Maxium over all length question

[texhookem]

In my 30-06 i used a Stoney Point O.A.L gauge and it says that my max O.A.L is 3.467(SAAMI max is 3.34). Is that abnormally long or not? I went ahead and seated my bullets to make a cartridge 3.427 inches long. Is there a minimum depth of which you have to seat your bullet?

Thats pretty normal results. I load mine to match my magazine. My guns are mostly hunting guns. If you are shooting a 700 LA in a 30-06, then you should be fine.

But for my 308win browning a-Bolt, I think SAAMI specs is 2.8, but the longest I can load and still have some breathing room for the bullet in the mag is 2.78". With my Stoney Point, I need to load to 2.815" with a 165gr gameking to reach the rifling just to give you an idea of typical.

For magnums theirs not much you can do. Most have alot of freebore. For instance, my 300RUM in a custom 700P, my max length I can load for my magizine is 3.63". SAAMI specs is 3.6". But with my stoney point and 200gr accubond, I have to load to 3.82" to reach my rifling. But the gun shoots great. Almost same exact thing for my 7mmSTW in Sako75

Also, AR's and semis have long throats also. But alot of are used in CMP comps.

Don't let this stuff drive you crazy. Remember also, there is a min. The Pressure vs. COL curve is bowl shaped. YOu reach a point in loading a bullet deeper where pressure sharply increases due to extra pressure the powder is under. You also reach a point where pressure rises sharply due to rifling causing immediate resistence.