The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Seating bullets ..... first timer questions

michaeltpo · December 28, 2009, 03:09 AM

I think I understand. OAL is measured from the tip of the bullet to the "tail" of the cartridge but since the ogives have slightly variable tapers (and that's the point where the bullets are being pushed into the dies) so there should be some slight variance in OAL. That makes sense. Thanks!

It does leads to my next question:
Does OAL have a great significance upon accuracy or is it more of a safety thing. I know it is for safety but I thought it was also for accuracy too. I was trying to be able to set the OAL the same everytime to within a couple ten thousanths. I've read of the precision shooters setting bullet depth to be where the bullet is only say, .0005 inches (that number may be wildly off) from the throat of the rifle. Is that a matter of trial and error or the tool Sport45 mentioned.

Another question brought up in my mind is: Bullet tension? What is it and how would I know if I don't have enough or too much before my rifle blows up?

Also how far at a minimum or maximum should a bullet be seated in a case?

Thanks very much for the education.

Michael

December 28, 2009, 03:09 AM	#6
michaeltpo Junior Member Join Date: December 27, 2009 Posts: 12	Thanks I think I understand. OAL is measured from the tip of the bullet to the "tail" of the cartridge but since the ogives have slightly variable tapers (and that's the point where the bullets are being pushed into the dies) so there should be some slight variance in OAL. That makes sense. Thanks! It does leads to my next question: Does OAL have a great significance upon accuracy or is it more of a safety thing. I know it is for safety but I thought it was also for accuracy too. I was trying to be able to set the OAL the same everytime to within a couple ten thousanths. I've read of the precision shooters setting bullet depth to be where the bullet is only say, .0005 inches (that number may be wildly off) from the throat of the rifle. Is that a matter of trial and error or the tool Sport45 mentioned. Another question brought up in my mind is: Bullet tension? What is it and how would I know if I don't have enough or too much before my rifle blows up? Also how far at a minimum or maximum should a bullet be seated in a case? Thanks very much for the education. Michael Last edited by michaeltpo; December 28, 2009 at 03:13 AM. Reason: spelling