First 10 308 reloads. Ogive and Headspace question

[Stevos758]

Just loaded my first 10 308 rounds for a node test. I want to run some of this by the experts to make sure I am doing this right. First of I will start with my load. I am using Winchester brass. CCI primers and sierra 175 smks.

First off is my head space measurements. i measured a few of my once fired rounds and compared them to my full length sized rounds. My once fired were coming in at around 1.624. My reloads were coming in at 1.621. Did I push back the shoulders too much? Will they be safe to shoot with that much head space?

Secondly My ogive measurements. I am running an average of 2.797. My ogive is averaging around 2.215. Does this measurment seem to compute?

 

[stephen_allen]

Re: First 10 308 reloads. Ogive and Headspace question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stevos758</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just loaded my first 10 308 rounds for a node test. I want to run some of this by the experts to make sure I am doing this right. First of I will start with my load. I am using Winchester brass. CCI primers and sierra 175 smks.

First off is my head space measurements. i measured a few of my once fired rounds and compared them to my full length sized rounds. My once fired were coming in at around 1.624. My reloads were coming in at 1.621. Did I push back the shoulders too much? Will they be safe to shoot with that much head space?

Secondly My ogive measurements. I am running an average of 2.797. My ogive is averaging around 2.215. Does this measurment seem to compute? </div></div>

The headspace will be fine. Once you fire the full length sized loads, set your die to bump the shoulder .001 and youll be fine...just make sure the bolt closes on the empty brass once bumped.

Regarding the ogive measurement, Im assuming that is COAL vs ogive? Have you measured the distance to the lands on your rifle? The ogive measurement is used to determine if youre jamming or jumping the projectiles into the lands, and how much. This is something handloaders can tweak to achieve better accuracy...but you must first know the distance to the lands on your rifle.

 

[Stevos758]

Re: First 10 308 reloads. Ogive and Headspace question

All of my boughten ammo is .01 longer. I was just wondering if its to short.

 

[fastex500]

Re: First 10 308 reloads. Ogive and Headspace question

Easy trick for overall length....

Cut 3 vertical slits in the neck of a fully sized and trimmed piece of brass. Set the bullet you will using in your now cut case and chamber it GENTLY. Then, gently again, eject the round and measu the COAL. What this does, is the slits allow the bullet the slide in and out of the case with enough friction to hold it, but not so much that it won't move.

Do this 3 or 4 times and see if the measurement is consistent. This will seat the bullets shoulder on the lands. Now measure back whatever you are comfortable (.05 or so) and use that as a starting point. I found that my savage 10 would allow 178 amax's to 1.90", but the accuracy was at 1.835"

Also, I size my brass to spec.

 

[Squid284]

Re: First 10 308 reloads. Ogive and Headspace question

I would invest in a hornady OAL gage and modified case. That way there's no guessing when measuring your throat erosion over time or when loading different bullets.