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2/3/2016 8:47:31 PM EDT
As a pretty new reloader I've been seating by OAL. But if I wanted to start seating by ogive length, how do you determine that length you want to seat at since that is not given in books? A general explanation of explanation of ogive length would also be appreciated.

TIA
2/3/2016 8:53:20 PM EDT
[#1]
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=12897/GunTechdetail/Gauging_Success___Minimum_Headspace_and_Maximum_COL  
2/3/2016 10:50:52 PM EDT
[#2]

Quoted:


As a pretty new reloader I've been seating by OAL. But if I wanted to start seating by ogive length, how do you determine that length you want to seat at since that is not given in books? A general explanation of explanation of ogive length would also be appreciated.



TIA
View Quote




 
As you are just starting out, stick with OAL. Especially if loading for an AR as you are really loading to mag length anyway.




Seating to the lands and measuring the ogive is an advanced technique used in target bolt action rifles.
2/3/2016 11:16:57 PM EDT
[#3]
The way I do it is I select about five bullets that appear to have little to no deformation of the meplat (tip of the bullet). I seat and measure until I get my desired length. Then I measure the ogive using the Sinclair comparator and use that measurement to check the rest of the loads as I go along. If you try to measure OAL you will drive your self crazy wondering why some are measuring +/- 0.010" which is due to the meplats being damaged or oddly formed on some of the bullets.
2/4/2016 1:39:38 AM EDT
[#4]
sorry sir, But i think you are wrong.  "Over All Length" can vary with respect to the meplat.  Length to Ogive could care less about OAL.  It's measured to the point that the diameter of the projectile reaches the diameter of the lands of the barrel
2/4/2016 3:11:43 AM EDT
[#5]
txag12,

You would start by using the published OAL (from base of case to tip, or meplat, of projectile).

Once the bullet is seated to that depth, you would use a comparator tool, like this, to find the ogive length.

You then measure each successive cartridge for the ogive length to determine if bullet seating is consistent.

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