C.O.A.L.???

jeo556 · November 4, 2008, 07:38 PM

I am in the process of loading some Nosler Accu Bonds for my .25-06. Nosler does not state a C.O.A.L. for this particular projectile. Do I just load it to the Max SAAMI length, or somewhere shorter. If so then where do I start? I have some factory federal rounds that are loaded with Accu bonds but they have a cannelure. Should I use that as a reference? I am at a loss here. Any help would be great. Thanks

Why do some manuals list a C.O.A.L but nosler doesn't???

wncchester · November 4, 2008, 08:49 PM

"Why do some manuals list a C.O.A.L but nosler doesn't??? "

Because it's non-critical. Pick an OAL that feeds through your magazine and develope you load from there. That's what the loading books do.

T. O'Heir · November 4, 2008, 09:06 PM

Just use the OAL given in your manual. The maker of the bullet doesn't matter.

**Unclenick** · November 4, 2008, 09:46 PM

Not quite. If you have bullets with cannelures, you usually want to seat to the cannelure for crimping for duty and not the use the SAAMI COL where it is longer. Hornady makes a number of cannelured bullets that seat shorter than SAAMI COL, for example, and you want to observe the maker's lead in that case. SAAMI COL is just a number guaranteed to fit in all commercial magazines without rubbing.

mrawesome22 · November 5, 2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

If so then where do I start?

Start with the ogive .030" off the rifling.

steve4102 · November 5, 2008, 09:20 PM

OAL is not manual specific, it is rifle specific. Find out where your bullet of choice contacts the lands and go from there.

This is what Accurate Powders has to say about OAL.

SPECIAL NOTE ON CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH “COL”
It is important to note that the SAAMI “COL” values are for the firearms and ammunition manufacturers industry and must
be seen as a guideline only.
The individual reloader is free to adjust this dimension to suit their particular firearm-component-weapon combination.
This parameter is determined by various dimensions such as 1) magazine length (space), 2) freebore-lead dimensions of
the barrel, 3) ogive or profile of the projectile and 4) position of cannelure or crimp groove.

butta9999 · November 7, 2008, 02:59 AM

When i am reloading and its time to seat bullets for any of my rifles i never take notice of what the manual specifies.

Firstly i look at making sure it fits in the magazine, this usually applies to bigger cals like my .300wm. I am always governed by my mag length.

In my varmint rifles i have them seated about 15 thou off lands, except for my .222. It likes to have a little free travel for some reason.

November 4, 2008, 07:38 PM	#1
jeo556 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2007 Location: Southwestern, PA Posts: 268	C.O.A.L.??? I am in the process of loading some Nosler Accu Bonds for my .25-06. Nosler does not state a C.O.A.L. for this particular projectile. Do I just load it to the Max SAAMI length, or somewhere shorter. If so then where do I start? I have some factory federal rounds that are loaded with Accu bonds but they have a cannelure. Should I use that as a reference? I am at a loss here. Any help would be great. Thanks Why do some manuals list a C.O.A.L but nosler doesn't??? __________________ Jeo556

November 4, 2008, 09:06 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Just use the OAL given in your manual. The maker of the bullet doesn't matter. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

November 4, 2008, 09:46 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Not quite. If you have bullets with cannelures, you usually want to seat to the cannelure for crimping for duty and not the use the SAAMI COL where it is longer. Hornady makes a number of cannelured bullets that seat shorter than SAAMI COL, for example, and you want to observe the maker's lead in that case. SAAMI COL is just a number guaranteed to fit in all commercial magazines without rubbing. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

November 7, 2008, 02:59 AM	#7
butta9999 Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2008 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Posts: 692	When i am reloading and its time to seat bullets for any of my rifles i never take notice of what the manual specifies. Firstly i look at making sure it fits in the magazine, this usually applies to bigger cals like my .300wm. I am always governed by my mag length. In my varmint rifles i have them seated about 15 thou off lands, except for my .222. It likes to have a little free travel for some reason. __________________ Knowledge is Power!

November 4, 2008, 08:49 PM	#2
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	"Why do some manuals list a C.O.A.L but nosler doesn't??? " Because it's non-critical. Pick an OAL that feeds through your magazine and develope you load from there. That's what the loading books do.

November 5, 2008, 09:20 PM	#6
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,955	OAL is not manual specific, it is rifle specific. Find out where your bullet of choice contacts the lands and go from there. This is what Accurate Powders has to say about OAL. SPECIAL NOTE ON CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH “COL” It is important to note that the SAAMI “COL” values are for the firearms and ammunition manufacturers industry and must be seen as a guideline only. The individual reloader is free to adjust this dimension to suit their particular firearm-component-weapon combination. This parameter is determined by various dimensions such as 1) magazine length (space), 2) freebore-lead dimensions of the barrel, 3) ogive or profile of the projectile and 4) position of cannelure or crimp groove.