I guess you all remember I'm a newbie at reloading so be gentle. Loading some 7x57 tonight with the Hornady 154 gr. SP. Max OAL is listed at 3.065 and mine come out to 3.035 when seated to the cannelure. Cases were checked for correct length prior to loading. I know this isn't much but I read so much about seating bullets out longer I was wondering if this is something I should be thinking about. Not looking for benchrest accuracy, just for hunting.
Thanks,

[ 04-10-2003, 10:04: Message edited by: browningguy ]

Each gun (and each bullet, for that matter)is a issue onto itself. Most guns tend to shoot their best with loads that are seated close to the rifling, say within .010, or even closer. Some target loads are actually seated INTO the rifling. BUT, the same gun shooting a different kind of bullet of the same weight,like Barnes X for example, will perform best with the bullet off the rifling, by say .050.
There are tools or processes to measure how close a bullet is seated. And,to complicate things a bit more,remember that the OAL is just a measure of the overall length of the bullet from end to end. What is really important is how close the part that touches the rifling first is in relationship to the rifling. Different brands, and types of bullets of the same brand, are shaped differently. So, they can have the same OAL but the relationship of the ogive(the point between the tip and the body of the bullet where the maximum diameter of it's caliber occurs)to the rifling can be quite different.
Not to be overlooked is the fact that seating may be limited by the gun itself. A gun with a short magazine, for example, may not allow you to max out the seating because the bullet won't fit into the magazine if you do. So even if the gun likes it that way, you can't shoot itthat way unless you shoot single-shot.
Keep reading all you can about this facinating hobby. Most loading manuals have some information on this topic in the front part. And, get a good book dedicated to reloading metalic cartridges. By all means, ask questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question in this game...the wrong assumption could cost you, not just in accuracy... but your well being. And don't worry about the connalures unless you crimp, which is not necessary in most mild recoiling bolt rifles. Best wishes.