Manuals list cartridge lengths as a standard for which a loader can basically go by, they are not meaningless, however in most cases the handloader developes his own lengths after testing. Palmetto, Hornady gives that basic figure (.020-.030) as a guidline for they're bullets. I measure bullets in a modified case from Hornady using their comparator and LNL Overall Cartridge guage, But not everyone has that tool, Hence the listed COAL's, every handloader definetly needs a decent caliper,(dial or digital), and a feeler guage. ( See F. Guffeys comments)
When you go buy ammo at walmart it is loaded to basic lengths, the magic of the handloader is taking the loaded cartridge he contrives and adjusting it for his or her own rifle, therefore making it more shootable in their own rifle.
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Last edited by hooligan1; February 26, 2013 at 03:25 PM.
Reason: bad speilin
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