338 Lapua Hornady OAL guage

bonrox

Private
Minuteman
Feb 17, 2019
10
2
So I am measuring my OAL for my 338 Lapua (250 grain BTHP). When using the gauge with several readings, I get 2.8122 average when the gauge just slightly stops. When I add a small amount of pressure I get an average of 3.006.

To my thinking, the .1938 difference is the free space before the twist starts. Am I correct?

If I am correct, where would you set the OAL at on reloads?

The current factory loads (Hornady BTHP) OAL is average 2.9407 and shoots about a 2.5 inch group at 200 yds.