Reloading semi auto rifle questions

[Idahoguy]

So I am new to the whole reloading thing. I have a few people I know who have helped me out. I have a Browning bar .270 and would like to set the bullet to have a little jump to the lands. The question I have is how to do it on a semi auto. Bolt action I have no problem doing. I have googled it and all I can find is stuff for ar's. I would like any advice I can get. Thanks

 

[ramont]

So how do you do it on a bolt action?

There is pretty much only one way to find the max length of the cartridge.

1. Strip the bolt
2. Seat the bullet longer than normal using minimum neck/bullet tension
3. Handload the cartridge in to the chamber
4. Gently close the bolt
5. Open the bolt and gently remove the cartridge
6. Measure the cartridge length at the bullet ogive

I suspect that you did your cartridge seating process, in the bolt rifle, with the extractor still installed in the bolt, that's not the proper way to check cartridge max length, the bolt should always be stripped to give you the most accurate result. The key is to remove the cartridge very carefully after you've seated it in to the chamber, I use a cleaning rod, without a brush, to gently push the cartridge out of the chamber. I push on the bullet with the cleaning rod and pull the base of the cartridge with my fingers or needle nose pliers. Hornady makes a nice tool for checking cartridge length, it's a rod that specially prepared cartridge case is screwed on to, the rod allows you to push the cartridge in to the chamber and remove but again, you might still need to push lightly with a cleaning rod while pulling the case out depending upon how much neck tension you have and how much the bullet sticks to the lands. With the Hornady tool you wont have to strip your bolt because you use the tool to push the cartridge in to the chamber.

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

So I am new to the whole reloading thing. I have a few people I know who have helped me out. I have a Browning bar .270 and would like to set the bullet to have a little jump to the lands. The question I have is how to do it on a semi auto. Bolt action I have no problem doing. I have googled it and all I can find is stuff for ar's. I would like any advice I can get. Thanks

Pretty easy, just buy the Hornady Lock-N-Load OAL gauge: https://www.hornady.com/reloading/p...tools-and-gauges/oal-gauges-modified-cases#!/ with the curved model#C1550.

Along with the .270 Winchester Modified Case item #A270. You are all set.

So how do you do it on a bolt action?

There is pretty much only one way to find the max length of the cartridge.

1. Strip the bolt
2. Seat the bullet longer than normal using minimum neck/bullet tension
3. Handload the cartridge in to the chamber
4. Gently close the bolt
5. Open the bolt and gently remove the cartridge
6. Measure the cartridge length at the bullet ogive

The only way? Really? There are lots of ways. Yours is just one of many, in which he will likely jam the projectile into the lands. Then how will he be able to measure the COAL?

The part about measuring to the ogive of the projectile is correct, however.

 

[Idahoguy]

I saw the hornady straight tool and did not see how that would work on a semi auto. I never saw the curved one. I will give that a try. Thanks

 

[Hunter Sargent]

Pretty easy, just buy the Hornady Lock-N-Load OAL gauge: https://www.hornady.com/reloading/p...tools-and-gauges/oal-gauges-modified-cases#!/ with the curved model#C1550.

Along with the .270 Winchester Modified Case item #A270. You are all set.



The only way? Really? There are lots of ways. Yours is just one of many, in which he will likely jam the projectile into the lands. Then how will he be able to measure the COAL?

The part about measuring to the ogive of the projectile is correct, however.

This is what I do.

 

[V65Magna]

Yup, The Hornady OAL Gauge is the ticket. Don't forget to also get the bullet comparator (should come with the .270 insert) to attach to the traveling blade of your caliper. When you use the tool the bullet will likely get stuck in the lands as stated above. You should be able to dislodge the bullet with a gentle tap of the butt of your BAR's stock on your reloading bench. Then simply place the bullet back in the tool and take your measurement. I usually take 3- 5 measurements and average them, as they can vary a bit. I would avoid inserting a cleaning rod down the muzzle of the rifle to push the bullet out if it gets stuck unless the rod is teflon coated. A better option is to go to the hardware store and get a small wooden dowel that you can gently insert in the bore to push the bullet out if you have to, and you can keep it on hand for future use.

Lastly, you probably already know that you have to full length resize for any semi-auto.

Good luck!

 

[BuckSnort]

The magazine might be the limiting factor as far as C.O.A.L. goes...

 

[hodgeman]

The other thing to remember is that sometimes autos can feed fairly violently... you might be well served by a bullet with an ogive to allow for a roll crimp. In that case, you just seat to the ogive and crimp.

 

[ramont]

Pretty easy, just buy the Hornady Lock-N-Load OAL gauge: https://www.hornady.com/reloading/p...tools-and-gauges/oal-gauges-modified-cases#!/ with the curved model#C1550.

Along with the .270 Winchester Modified Case item #A270. You are all set.



The only way? Really? There are lots of ways. Yours is just one of many, in which he will likely jam the projectile into the lands. Then how will he be able to measure the COAL?

The part about measuring to the ogive of the projectile is correct, however.

I'll try to not respond in the same rude manner that you did. I described the best way to produce repeatable measurements. If you don't agree then I'm fine with that but you could try responding without the snarky attitude.

Maybe your reading comprehension is lacking a little but if you concentrate on what I wrote then you'll see that I mentioned pushing the bullet while you pull the case because of the possibility of the bullet sticking in the lands, it all depends on how much neck/bullet tension there is as to whether the bullet will stick or not. No experienced hand loader uses the COAL as a cartridge length reference, it isn't a very accurate or consistent measurement. Measuring at the bullet's ogive is the better way to determine the bullet's seating depth.

 

[ramont]

The other thing to remember is that sometimes autos can feed fairly violently... you might be well served by a bullet with an ogive to allow for a roll crimp. In that case, you just seat to the ogive and crimp.

All spitzer point bullets have an ogive, you are describing a cannelure, it isn't possible to seat a bullet to the ogive.