Advice

[Shootier]

New to reloading curious as to where to start my seating depth while finding powder charge? Any advice is welcome my current plan is to find the powder charge the move on to adjusting seating depth I do have both hornandy comparator sets

Thanks for the help

 

[wind gypsy]

Depends on bullet, chamber, mag length, etc.

I typically start at roughly 0.050" off lands if that works with mag length and allows enough bearing surface in the case neck. If that's too long for mags or doesnt leave enough bearing surface in the neck, I seat deeper until it does.

 

[mlevimadden]

Good advice above. I typically start about 0.040 off the lands as well using the same parameters as wind gypsy. I'd advise to at least get close to your planned seating depth before testing powders, as big changes in seating depth will affect your pressure/velocity.

This thread has some good advice in it as well.
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/painless-load-development-mine.238400/

 

[Sadie]

If magazine length will let me I start at. O10 off the lands.

 

[Sadie]

Otherwise magazine length.

 

[Wrench]

On a hunting gun, I prioritize magazine fit. .05" off the box is pretty safe unless it's a lightweight powerhouse.

Most modern bullets are MUCH more tolerant to seating depth than given credit.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

On a hunting gun, I prioritize magazine fit. .05" off the box is pretty safe unless it's a lightweight powerhouse.

Most modern bullets are MUCH more tolerant to seating depth than given credit.

This has been my practice and experience as well.

 

[sdupontjr]

If your new to reloading, best place to start is the manual. I hate to say it, but knowing your selected caliber's data in the manual will help you a lot. Different powers are sometimes compressed at a certain seating depth while other powders aren't. Don't get caught up in chasing the lands either. I have several rifles that shoot to manual COAL lengths very well. Understanding your cartridge will go a long way in you reloading adventure. Chasing your tail about seating depth, when the bullet, powder and primer recipe selected won't give good results sucks. But you'll have you seating depth right. Just saying.

 

[Dave Thomas]

I do the same as wind gypsy except I start 0.020 off if it fits the mag.

 

[SloppyJ]

I start at 30 and work from there. Trending heavily towards not even messing with it at all these days if it fits the case and magazine.