How to determine correct OAL on .223

Lilswede1 · September 9, 2008, 11:04 AM

I don't have a OAL Case Gauge and both of the local gun stores are out.
Is there another method of measuring the correct length .
I'm loading for a CZ Bolt action with bull barrel.

Loader9 · September 9, 2008, 08:22 PM

I'd suggest looking at any place that sells machinist tools or steel. You're looking for a dial caliper and it is a common item. You may not like the price though as they will have professional quality tools, usually. Or you could order one from places like Midway.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...852&t=11082005

Lilswede1 · September 12, 2008, 08:57 AM

I used a 7/32 Chainsaw round file to slightly ream out the neck on a trimmed .223 casing to just allow a bullet to be inserted by hand . I chambered the dummy shell which started with an OAL of 2.241.
I carefully ejected the shell after closing the bolt and the OAL was 2.231.
I repeated this procedure several times and got the same readings.
I set my OAL to 2.228 (3 thou less), loaded up some rounds and was pleased with the range results.
4 out of 5 bullets were touching at 100 yds. the 5th was 1/4" to the left of the first batch of 5 and 1/4" to the right on the 2nd batch (figure that was me flinching).
The 7/32" file cost $2.00. The OAL Gauge tool accessories was over $100.00.If you ream out the neck too far so the bullet is too loose in the casing, use very slight pressure on a crimping die to tighten it slightly.

September 9, 2008, 11:04 AM	#1
Lilswede1 Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2008 Location: NW Wash State Posts: 216	How to determine correct OAL on .223 I don't have a OAL Case Gauge and both of the local gun stores are out. Is there another method of measuring the correct length . I'm loading for a CZ Bolt action with bull barrel.

September 12, 2008, 08:57 AM	#3
Lilswede1 Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2008 Location: NW Wash State Posts: 216	Think I solved problem I used a 7/32 Chainsaw round file to slightly ream out the neck on a trimmed .223 casing to just allow a bullet to be inserted by hand . I chambered the dummy shell which started with an OAL of 2.241. I carefully ejected the shell after closing the bolt and the OAL was 2.231. I repeated this procedure several times and got the same readings. I set my OAL to 2.228 (3 thou less), loaded up some rounds and was pleased with the range results. 4 out of 5 bullets were touching at 100 yds. the 5th was 1/4" to the left of the first batch of 5 and 1/4" to the right on the 2nd batch (figure that was me flinching). The 7/32" file cost $2.00. The OAL Gauge tool accessories was over $100.00.If you ream out the neck too far so the bullet is too loose in the casing, use very slight pressure on a crimping die to tighten it slightly.

September 9, 2008, 08:22 PM	#2
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	I'd suggest looking at any place that sells machinist tools or steel. You're looking for a dial caliper and it is a common item. You may not like the price though as they will have professional quality tools, usually. Or you could order one from places like Midway. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...852&t=11082005