Reloading spec is .020" over maximum OAL ???

tpcollins · June 10, 2013, 10:50 AM

I was given some Nosler 40gr Varmint tips to load up for my Colt AR but the Hodgden website specifies an OAL of 2.280" - the maximum is supposedly 2.260". If I was loading one at a time in a bolt rifle it would be fine but I'll be feeding these thru a magazine.

What are the issues? If it feeds I'm fine but it would seem there's not a lot of bullet contact in the neck with this spec. A lot of the maximum loads are compressed but I'll be loading from just under half to just over half of the suggested load range.

Jim Watson · June 10, 2013, 11:00 AM

If you want to shoot out of the magazine, the ammo has to fit the magazine.
I know of no "issues" with seating to GI length, but then I have not participated in the rediscovery of the light weight high velocity bullet, either.

mehavey · June 10, 2013, 11:48 AM

FWIW: I've found that lighter 223 bullets have a "blunter" shape than the heavier, and have the potential of engaging the lands if seated at the longer magazine length.

See HERE

Use the cleaning rod measure (at a minumum) to determine the OAL required for those 40gr bullets before you seat.

Crankylove · June 10, 2013, 05:05 PM

Load a few to the OAL in the load data and cycle them through the gun/magazine. It they fit the mag and cycle without issue, and aren't crammed into the riflings, load the rest and shoot them.

June 10, 2013, 10:50 AM	#1
tpcollins Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 558	Reloading spec is .020" over maximum OAL ??? I was given some Nosler 40gr Varmint tips to load up for my Colt AR but the Hodgden website specifies an OAL of 2.280" - the maximum is supposedly 2.260". If I was loading one at a time in a bolt rifle it would be fine but I'll be feeding these thru a magazine. What are the issues? If it feeds I'm fine but it would seem there's not a lot of bullet contact in the neck with this spec. A lot of the maximum loads are compressed but I'll be loading from just under half to just over half of the suggested load range.

June 10, 2013, 05:05 PM	#4
Crankylove Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2008 Location: 4B ID Posts: 1,770	Load a few to the OAL in the load data and cycle them through the gun/magazine. It they fit the mag and cycle without issue, and aren't crammed into the riflings, load the rest and shoot them. __________________ The answer to 1984 is 1776

June 10, 2013, 11:00 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,189	If you want to shoot out of the magazine, the ammo has to fit the magazine. I know of no "issues" with seating to GI length, but then I have not participated in the rediscovery of the light weight high velocity bullet, either.

June 10, 2013, 11:48 AM	#3
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 7,211	FWIW: I've found that lighter 223 bullets have a "blunter" shape than the heavier, and have the potential of engaging the lands if seated at the longer magazine length. See HERE Use the cleaning rod measure (at a minumum) to determine the OAL required for those 40gr bullets before you seat.