Bullet Free Travel Clearance

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Wideglide

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I know this is on this forum but I can't find it. My question is where do you start at from the lands? I have a new Savage model 12 FV 22.250
I used the Hornady O.A.L. gauge with the 22.250 modified case to find the o.a.l. (bullet touching the lands) I check this 5 times to get an average.
The average is 2.108 the instructions recommend a clearance of .020 to .040 for hunting rounds but not clear on benchrest. Do I need to start at
.020 from the lands and work closer to the lands until I have a good group ?
Thanks
Marty
 
Wideglide

If you have the measuring tools take a couple of your fired cases and check the length of the case head to the datum. Then take your Hornady case provided and measure it in the same way. If the cases measure the same every is ok. If one is shorter than the other add to the proper dimension. record.
This will help you set up your full length re-sizing die to correctly size to your chamber and to know where to seat your bullet. As Al says you can start at the lands and go back but reduce your loads accordingly as you will be at the lands. Or just work up your load at the lands being cautious.
If it does on shoot well come back .005", .010", .015", .020" etc
Remember that temperature will change pressure, caution please.
Centerfire
 
I got this rifle Christmas and have not had a good day to shoot it. I have new hornady brass and just size the neck. Should I full lenght re-size?
I can send a fired case from my rifle to hornady and they will modified it to use with their oal gauge. I do have an chronograph so I
can keep a close eye on fps.
Thanks for the Info.
 
Wideglide

Marty, Questions.
1. Are you reloading your own ammo or shooting factory?
2. Do you have only neck sizing dies or both full length and a neck sizer? If you do not have a full length sizing die you might contact Harrells and see if they would make you a fitted die like they do on other calibers.
3. Full length sizing may not be necessary unless you develop resistance while chambering. Remember to lube your lugs.
4. If Hornady will do this it is a good idea. Stoney Point used to offer that service. Reload and shoot the case three times to be sure that the shoulders are sharp. If not and you can find a machinest you can identify the thread and buy a tap at someone like MSC or others. Good to do if you have several calibers.
5. Great that you use your chrono to verify the velocity compared to your reloading manual.
Centerfire
 
Yes reloading. I have been reloading for pistol for years,but new to rifle reloading. I have both a full lenght sizing die in my redding competition die set with the bushing neck sizing die. The redding full lenght sizing die will only size the body of the case not the neck. I do have more calibers but this 22-250 is the only one am going to shoot in competition so trying to do everything right. We have a machine shop at work so I could drill & tap the case myself. Say I need to shoot the case 3 times before drill & tapping?
Thanks
Marty
 
Start hard into the lands, just at the point where the bullet doesn't cause difficult bolt closure. You've only got one way to go from there. Each rifle has its own mind concerning seating depth.
 
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Wideglide

You will have to double check but Stoney Point used a 5/16-36 H3P tap and you will need a 7.3mm (.287")tap drill bit to drill and tap your fire formed cases. Good luck.
Centerfire
 
Does a reasonable expectation exist, that when changing bullets, if you maintain the same seating depth (determined optimum) as the previous bullet...that depth would then yield similar results?
 
Wilbur said:
Does a reasonable expectation exist, that when changing bullets, if you maintain the same seating depth (determined optimum) as the previous bullet...that depth would then yield similar results?
Click to expand...

LO-insertobfuscatoryclarifyingverbiagehere-L!

no
 
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