C.O.A.L help please (7mm-08 162 ELDM)

[serevince]

Getting repeatable OAL measurement of 2.968. 162gr ELDM in fresh 7mm-08 build. SAAMI says 2.800". Multiple sources cite 2.800" with 160gr. I did find a single source for 162gr Amax that states 2.875"

https://www.hodgdon.com/wp-content/plugins/hodgdon-reloading/print.php

I'm using a Hornaday OAL length gauge. I've used it in the past with good results, but it has been awhile since I've had to start from scratch on a new build. I doubted myself after several attempts and resorted to the marker method with the same results.

At that point I questioned whether I made a mistake in headspacing the rifle and disassembled the bolt and rechecked. I also double checked the gauge markings.

I didn't specify reamers so I assume SAAMI spec chamber.

What am I missing?

I would expect this combo to run long, but I'm almost .1" over any published data.

Thanks

VG

 

[spife7980]

You have your numbers, use your numbers.

Sounds like you have a long throat and a bullet with a long nose. It is what it is.

And measuring by the ogive instead of the tip will give you more consistent numbers.

 

[serevince]

You have your numbers, use your numbers.

Sounds like you have a long throat and a bullet with a long nose. It is what it is.

And measuring by the ogive instead of the tip will give you more consistent numbers.

Thanks, I can make it work, I'll need to change mags. I just felt like maybe I was missing something obvious. I normally don't mess much with OAL, but after I measured off the ogive and set up my seating die, I double checked it in the mag and was way long.

 

[b6graham]

just based off of my limited experience with the 7SAW. that OAL doesnt sound wrong, assuming you have a pretty long freebore.

7SAW with .045 freebore and 162 ELDM is 2.850. the .150 freebore is 2.955.

remember, the 7-08 wasnt exactly designed around the new bullets we run

if you can run mags without the binder plate in your action i dont think you'll mind the extra OAL