how important is C.O.L?

argyle1812 · August 4, 2011, 08:58 PM

im new to reloading and some of my 308 winchester rounds are a little below what my reloading manual says for cartridge overall length. the COL is supposed to be 2.800 but one or two of mine are at 2.780 is this going to be a problem? also is a little too big bad also?

jepp2 · August 4, 2011, 09:07 PM

No problem at all. It will increase the peak pressure slightly due to lower case capacity.

I am assuming that you are following proper practices and not starting at a max load. Realize that you could be using a different bullet than the load was developed with. Bullet lengths can vary between manufacturers for the same diameter and weight. So even if you loaded to the exact same COL, the seating depth could be different.

steve4102 · August 4, 2011, 09:42 PM

Reducing OAL in a bottle necked rifle round will not increase pressure. In most instances it will reduce pressure.
From a few that know about this sort of thing.
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthr...re#Post5474598

Scroll down to "From the Lab"
http://www.barnesbullets.com/resourc...rnes-bullet-n/

August 4, 2011, 08:58 PM	#1
argyle1812 Member Join Date: February 26, 2011 Location: washington Posts: 34	how important is C.O.L? im new to reloading and some of my 308 winchester rounds are a little below what my reloading manual says for cartridge overall length. the COL is supposed to be 2.800 but one or two of mine are at 2.780 is this going to be a problem? also is a little too big bad also?

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August 4, 2011, 09:07 PM	#2
jepp2 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2008 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,476	No problem at all. It will increase the peak pressure slightly due to lower case capacity. I am assuming that you are following proper practices and not starting at a max load. Realize that you could be using a different bullet than the load was developed with. Bullet lengths can vary between manufacturers for the same diameter and weight. So even if you loaded to the exact same COL, the seating depth could be different.

August 4, 2011, 09:42 PM	#3
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,951	Reducing OAL in a bottle necked rifle round will not increase pressure. In most instances it will reduce pressure. From a few that know about this sort of thing. http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthr...re#Post5474598 Scroll down to "From the Lab" http://www.barnesbullets.com/resourc...rnes-bullet-n/