Did some measuring

[wisconsinteacher]

Well I had some time to find a sized case that would hole a bullet and still allow it to move with some pressure. I set it very long and loaded it into the rifle six times and came up with 2.690", 2.690", 2.692", 2.692", 2.691", and 2.692" at the ogive. I did notice a few marks on the bullet, but it did not have any big groves so I think I did it right. I used a 180 gr Hornady SST bullet. Does the bullet make a difference? Where do I go from here with the process of working up loads using H4350 and 165 gr AccuBond bullets? Thanks for all of the help so far.

 

[velvetant]

yes, every type of bullet you use will have to be checked.
Set your bullets back .015" and start from there.
Start on the low side and work up in .5 grain increments.
You should find a sweet spot as you work up

 

[FOTIS]

On your way bud. Good luck.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I will remeasure using the BT and AccuBond. I will start the loads at .015 off the lands but should I move closer to them or away from them?

 

[DrMike]

Bearing surface varies with differing bullets, necessitating measurement for each bullet. Your measurement is quite precise and appears to be very solid. Congratulations. Almost all my hunting loads are 0.010 inches off the lands if cup-and-core bullets are involved. It has been suggested, on the basis of considerable research, that rifles have multiple nodes with bullets (a node being a point off the lands where the harmonics of the barrel during the transit of the bullet is optimum for reproducibility). If you find a node close to the lands, but your magazine does not permit you to load to that length, don't lose heart. You may find an equivalent point permitting accuracy seated deeper into the powder space. Alternatively, fine tuning the powder charge may bring about the same desired effect.

 

[SJB358]

As Mike's are all close to the lands, very few of my rifles allow me to load close, so I start at magazine length and back from them, if needed. Scotty

 

[wisconsinteacher]

Well I measured the Accubonds and BT. I think it is going to be close for OAL and the magazine max length. From what I have, would you load a few trial rounds without powder to see if it loads up without any issues. Also, I did a lot of reading that mentioned using 57-59 grains of H4350. Would you start with different weights then work on OAL or go with one weight of powder and try different lengths? Thanks

 

[SJB358]

I usually find out what powder charge I want to shoot and then mess with the OAL if needed. Alot of the time it isn't needed. Usually finding your powder charge your rifle likes will result in good groups and then tweaking the OAL length may or may not bring them in. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

Are you running your loads over a chronograph? If so, look for the load that gives the least standard deviation. That load, everything else being equal, will offer the greatest potential for accuracy. You can fine tune the charge and reduce or lengthen the OAL as needed, dependent upon magazine depth. It sounds as if you would be well advised to load to the magazine, provided it is not seating the bullet into the lands. Check for SD on your shots and adjust charge if it is a good load.