Using an OAL gauge - .223 Rem

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Kimberguy2004

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Pretty much a newbie to rifle reloading. I'm developing loads using the gauge to determine the seating depth and load by graduating increments of a powder using the same bullet seating depth, then use different distances from the lands. Sounds pretty straight forward. What I did run into is that with 40gr bullets, which probably aren't going to be the most accurate bullets anyway, the bullet falls out of the case when seated at lands depth. I assume in that case you would just do with the overall length specified in the load data for that bullet.
BTW, this is just for a f=varmnt factory cless at the local club. I'm just trying to tweak the most accuracy out of the rifle..
 
What twist rate in your rifle and what distance at your club matches?
 
26' SS heavy barrel, 12" twist, 100 yard range, Berger 55gr MAtch to start. I also have some Nosler 55gr BT that the rifle also seems to like so I'll be working those up also. As far as powder, it seems to like 2460 and I have some H4895 that I'd like to try. Any other suggestions on powder is appreciated. I have some other powders that I tried, but I didn't do any extensive load development with them, H322, Varget, and W748. Any suggestion on which powder might be the best to start with that would yield the best accuracy?? I also tried a couple of these powders with Sierra bullets and the gun just didn't like those at all.. My target looked like a shotgun pattern.. I'm doing this with new Lapua brass that has been trimmed, and the necks chamfered and deburred. I didn't sort the cases by weight. I figure for a factory class gun, that's more than acceptable.. Actually, Since the test for each bullet takes 30 rounds, I could test 3 powders with the same bullet and have some cases let over to load for fouling shots..
 
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Kimberguy,
Most factory rifles come with a long freebore so you can shoot different weight bullets. I have found that if you are going to use lighter bullets, it is better to seat them deeper in the case, ie about the diameter of the bullet.
I shoot 50 gn. v-max's and I started with them as close to the lands as I could without the bullet falling out of the case. I then load 5 rounds each with the bullet seated a little deeper. Shoot each group of 5 and your gun will let you know when you have found the seating depth for that bullet. After finding the seating depth, I will then start load development. Every gun that I use lighter bullets with, likes them seated way of the lands. If your gun is anything like mine, you cannot even reach the lands with a 40gn. bullet. Finding the seating depth for each bullet I use is the first thing I do with every gun I shoot.
Mike
 
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