What is a good tested final length for this round all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thx
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Final length for 308 168grn bthp
- Thread starter donshaw
- Start date
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
Most guys on here like to seat thier bullits to where it is just off the lands. Since I have only factory rifels, I load close to factory wich is 2.810. Soooo, check your chamber size first.
okie
Most guys on here like to seat thier bullits to where it is just off the lands. Since I have only factory rifels, I load close to factory wich is 2.810. Soooo, check your chamber size first.
okie
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
depends on the rifle, and from what i gather is that every rifle is different... so you probably wont get a solid answer on this question
depends on the rifle, and from what i gather is that every rifle is different... so you probably wont get a solid answer on this question
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
Yes, it depends on how much freebore your rifle has. If you don't want to try to measure it, you will be safe with anything up to 2.810 no matter what the rifle.
Yes, it depends on how much freebore your rifle has. If you don't want to try to measure it, you will be safe with anything up to 2.810 no matter what the rifle.
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2.800" is a good place to start. </div></div>
how do I know if I need to make it longer?
Thx
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2.800" is a good place to start. </div></div>
how do I know if I need to make it longer?
Thx
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: donshaw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2.800" is a good place to start. </div></div>
how do I know if I need to make it longer?
Thx </div></div>
If you are not getting the groups you want, seating depth may be the problem. The question is: "how much longer can you make it?"
The easiest, most cost effective way is to use a cleaned but fired cartridge. Flatten the neck ever so slightly so that it will resist a bullet being pushed into it. Take one of the bullets you working with (the same bullet you are working up loads for) and "paint" the side of it with a Sharpie. Then wedge it slightly into the case. Place this assembled "round" into your chamber and carefully close the action and lock the bolt. Then carefully extract it and measure the OAL. Do this three or four times to ensure you are getting consistant results. The OAL you measure corresponds to the where this bullet is just touching the lands. Consequently, it establishes the upper limit on how much longer you can load that particular kind of bullet.
Hornady and RCBS (and I am sure others) sell specific tools for measuring this maximum allowable length. I use the RCBS product and like it. It is called a Precision Mic set. What it measures is the length from the case base to the point where any bullet will start to engage the lands. Therefore, you only have to measure your gun once. Subsequently, you just use the Precision Mic to adjust seating depth based on that max allowable reading.
I appologize if I wound up insulting your intelligence, and I hope this helps.
edit: The reason for painting the side of the bullet with a sharpie is so that if the bullet pulls out slightly from the case upon extraction you will recognize this. The flattened spot in the case neck will rub off the sharpie ink some.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: donshaw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2.800" is a good place to start. </div></div>
how do I know if I need to make it longer?
Thx </div></div>
If you are not getting the groups you want, seating depth may be the problem. The question is: "how much longer can you make it?"
The easiest, most cost effective way is to use a cleaned but fired cartridge. Flatten the neck ever so slightly so that it will resist a bullet being pushed into it. Take one of the bullets you working with (the same bullet you are working up loads for) and "paint" the side of it with a Sharpie. Then wedge it slightly into the case. Place this assembled "round" into your chamber and carefully close the action and lock the bolt. Then carefully extract it and measure the OAL. Do this three or four times to ensure you are getting consistant results. The OAL you measure corresponds to the where this bullet is just touching the lands. Consequently, it establishes the upper limit on how much longer you can load that particular kind of bullet.
Hornady and RCBS (and I am sure others) sell specific tools for measuring this maximum allowable length. I use the RCBS product and like it. It is called a Precision Mic set. What it measures is the length from the case base to the point where any bullet will start to engage the lands. Therefore, you only have to measure your gun once. Subsequently, you just use the Precision Mic to adjust seating depth based on that max allowable reading.
I appologize if I wound up insulting your intelligence, and I hope this helps.
edit: The reason for painting the side of the bullet with a sharpie is so that if the bullet pulls out slightly from the case upon extraction you will recognize this. The flattened spot in the case neck will rub off the sharpie ink some.
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: donshaw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2.800" is a good place to start.
All of the info that you gave me was great!
I told you I'm new to this and all shared info is greatly app.
Thx again
Donnie
</div></div>
how do I know if I need to make it longer?
Thx </div></div>
If you are not getting the groups you want, seating depth may be the problem. The question is: "how much longer can you make it?"
The easiest, most cost effective way is to use a cleaned but fired cartridge. Flatten the neck ever so slightly so that it will resist a bullet being pushed into it. Take one of the bullets you working with (the same bullet you are working up loads for) and "paint" the side of it with a Sharpie. Then wedge it slightly into the case. Place this assembled "round" into your chamber and carefully close the action and lock the bolt. Then carefully extract it and measure the OAL. Do this three or four times to ensure you are getting consistant results. The OAL you measure corresponds to the where this bullet is just touching the lands. Consequently, it establishes the upper limit on how much longer you can load that particular kind of bullet.
Hornady and RCBS (and I am sure others) sell specific tools for measuring this maximum allowable length. I use the RCBS product and like it. It is called a Precision Mic set. What it measures is the length from the case base to the point where any bullet will start to engage the lands. Therefore, you only have to measure your gun once. Subsequently, you just use the Precision Mic to adjust seating depth based on that max allowable reading.
I appologize if I wound up insulting your intelligence, and I hope this helps.
edit: The reason for painting the side of the bullet with a sharpie is so that if the bullet pulls out slightly from the case upon extraction you will recognize this. The flattened spot in the case neck will rub off the sharpie ink some. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: donshaw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2.800" is a good place to start.
All of the info that you gave me was great!
I told you I'm new to this and all shared info is greatly app.
Thx again
Donnie
</div></div>
how do I know if I need to make it longer?
Thx </div></div>
If you are not getting the groups you want, seating depth may be the problem. The question is: "how much longer can you make it?"
The easiest, most cost effective way is to use a cleaned but fired cartridge. Flatten the neck ever so slightly so that it will resist a bullet being pushed into it. Take one of the bullets you working with (the same bullet you are working up loads for) and "paint" the side of it with a Sharpie. Then wedge it slightly into the case. Place this assembled "round" into your chamber and carefully close the action and lock the bolt. Then carefully extract it and measure the OAL. Do this three or four times to ensure you are getting consistant results. The OAL you measure corresponds to the where this bullet is just touching the lands. Consequently, it establishes the upper limit on how much longer you can load that particular kind of bullet.
Hornady and RCBS (and I am sure others) sell specific tools for measuring this maximum allowable length. I use the RCBS product and like it. It is called a Precision Mic set. What it measures is the length from the case base to the point where any bullet will start to engage the lands. Therefore, you only have to measure your gun once. Subsequently, you just use the Precision Mic to adjust seating depth based on that max allowable reading.
I appologize if I wound up insulting your intelligence, and I hope this helps.
edit: The reason for painting the side of the bullet with a sharpie is so that if the bullet pulls out slightly from the case upon extraction you will recognize this. The flattened spot in the case neck will rub off the sharpie ink some. </div></div>
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
If you're shooting a factory chamber, you may not be able to make much difference. If you feed from a magazine you're length is going to be set pretty much.
If you're shooting a factory chamber, you may not be able to make much difference. If you feed from a magazine you're length is going to be set pretty much.
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
Your Savage will probably allow you to touch the lands and still fit in the mag. That's one of the many things I like about my 10fcp. I would measure the rounds off the ogive rather than OAL once you run 3 or 4 dummy rounds into the chamber. Hornady and Sinclair both sell gauges that work with your calipers to measure this.
Your Savage will probably allow you to touch the lands and still fit in the mag. That's one of the many things I like about my 10fcp. I would measure the rounds off the ogive rather than OAL once you run 3 or 4 dummy rounds into the chamber. Hornady and Sinclair both sell gauges that work with your calipers to measure this.
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes, it depends on how much freebore your rifle has. If you don't want to try to measure it, you will be safe with anything up to 2.810 no matter what the rifle. </div></div>
So, if I set my COAL to 2.510 it will still be fine?
okie
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes, it depends on how much freebore your rifle has. If you don't want to try to measure it, you will be safe with anything up to 2.810 no matter what the rifle. </div></div>
So, if I set my COAL to 2.510 it will still be fine?
okie
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes, it depends on how much freebore your rifle has. If you don't want to try to measure it, you will be safe with anything up to 2.810 no matter what the rifle. </div></div>
So, if I set my COAL to 2.510 it will still be fine?
okie </div></div>
Yeah...ummm....good luck with that.
If for some reason you really have the desire to push a 168 grain bullet that deep into the case, just make sure you start out with a charge on the low end of the spectrum.
To the OP, he has a point. You can risk pressure problems by seating your bullets too deep. Many reloading data sources list the COAL that was used for testing. Yes, you can go below that number, but do it with caution.
Some bullets (copper solids are an example) can exhibit pressure problems by being seated too close to the lands as well. I have had problems with seating Barnes TSXs as much as .02" off the lands. In general, a jacketed lead bullet will not lead to this problem though.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes, it depends on how much freebore your rifle has. If you don't want to try to measure it, you will be safe with anything up to 2.810 no matter what the rifle. </div></div>
So, if I set my COAL to 2.510 it will still be fine?
okie </div></div>
Yeah...ummm....good luck with that.
If for some reason you really have the desire to push a 168 grain bullet that deep into the case, just make sure you start out with a charge on the low end of the spectrum.
To the OP, he has a point. You can risk pressure problems by seating your bullets too deep. Many reloading data sources list the COAL that was used for testing. Yes, you can go below that number, but do it with caution.
Some bullets (copper solids are an example) can exhibit pressure problems by being seated too close to the lands as well. I have had problems with seating Barnes TSXs as much as .02" off the lands. In general, a jacketed lead bullet will not lead to this problem though.
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes, it depends on how much freebore your rifle has. If you don't want to try to measure it, </div></div>
So, if I set my COAL to 2.510 it will still be fine?
okie </div></div>
Yeah...ummm....good luck with that.
If for some reason you really have the desire to push a 168 grain bullet that deep into the case, just make sure you start out with a charge on the low end of the spectrum.
To the OP, he has a point. You can risk pressure problems by seating your bullets too deep. Many reloading data sources list the COAL that was used for testing. Yes, you can go below that number, but do it with caution.
Some bullets (copper solids are an example) can exhibit pressure problems by being seated too close to the lands as well. I have had problems with seating Barnes TSXs as much as .02" off the lands. In general, a jacketed lead bullet will not lead to this problem though.
</div></div>
"you will be safe with anything up to 2.810 no matter what the rifle."
Hey ahhhh...what I said was a joke, I thought that little sceamin face at the end of my sentence would make that clear. Actually, I just wanted to make sure someone with not much experience didn't take the sentence you said, above, literally. Good shootin.
okie
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes, it depends on how much freebore your rifle has. If you don't want to try to measure it, </div></div>
So, if I set my COAL to 2.510 it will still be fine?
okie </div></div>
Yeah...ummm....good luck with that.
If for some reason you really have the desire to push a 168 grain bullet that deep into the case, just make sure you start out with a charge on the low end of the spectrum.
To the OP, he has a point. You can risk pressure problems by seating your bullets too deep. Many reloading data sources list the COAL that was used for testing. Yes, you can go below that number, but do it with caution.
Some bullets (copper solids are an example) can exhibit pressure problems by being seated too close to the lands as well. I have had problems with seating Barnes TSXs as much as .02" off the lands. In general, a jacketed lead bullet will not lead to this problem though.
</div></div>
"you will be safe with anything up to 2.810 no matter what the rifle."
Hey ahhhh...what I said was a joke, I thought that little sceamin face at the end of my sentence would make that clear. Actually, I just wanted to make sure someone with not much experience didn't take the sentence you said, above, literally. Good shootin.
okie
Re: Final length for 308 168grn bthp
When I do a load workup for my rifle I start with all the loads at the same 2.810" OAL and when I find a load that shoots best I start playing with seating depth. I have a Stoney Point chamber gauge that uses a specially modified cartridge to measure max OAL with each bullet. I start seating the bullet out 0.010" at a time till it is touching the lands and see what shoots best then narrow it down till I get the best seating depth. There may be better ways to do it but this is how I do it.
When I do a load workup for my rifle I start with all the loads at the same 2.810" OAL and when I find a load that shoots best I start playing with seating depth. I have a Stoney Point chamber gauge that uses a specially modified cartridge to measure max OAL with each bullet. I start seating the bullet out 0.010" at a time till it is touching the lands and see what shoots best then narrow it down till I get the best seating depth. There may be better ways to do it but this is how I do it.
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