Ok guys, maybe someone can help me with this conundrum.
I have a 243Win, XCaliber barrel, has maybe seen 300 shots, all reloads with 95gr BTs and 7828.
Shoots them well at 3000fps and max COAL 2.74" (which is "kissing" lands, per my inexperienced measurements).
I shortened the COAL a bit, as I had a bullet pull out once, still great accuracy
My question is now trying to load 105 BTHP. They are ehaviner and longer, and I would expected the COAL to be longer even if the distance to lands/kissing was the same.
I tried the sharpie trick yesterday, with FL sized case (so it wasn't interfering with feel of bulet engagement). Loaded long, planning on shortening COAL until at or slighr off lands (per Formidilosus recs https://rokslide.com/fPpainless-load-development )
Felt bullet engage lands, got a circle around bullet (so no "lands" marks) and COAL was 2.74 same as the 95gr BTs with what I expect to be a longer bullet. That sits the boattail deeper in the case and below shoulder-case junction.
While I don't have a problem loading like that I am very curious on what may be going on.
Got some pics, of the extracted bullet with sharpie markings that I will upload
I have a 243Win, XCaliber barrel, has maybe seen 300 shots, all reloads with 95gr BTs and 7828.
Shoots them well at 3000fps and max COAL 2.74" (which is "kissing" lands, per my inexperienced measurements).
I shortened the COAL a bit, as I had a bullet pull out once, still great accuracy
My question is now trying to load 105 BTHP. They are ehaviner and longer, and I would expected the COAL to be longer even if the distance to lands/kissing was the same.
I tried the sharpie trick yesterday, with FL sized case (so it wasn't interfering with feel of bulet engagement). Loaded long, planning on shortening COAL until at or slighr off lands (per Formidilosus recs https://rokslide.com/fPpainless-load-development )
Felt bullet engage lands, got a circle around bullet (so no "lands" marks) and COAL was 2.74 same as the 95gr BTs with what I expect to be a longer bullet. That sits the boattail deeper in the case and below shoulder-case junction.
While I don't have a problem loading like that I am very curious on what may be going on.
Got some pics, of the extracted bullet with sharpie markings that I will upload
Last edited:
