Thread: Measuring COAL

When I set up to reload for a new calibre I first find the maximum OAL for the chamber and keep a dummy round at this length for future reference. I then measure the length to ogive using a comparator. This gives me the length to lands, regardless of what projectile I use this measurement will be the same when using the same comparator insert. For my LR/precision rounds I measure each round length to ogive and adjust the seating die so they are all the same. I use either Redding or Forester micrometer adjust seating dies so this is a fairly quick process. As a generalisation, 15 to 20 thou off the lands seems to be a sweet spot for most projectiles and unless I happen to find a super accurate load during initial development for speed, I test varying seating depths to try tightening up the load