Finding Correct Bullet Depth?

taurus · February 4, 2002, 07:26 AM

I used a Stoney Point oal gauge and a comparator in an attempt to determine the most accurate seating depth for 75 grain V-max bullets in my Tikka 25-06 rifle! I started at the rifling and worked deeper in .005 increments. I loaded a total of seven groups of rounds[5 rounds in each group] for a total of 35 rounds. I did not find one group/depth that was more accurate than another! All groups were within a quarter to a half dollar! Actually there was one large hole with no flyers! Accuracy was superb in my estimation but I don't know now whethor I should seat at the rifling or deeper as accuracy is not affected! Opinions?

Khornet · February 4, 2002, 08:00 AM

If you're getting groups like that I'd forget about it and just use the longest cartridge that is safe. I should have your problems!

labgrade · February 4, 2002, 01:33 PM

Agree, but too, have you varied the powder charge weight in this testing?

What I'll do to work up The Load is concentrate first on the charge weight (with ogive ~.010" off the lands & still making magazine functional length), find the most accurate & then tweak with seating depth.

YMMV

February 4, 2002, 07:26 AM	#1
taurus Member Join Date: January 30, 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 45	Finding Correct Bullet Depth? I used a Stoney Point oal gauge and a comparator in an attempt to determine the most accurate seating depth for 75 grain V-max bullets in my Tikka 25-06 rifle! I started at the rifling and worked deeper in .005 increments. I loaded a total of seven groups of rounds[5 rounds in each group] for a total of 35 rounds. I did not find one group/depth that was more accurate than another! All groups were within a quarter to a half dollar! Actually there was one large hole with no flyers! Accuracy was superb in my estimation but I don't know now whethor I should seat at the rifling or deeper as accuracy is not affected! Opinions?

February 4, 2002, 08:00 AM	#2
Khornet Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: NH Posts: 585	Seating depth If you're getting groups like that I'd forget about it and just use the longest cartridge that is safe. I should have your problems!

February 4, 2002, 01:33 PM	#3
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	Agree, but too, have you varied the powder charge weight in this testing? What I'll do to work up The Load is concentrate first on the charge weight (with ogive ~.010" off the lands & still making magazine functional length), find the most accurate & then tweak with seating depth. YMMV