Less than exceptional results - The Firearms Forum

.308 shooter · 09-19-2008, 06:24 AM

Okay.... I just shot my first round with the bullets seated longer to where I hope it's just off the lands. I won't go through all that again, as I've worn that record out already.

My results were okay, but that's it. My bullet was seated at 2.885" and the groups were less than 1" in most cases, but not always. I varied my powder charges same as my first round with they were seated at 2.81". the 2.81" seating groups were consistently under 1/2" and even 3/8".

Should I experiment more with different seating depths or just go back to the one I know worked well. Remember, the best accuracy out of my factory rifle without gunsmithing is what I'm going for.

Thanks,

Jamey

LDBennett · 09-19-2008, 04:13 PM

308shooter:

Sometimes touching the lands doesn't work. If you checked the bullet and cse runout as I explained before then you might find out why.

If you are getting 5 shot groups under 1/2 inch at 100yds with a particular combination (including the bullet NOT on the lands) then stay with that OAL and start changing other things. But if you are really getting 1/2 inch groups I think you have arrived. Load up 50 or so and see if it happens with every reloading session or it was just luck (??).

LDBennett

312shooter · 09-19-2008, 07:55 PM

Just my two cents but your are exceeding maximum OAL according to my data - 2.810. A master reloader and gunsmith pointed out to me some rounds I tried as you did were not seated well enough allowing gas to escape around the neck/bullet before it seperates, resulting insome very terrible accuracy and pressure. I don't know if others agree but this sounds exactly like what I did a few months ago.

.308 shooter · 09-19-2008, 11:11 PM

Thanks again LD..... you too 312.

LD: I did check everything as you stated before. I think I will go backwards now down to where I know I was getting great results. Current length is 2.885". I think I'm gong to reduce it by .015" down to my tried and true 2.815".

I'll let you know how it turns out. Wish me luck!!!!

09-19-2008, 06:24 AM	#1
.308 shooter V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 100	Less than exceptional results Okay.... I just shot my first round with the bullets seated longer to where I hope it's just off the lands. I won't go through all that again, as I've worn that record out already. My results were okay, but that's it. My bullet was seated at 2.885" and the groups were less than 1" in most cases, but not always. I varied my powder charges same as my first round with they were seated at 2.81". the 2.81" seating groups were consistently under 1/2" and even 3/8". Should I experiment more with different seating depths or just go back to the one I know worked well. Remember, the best accuracy out of my factory rifle without gunsmithing is what I'm going for. Thanks, Jamey -->

09-19-2008, 04:13 PM	#2
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,719	Re: Less than exceptional results 308shooter: Sometimes touching the lands doesn't work. If you checked the bullet and cse runout as I explained before then you might find out why. If you are getting 5 shot groups under 1/2 inch at 100yds with a particular combination (including the bullet NOT on the lands) then stay with that OAL and start changing other things. But if you are really getting 1/2 inch groups I think you have arrived. Load up 50 or so and see if it happens with every reloading session or it was just luck (??). LDBennett

09-19-2008, 07:55 PM	#3
312shooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,148	Re: Less than exceptional results Just my two cents but your are exceeding maximum OAL according to my data - 2.810. A master reloader and gunsmith pointed out to me some rounds I tried as you did were not seated well enough allowing gas to escape around the neck/bullet before it seperates, resulting insome very terrible accuracy and pressure. I don't know if others agree but this sounds exactly like what I did a few months ago. Last edited by 312shooter; 09-19-2008 at 07:57 PM..

09-19-2008, 11:11 PM	#4
.308 shooter V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 100	Re: Less than exceptional results Thanks again LD..... you too 312. LD: I did check everything as you stated before. I think I will go backwards now down to where I know I was getting great results. Current length is 2.885". I think I'm gong to reduce it by .015" down to my tried and true 2.815". I'll let you know how it turns out. Wish me luck!!!!