seating depth of 69gr smk

[triceratops3]

Hey everyone I'm going to start trying to develop a load for my new .223 bolt gun, its a savage 12. I've just been prepping brass and I'm trying to find a good C.O.L to start at.

I took a fl sized, trimmed case and barely seated a bullet in the case then tried to chamber it. I did this until it chambered and backed it off around .015" chambered it and then tested to see if it would feed from the magazine and it did.

After I set it back about .015" the C.O.L was 2.358" I was wondering if this is where I should seat my bullets but It seems that it is a bit long for this bullet.

Does this sound like it could be correct or am I way off somewhere? What should I do?

 

[Ballistic308]

Re: seating depth of 69gr smk

I've found 2.255" to be the sweet spot.

 

[5R Milspec]

Re: seating depth of 69gr smk

sounds like a good starting point to me.but would have used a split case that was fl sized.just next time split the case neck with a tool on both sides.this alowss the bullet to seat better when useing the bolt to do it.( not as hard to do )

and for me in my 223 went with a coal of 2.290 and it works really good with the rest of the combo.

 

[jagged77]

Re: seating depth of 69gr smk

To take guess work out of the equation get hold of the Hornady COAL gauge / comparator kit, really good piece of equipment.

 

[2clicks]

Re: seating depth of 69gr smk

Yeah what jagged77 said. There are other tools but IMHO Hornady's is the best deal.

 

[battlestick]

Re: seating depth of 69gr smk

Out of the curiosity, how much of the bullet is seated?

 

[triceratops3]

Re: seating depth of 69gr smk

Thanks guys. I seated it a little deeper and put a cleaning rod down the muzzle and pushed the bullet out of the chamber until i felt no resistance and that was at about 2.339" and then I compared with another bullet and it should be seated just slightly above where the shoulder begins.

 

[tacshooter223]

Re: seating depth of 69gr smk

You're welcome to use my comparator tool when ever you'd like.