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Best way to determine OAL of cartridge [message #18955]

Tue, 29 January 2013 20:18

killerv
Messages: 5
Registered: January 2013
Location: Georgia

Forum Newbie

Just ordered my first rifle barrel in 7mm08. I guess the upside to these single shots is not having to load to a magazine, and in that case... What is the best way to determine OAL? I have a Sinclair gauge for my bolt guns, but how do you do it for these single shots?

I have some benchmark and varget on hand, so I may start with one of those powders, hoping to come up with a good load with some Sierra 140 gamekings for some Ga whitetail and hogs. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Updated on: Tue, 29 January 2013 20:19]

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Re: Best way to determine OAL of cartridge [message #19134 is a reply to message #18955]

Sat, 02 February 2013 19:00

HHI6818
Messages: 71
Registered: September 2011
Location: Ohio

Novice Contributor

I made this setup. Purchased the collar and rod at local hardware. Drill out the primer pocket a little larger than the rod. Insert bullet in case, insert case in chamber, push rod in until it stops, tighten set screw on collar. Remove case bullet and measure the length subtract .250 inches (thickness of collar. Now you have the length of a round with the bullet touch the lands.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/P9120008.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/P9120009.JPG

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Re: Best way to determine OAL of cartridge [message #19137 is a reply to message #19134]

Sat, 02 February 2013 20:57

lepcur
Messages: 1270
Registered: April 2011
Location: Westpoint,Ca.

Top Contributor

I just stick my cleaning rod in the closed barrel and when it touches the breech face wrap a piece of tape around the rod even with the end of the muzzle, now take your bullet and open the action and place the bullet in and give it a slight tap with the rod to engauge the rifleing and place the rod back in from the muzzle gently and wrap a piece of tape the same as you did before and take your caliper and measure. This is your max. length. Mike

[Updated on: Sat, 02 February 2013 20:59]

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Re: Best way to determine OAL of cartridge [message #19191 is a reply to message #19137]

Sun, 03 February 2013 18:18

killerv
Messages: 5
Registered: January 2013
Location: Georgia

Forum Newbie

Thanks!

I bet i can adapt my sinclair gage to a modified case to be a lot like posted above! Thanks again

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Re: Best way to determine OAL of cartridge [message #19192 is a reply to message #19191]

Sun, 03 February 2013 18:31

WV338
Messages: 262
Registered: June 2011
Location: Central Oregon

Forum Regular
Forum Moderator

I've been slitting the neck down to the shoulder then pushing the bullet of my choice about halfway into the neck. Then I push the cartridge into chamber and close it slowly. Then I carefully remove it and measure it. I do this a couple of times to make sure I get consistent results.
It has worked on all my barrels.

Whisper Ventures
355th TFW

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Re: Best way to determine OAL of cartridge [message #19269 is a reply to message #19192]

Tue, 05 February 2013 18:35

kc2htv
Messages: 311
Registered: October 2012
Location: Eastern NY

Forum Regular

This is going to sound a bit corney but I bought an OAL guage from Midway some time back... Cost just over 20 bucks... Put the bullet of my choice in the Caliber cartridge which is very slightly necked and push it in till it just touches the lands... Then measure and back it off .1000, this can be tightened or backed off more depending on the groups. Consistancy in seating, powder weight and case trim brings it all together... Nothing compares to time on the range when making 10 loads at a time...

The barter system is alive and well, but the learning curve can be painful.

Certified NYS Hunter Safety Instructor.
Certified NYS Bow Hunter Safety Instructor.

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Re: Best way to determine OAL of cartridge [message #19284 is a reply to message #19269]

Wed, 06 February 2013 07:12

rchatting
Messages: 499
Registered: August 2011
Location: Middle Georgia

Forum Regular

I drop the bullet in the barrel, then take my caliper (that also measures depth) and measure the distance from the bullet to the back of the barrel, add that to the length of the bullet, and you have max OAL for that bullet. Then subtract out the distance you want to be off the lands. I wished my bolt guns were this easy.

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