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Old 10-19-2013, 10:24 PM
rakysk rakysk is offline
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Default Lead bullet RN vs. SWC

Is maximum O.A.L. for SWC same as for RN -> 1.550 in.?
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Old 10-19-2013, 10:29 PM
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1.55 inches is max length for .38 spl for any bullet type - are you seating to the cannalure/crimp groove?
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Old 10-19-2013, 10:59 PM
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Right now average O.A.L. is about 1.525. Attached should be photo where crimp is located. It is at the bottom of crimping grove. That should be fine firing from S&W model 15, correct?
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Old 10-19-2013, 11:22 PM
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assuming your powder charge is appropriate you can seat a little deeper - so the lip can "roll" into the groove - at least half-way to 2/3's up wont hurt

looking at the lyman book for 155 & 158gr lead they show min oal as 1.456 for the 155 & 1.46 for the 158

However - as long as you can chamber the rounds then you arent too long
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Old 10-19-2013, 11:29 PM
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Got it. Thanks for help.
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Old 10-20-2013, 12:42 AM
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Just a note, I rarely if ever check the OAL on revolver ammo because the bullet should be crimped into the manufacturer supplied crimp groove. The manufacturer sets the correct seating depth, not the load manual. The OAL in the load manual is useless unless you use the same exact brass they used, trimmed to the same exact length and you use the same exact bullet they used.

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Old 10-20-2013, 01:01 AM
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+1 with Angel with using the factory cannelure on the bullet.....hard to go wrong using it.

The maximum for the 158 LRN is 1.55 BUT...........if you load
the Mag-Tech it has no can. , just a nice smooth surface and
you set the OAL !!

Most all 158 Lswc bullet designs have a can. for your crimp. or
to set the OAL +/- , for what ever your little pea picking heart desires.
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Old 10-20-2013, 07:28 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD View Post
Just a note, I rarely if ever check the OAL on revolver ammo because the bullet should be crimped into the manufacturer supplied crimp groove. The manufacturer sets the correct seating depth, not the load manual. The OAL in the load manual is useless unless you use the same exact brass they used, trimmed to the same exact length and you use the same exact bullet they used.

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I will agree with what AA says and while he is correct that unless ALL components are EXACT the loading manuals won't be spot on, I would like to add that at least the loading manuals will put you in the ball park for a starting load - therefore they are not totally useless. One will rarely follow a loading manual no matter which Company produces it and come out with identical results. Reloading is not an exact science and that is why starting low and working loads up is the way to go.

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Old 10-20-2013, 08:01 AM
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As long as you dont dump too much powder into a 38 caee its hard to get into trouble. The bullets I used to buy from my local caster had no crimp grove so it was left to up to you where to crimp. No nanny-groves and no bullet jumps. Now I cast my own and the groves seem odd.
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Old 10-20-2013, 08:08 PM
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Guys, when you are dealing with revolver rounds and cast lead bullets , crimp the bullet in the crimping groove that is on the bullet, and see if the cylinder on your revolver chambers it with out the nose of the bullet poking out ( in most cases the mould maker has put the groove in the right place, but it don't hurt to check) , If so, you good to go...No O.A.L. measurements required.
All the bullet moulds I have designed for 38 spcl/ 357 mag. all have crimp grooves.
Rounds for semi-auto's are a different matter.

Last edited by gwpercle; 10-20-2013 at 08:10 PM.
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Old 10-21-2013, 12:59 PM
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Here is a picture of some lead bullets that I load........

Notice that the 148gr hbwc and the last bullet, the 158 RN do not have a "can." so an "Adjustable" OAL can be used.
These two bullets are loaded to many oal by shooters to find the best accuracy in their guns and having a smooth surface helps.



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