OAL: Will this work?

Elmer

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2018
Messages
215
Location
Henrico NC
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Hi Guys,
Yet another rookie question...

Bullet one = 124 gr RN
Bullet two = 124 gr FN

I have load data for Bullet one but cannot find load data for bullet two. Both bullets are of the same weight and material.

The Question: Can I load bullet two with the load data for bullet one and subtract the difference in length to set the OAL for bullet two? Does that work or is there a better way to do that?

Thanks
Elmer
 
Last edited:
The best way to set OAL on any bullet is with the plunk test. Many FN bullets have to be loaded much shorter than RN bullets but it depends on the amount of taper the bullet has. Also, if its a FN that has to be seated much deeper in the case you may need to drop the beginning powder charge as well depending on what you are using. If its not top secret post up the exact components you are using and the gun you are shooting them through, maybe one of us has some first hand loading experience with what you are using.
 
Thanks dave33 for the reply and the information. My question is a theoretical one, at this point. I should have a better grasp of OAL by now but I still wrestle with it. I thought maybe I had stumbled across something useful with this idea but maybe not. Thanks again.

Elmer
 
IF both bullets will pass the plunk test, with the BASE of the bullet located at the same position (identical case volume under the bullet) then, generally speaking, the same load data would apply. The length of the bearing surface could also play a role. But I would start low and work up in charge level when trying a new bullet.

Whenever I get a new bullet type to try, the first thing I do is a plunk test in my guns of that caliber. I know which gun(s) have the tighter chamber or shorter leade, and start there. I keep a spreadsheet of all the bullets and the longest OAL I can use.
 
IF both bullets will pass the plunk test, with the BASE of the bullet located at the same position (identical case volume under the bullet) then, generally speaking, the same load data would apply. The length of the bearing surface could also play a role. But I would start low and work up in charge level when trying a new bullet.

Whenever I get a new bullet type to try, the first thing I do is a plunk test in my guns of that caliber. I know which gun(s) have the tighter chamber or shorter leade, and start there. I keep a spreadsheet of all the bullets and the longest OAL I can use.
Thank you! Spreadsheet = good idea.
 
COAL is an easy, but inaccurate measurement. The reason is that the tip isn't what engages the rifling. This really applies to trying to get better accuracy out of a rifle load (hence devices like Hornaday's comparator).

For pistol, the plunk test is best. I haven't played around with seating depth with my pistol bullets to see if there's any change in accuracy, but I doubt it since I'm using cheap plated bullets which would have a more significant effect. Toprudder's hint about how deeply the bullet seats is a good one- that should make the pressures the same if they both pass the plunk test. I didn't know much about plunking since my glock eats everything I threw at it, but my pet loads for my glock didnt' work at all for my wife's Canik, which has a tight chamber, so I lowered OAL and now we both get fed.
 
Thanks, Sas quatch. I'll get my head wrapped around all of this someday, maybe. I just load handgun ammo so I'm sure I'm obsessing about OAL.

THANKS TO ALL who responded and no more questions about OAL from me.....I promise (yeah, right). :rolleyes:
 
Back
Top Bottom