I have just started reloading, and gathering data for my .270 WSM. I looked up a load for some 150 gr. Speer Hot Cor's They suggested an OAL of 2.800, but my bullets are touching the lands at 2.710. Then I looked up a load for Sierra sbt. gamekings with an OAL of 2.860, but they hit the lands at 2.780. I am assuming my throat in my rifle is just that short? I haven't gotten any really good groups yet, with most averaging around 1.2 in. I have shot several that put two bullets in the same hole, and then thow one off to the left or right. I don't know what's causing it, but it's irritating. Should I use my own data for OAL, and try to set the bullet so many thousanths off the lands, or how can I figure up a killer load for this thing.

I don't use suggested OAL from the manuals. I find each rifle's OAL to the lands, then set the bullets back 0.005-0.010 back. Haven't had any problems yet.

Some OALs are longer than SAMMI specs, some shorter. Also depends on what fits in the magazine box max length as well.

My 0.02...

You need to get a Stoneypoint bullet comparitor set up. Hornady sells the units now (http://www.hornady.com click on OTHER PRODUCTS then MATALILIC RELOADING then LNL GAGES. Right now you are getting OAL off the tip of the bullet not the point were the bullet contacts the rifleing. Mim that you need is the comparitor unit (holds modified case) modified case and bullet comparitor (for caliber that you are checking ) and a dial mic(holds bullet comparitor). You will also need a cleaning rod to push bullet back an forth in case. They can make a modified case out of one of your fired cases if you wish. Most of the retailers (Graf -Midway) sells the units. Every time I buy a new box of bullets, even the same Manufactur-bullet-size-weight-style) I recheck the OAL as it can change as much as 0.020/0.30".

quote:

Originally posted by Ckemp:
I have just started reloading, and gathering data for my .270 WSM. I looked up a load for some 150 gr. Speer Hot Cor's They suggested an OAL of 2.800, but my bullets are touching the lands at 2.710. Then I looked up a load for Sierra sbt. gamekings with an OAL of 2.860, but they hit the lands at 2.780. I am assuming my throat in my rifle is just that short? I haven't gotten any really good groups yet, with most averaging around 1.2 in. I have shot several that put two bullets in the same hole, and then thow one off to the left or right. I don't know what's causing it, but it's irritating. Should I use my own data for OAL, and try to set the bullet so many thousanths off the lands, or how can I figure up a killer load for this thing.

2.780 does seem unusually short. How are you measuring the distance to the lands? Not being able to seat a bullet to the nominal max OAL is quite unusual.....................DJ

Ckemp ----- I use three things to set my first OAL when reloading for a new chambering. I measure a factory cartridge, then I look at the manual for the bullet I am reloading. I compare the two and then I measure the length of the magazine of my rifle. The first bullet seating is a mixture of these factors and I go from there. It has worked for many years for me and it just might work for you. Good luck and good shooting.