How to determine bullet seating depth in a rifle

26 May 2003, 06:10

Guys, I would like your opinion on what the best way, or easiest way that is accurate for determining rifle seating depth in bolt action rifles.

My way of doing it I am not certain is the best, but I run the brass through a die, then just start the bullet I am interested in loading, then I put it in the rifle, and close the bolt. I measure it with calipers, then I put it in the reloading bullet seating die, and screw it down until it barely touches the bullet. From there, I adjust the bullet seating die so it seats the bullet alittle more. This should give me something near 0.03 to 0.07 from the rifling or lands. etc. Then I measure that overall length, record it, put the cartridge in my rifle, see if I have ample clearance in my magazine, and if I do, then that is where I begin to evaluate a new load, and bullet from.

Is this method ok, or is there a better way to determine bullet seating depth for working up a new load/bullet?

26 May 2003, 06:21

Bigdaddytacp

quote:
Originally posted by AggieDog:
Guys, I would like your opinion on what the best way, or easiest way that is accurate for determining rifle seating depth in bolt action rifles.

My way of doing it I am not certain is the best, but I run the brass through a die, then just start the bullet I am interested in loading, then I put it in the rifle, and close the bolt. I measure it with calipers, then I put it in the reloading bullet seating die, and screw it down until it barely touches the bullet. From there, I adjust the bullet seating die so it seats the bullet alittle more. This should give me something near 0.03 to 0.07 from the rifling or lands. etc. Then I measure that overall length, record it, put the cartridge in my rifle, see if I have ample clearance in my magazine, and if I do, then that is where I begin to evaluate a new load, and bullet from.

Is this method ok, or is there a better way to determine bullet seating depth for working up a new load/bullet?

FOr the most accurate /repeatable method get a comparator to measure to the bullets ogive..a set point on the front curve of the bullet as the points on bullets can vary in length and the real distance you are concerned about is the contact point of the bullet to rifling ...not the point......BUT to find that necessary distance the Stoney Point OAL gauge with a dummy cartridge case and the tool with the bullets you are going to use will easily and quickly find the touching distance and then the comparator will let you use a dial caliper to measure that distance and then use your seating die to seat a bullet in loaded ammo and the comparator will let you measure it without reguards to any point varaiance and let you adjust the seater to get consistant seating of the bullet.....the Stoney Point seating tool is very nice, their comparator is caliber specific...Sinclair Int. sells a multi caliber version and Davidson has a nice set thru Sinclair that has both a base and nose/bullet atachment for the calipers that helps align the loaded rounds for measurement.....all work ....some are cheaper and some are a little faster....the RCBS precision Mic works for measurement of fired and the seating depth but the touching depth dummy case part is nearly useless for a spring loaded ejector action due to the pressure of the ejector....Stoney Point is much better and more sensitive......HTH..good luck and good shooting!!

26 May 2003, 06:49

Tailgunner

Since you want to use the magazine, skip all the BS throat measuring crap. Measure the mag length and seat the bullet to give you .030 clearance to avoid jamming.

26 May 2003, 09:06

Bear in Fairbanks

Aggie - Follow Bigdaddy's advice. Ideally, never measure OAL but rather to the ogive. Bear in Fairbanks

27 May 2003, 05:01

beemanbeme

Tailgunner gave you the straight info. But then, you can spend all the money you want in solving a non-problem. Good luck.

27 May 2003, 05:40

ricciardelli

If oyu had simply used the search feature you would have gound OVER 300 answers to that question....