.223 o.a.l.

walleye · February 16, 2012, 11:35 AM

Unfortunately, my .223 rifle is not where I am reloading, but have been loading 45, 50, and 55 grain bullets using Lyman reloading manual for data. However, I see the o.a.l. for suggested loads to be different than the recommended o.a.l. from Hodgson. specifically. For example, Lyman says o.a.l. should be 2.260 in., while Hodgson says o.a.l. length should be 2.220". This is with a 55 gr. sp bullets. It just seems like the bullet sticks out a long ways at 2.260". Again when the bullet has cannelure that cannelure appears quite a distance from the case. I believe that commercial ammo o.a.l. is about 2.226, if I remember correctly. I am concerned about pressure, as most would be. Performance is important but only after safe pressure is obtained. Maybe seem like a ridiculous concern. If I had the rifle with me now I could adjust length, maybe. Appreciate any imput. I just wish I had the rifle with me now so I could try it. I don't, so have to do next best thing! Another ?: does the kind of bullet have an important impact on the pressure,e.g., sp vs hollow point vs. nosler s.p. . Using a Rem. 700 BDL rifle.

Zach W. · February 16, 2012, 01:38 PM

Use an oal that works for your situation.

For a bolt gun, you want to get the bullet close to the rifling.

For an auto loader, magazine length will typically limit how far out you can seat the bullet.

PA-Joe · February 16, 2012, 04:59 PM

The shape of each bullet maker's bullets is very different and therefore will have a much different COL. You cannot interchange the data. If you check the Lyman's manual it should tell you who's bullet they were using. Also remember to have reliable feeding your your magazine may limit your COL.

February 16, 2012, 11:35 AM	#1
walleye Junior Member Join Date: February 15, 2011 Posts: 6	.223 o.a.l. Unfortunately, my .223 rifle is not where I am reloading, but have been loading 45, 50, and 55 grain bullets using Lyman reloading manual for data. However, I see the o.a.l. for suggested loads to be different than the recommended o.a.l. from Hodgson. specifically. For example, Lyman says o.a.l. should be 2.260 in., while Hodgson says o.a.l. length should be 2.220". This is with a 55 gr. sp bullets. It just seems like the bullet sticks out a long ways at 2.260". Again when the bullet has cannelure that cannelure appears quite a distance from the case. I believe that commercial ammo o.a.l. is about 2.226, if I remember correctly. I am concerned about pressure, as most would be. Performance is important but only after safe pressure is obtained. Maybe seem like a ridiculous concern. If I had the rifle with me now I could adjust length, maybe. Appreciate any imput. I just wish I had the rifle with me now so I could try it. I don't, so have to do next best thing! Another ?: does the kind of bullet have an important impact on the pressure,e.g., sp vs hollow point vs. nosler s.p. . Using a Rem. 700 BDL rifle. Last edited by walleye; February 16, 2012 at 11:46 AM.

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February 16, 2012, 01:38 PM	#2
Zach W. Member Join Date: March 4, 2010 Posts: 72	Use an oal that works for your situation. For a bolt gun, you want to get the bullet close to the rifling. For an auto loader, magazine length will typically limit how far out you can seat the bullet.

February 16, 2012, 04:59 PM	#3
PA-Joe Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: NEPA Posts: 909	The shape of each bullet maker's bullets is very different and therefore will have a much different COL. You cannot interchange the data. If you check the Lyman's manual it should tell you who's bullet they were using. Also remember to have reliable feeding your your magazine may limit your COL.