but I would like to hear your opinion. My starting out load is a mild 44 grains of Varget, which should give me about 2500 fps. Thanks. M14

When you consider the 'Off-the Shelf' .06 are throated to fit up to 220 gr. RN bullets, you can see why the throat is so deep. 44 gr. of Varget is a very light load. I'm guessing you want to start on the safe side thinking a jam fit will kick the start pressure up a bit. Neck tension need only be enough to keep the bullet from falling out when you load, .003" is probably more than you need but brass can differ. .300" +- of 'shank' is plenty of neck engagement.

D R