I am loading up some 100gr Barnes TSX tonight with H414 and RL19 for my new Ruger RSI and have a question. First of all this is only the 2nd rifle I've loaded for so bear with me.

Barnes suggests that the TSX be .050" off the lands so I finger seated a bullet in a dummy case and chambered it until it went in. This gave me 2.860" COL.....The Saami Max is 2.775" and even if I back off the recommended .050" I will be at 2.810" COL.......Is this correct or should I seat the bullets at 2.775"

Thanks for any input...

I usually ignore the OAL used in the manuals for bottleneck cartridges. I load them to the correct length in my rifles. If your reloads cycle fine and are not loaded to excessive pressure who cares if the cartridge is longer than normal?

With a given rifle, bullet and cartridge two things determine OAL; The magazine length and the throat depth. If you have a deep throat and do not want to be restricted by the Magazine length than you can go the single shot route as I often do. roger

Bruz,

If your rifle is the limited ed. stainless/walnut RSI, I came up w/the exact same numbers you did......I was a little concerned also doubting my measurements......I'm not able to get to the range w/ mine...I'll be loading 100gr TSX also.....let me know how yours shoots, please.

Joe

Hey bud you are shooting one of my favorite rounds with the 257 Roberts 100 gr. is the most acr. bullet look it up in history my self I use H4895 FPS is 2661 on Max is 2990 and Min. OAL, is 2.770 For the top of the line podwer for this gun in my opion I myself like H4895 the Lee Manual is H380 @ FPS, 2668 MAX 3108 Min OAL. 2.770 I hope this helped you out Have a great one and be safe later Roger

Bruz,

Seat your bullets in accordance with your rifle. The SAAMI Max is for factory ammo for off-the-shelf factory rifles. Normally the magazine box determines COL if you feed from the magazine. If you single feed then the chamber determines COL and this is where you will probably get your best accuracy.

Also, in the long run you will be better served measuring COL from bullet ogive rather than bullet tip because once you know your rifle's ogive seating depth you can easily switch between bullets.