Seating depth question...

[Osprey78]

So All my brass is prepped for both my .308 and .300WM

I appreciate all the advice and comments on my other threads. But here is one more question.

If I am to play with the seating depth, how am I to measure the depth accurately if the bullets themselves vary (in minute amounts) in length. Is there a special gauge or something I don't have, or are the bullet lengths themselves so minute that I should not take it into consideration?

 

[DrMike]

Measure to the ogive. You will need to buy a comparator (Hormady) with appropriate modified cases and inserts for the easiest measurements.

 

[Osprey78]

Thanks DrMike. Looks like a decent Father's Day gift if you ask me!

 

[DrMike]

Thanks DrMike. Looks like a decent Father's Day gift if you ask me!

Now you're talking.

http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-OAL-Gauge-Straight-1Each/

http://www.hornady.com/store/Modified-Cases/?page=6

http://www.hornady.com/store/Bullet-Comparator-Kits/

These will be considerably cheaper at your LGS.

 

[Osprey78]

Thanks DrMike. Looks like a decent Father's Day gift if you ask me!

Now you're talking.

http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-OAL-Gauge-Straight-1Each/

http://www.hornady.com/store/Modified-Cases/?page=6

http://www.hornady.com/store/Bullet-Comparator-Kits/

These will be considerably cheaper at your LGS.

Just put the order in...they have the OAL gauge, just not the comparator set. Should be here in about 10 days or so. Happy early Father's Day to me.

 

[Dr. Vette]

To expand, if I may, on what Mike said...

The comparator is what you need to measure each loaded round to make sure that the length to the ogive is the same from round to round. The Hornady unit works well for this. I have the starter kit with 6 and have also purchased the extra inserts I need. Here it is:

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/pro ... uctId/7230

The OAL gauge is used then to measure the distance to the lands in your rifle. Using this measurement you then know what your longest measurement will be (i.e. to the lands) and can go from there. Many people make their own modified case by drilling and tapping one of their own used cases rather than buying one for $6 from someone else.

If I were going to buy only one it would be the comparator so that you can measure and compare each round. I don't use my OAL gauge much as many of our rifles are Weatherbys and I am hampered by the length of the magazine box not the distance to the lands, given the Weatherby freebore. I would put consistency as more important than relationship to the lands, but that's me.

Just my $0.02

Patrick

 

[Osprey78]

Just picked up my bullet comparator. Told the wife that this, a can of powder and a screamin deal on an ebay fly line is my father's day present. She came back with, "I hate it when you buy your own gifts". I just came back with..."well then I get what I want".

8)

 

[SJB358]

Just picked up my bullet comparator. Told the wife that this, a can of powder and a screamin deal on an ebay fly line is my father's day present. She came back with, "I hate it when you buy your own gifts". I just came back with..."well then I get what I want".

8)

Oh man, I have been there! HA! :grin:

 

[DrMike]

Father's Day gifts are always fascinating. We do reach a point where it is easier to buy for ourselves; but seldom does such happen without tension while children are still in the home.

 

[truck driver]

Just picked up my bullet comparator. Told the wife that this, a can of powder and a screamin deal on an ebay fly line is my father's day present. She came back with, "I hate it when you buy your own gifts". I just came back with..."well then I get what I want".

8)

Oh man, I have been there! HA! :grin:

I never get fathers day gifts since they figured out I go out and get what I want any way. Same for Christmas and Birthday which is coming up at the end of the month. :lol: Heck I've gotten more presents from you guys than I get from my family :mrgreen:

 

[ColColt]

The Hornady OAL gauge and bullet comparator sure beat the old methods Ive used before and makes everything much more simple. Of course, you have only to add a modified case for each caliber.

 

[SJB358]

The Hornady OAL gauge and bullet comparator sure beat the old methods Ive used before and makes everything much more simple. Of course, you have only to add a modified case for each caliber.

I just bought the drill and tap to make my own from now on. Makes the buying process a little easier. For 10.00 in hardware you can make all you want.

 

[ColColt]

I guess I've got more money than mechanical sense. :grin:

 

[.300winmag]

Wold like to comment, however, all that I would have said has been stated. Measure your chamber using an ogive comparator and then measure your loaded rounds the same way; adjust jump or jam to the rifling accordingly.