long throats on stock rifles
 

I recently purchased a Rem. PSS in .308 and it measured 2.890 with the Sierra 168 HPBT.
I've been unable to fire the rifle yet because I'm still waiting on rings and base, but .090 off the lands seems a bit far. I've read that .010-.020 is usually the sweet spot for the 30 caliber. If I reload, will my bullet be seated to far out?
What's your experience with this bullet close to the lands stuff?

RE: long throats on stock rifles
 

Barnes actually recommends seating their tsx bullets .050" off the lands.In my own huntingrifles the bullets are seated from .050" to over .100" off the lands and all ofthese rifles shoot groups averaging 1/2" or 5/8".

RE: long throats on stock rifles
 

If the rifle is made right, and you are careful about your handloads- using good consistant techniques, have consistant neck tension,and keeping bullet runout to a minimum, bullet jump in the throat isn't much of an issue.

I have an older remington .308, the throat is so long that a 168 gr bullet has no hope of touching the lands, its still a great shooter.

RE: long throats on stock rifles
 

If you seat your bullets out to an overall length of more than 2.820", they won't fit in the magazine box. Don't worry about it. More than likely, it will shoot great.

RE: long throats on stock rifles
 

bonesarelli:

You are going to have to find your own sweet spot. I would start at the bullet or powder manufactors C.O.A.L., and work up in .005" incements. Keep on going till you obtain the best groups. Lets say your best group occursis at .015". drop in .001 increments, and advance in .001 increments. You will find exactly your sweet spot for that bullet. I know it is a tedious system, but make sure you start withMIN load every time you change components ordimensions. ;)Good luck.