Using Hornady OAL Gauge w/ Contender Pistol

[lrp3006]

I have used my Hornady (formerly Stoney Point) OAL gauge with a number of bolt action rifles. I am starting to reload for a Thompson Contender pistol (.204 Ruger & 7-30 Waters).

With the break open action of the Contender and the way the extractor works - you can't put the modified shell into the bore like you can with a bolt action rifle. The case doesn't go all the way into the bore until you close the action of the Contender.

Any tips on how to use this gauge to determine proper OAL for a TC Contender ?

Thanks!

 

[YoteSmoker]

Insert a cleaning rod (tip removed) through the muzzle with the action locked up. Carefully scribe a mark. Slide the cleaning rod out a few inches and insert the bullet into the chamber. Use a drill bit or something to hold the bullet in tight to the rifling. Push the rod tight to it from the muzzle side at the same time and scribe another line. Measure the distance and this is the max OAL for your cartridge with that particular bullet.

 

[onlybrowning]

I seat a long bullet into an empty case, just so it will stay in. Then insert it into the gun and start to close the action slowly. The rifling will seat the bullet into the case as the action closes. I measure the COL when I extract it. After that, I seat bullets just off the rifling to start.

 

[JD338]

I seat a long bullet into an empty case, just so it will stay in. Then insert it into the gun and start to close the action slowly. The rifling will seat the bullet into the case as the action closes. I measure the COL when I extract it. After that, I seat bullets just off the rifling to start.

+1 Thats how I do it.

JD338

 

[SakoSteve270wsm]

No way to use the OAL length gauge with the barrel off the frame?
I don't own a TC so don't know how the extractor works.

 

[hlesley]

You can use the gauge with the barrel removed from the frame. With the barrel removed, you can push the extractor in and it will not be in the way.