cartrideg length

[btplus]

You hear a term about rifle loading to have bullet a few thou off the lands and groover in a barrel
Does this relate to handgun rounds or just use the published length for the bullet you are loading? Thanks Moe

 

[Jellybean]

The idea behind it is to keep the bullet as straight as possible when it enters the rifling. The jump across the leade in a rifle will create the possibility that the bullet will yaw on it's axis before engaging the rifling and once that happens it will stay that way as it goes down the barrel.

Revolvers have a throat that should help keep the bullet straight, as long as the bullets fit properly. However, there is still a leade in revolvers too, although not called by the same name, where your brass doesn't actually reach all the way to the beginning of the throat. While there are several things that can be done to improve accuracy in a revolver most people don't shoot well enough to see any improvement from taking the time to do them. Choosing the proper bullet is very important as is using the brass that the firearm is designed for.

 

[john traveler]

The real reason for using the published cartridge overall length (OAL) is to make certain that the cartridge will fit the cylinder of the revolver. A secondary, and certainly not of lesser importance, is that chamber pressure data is developed for cartridges with bullets seated to a certain depth. If you seat bullets deeper, the chamber pressure will be greater, though not necessarily to dangerous levels.

 

[growr]

Also, you must be sure that the OAL of a given cartridge will fit properly into your magazine. Have seen more than one competitor have a bunch of ammo with the OAL being too long and would not work in the magazine other than a nice single shot.
Randy

 

[Titegroups]

The idea behind it is to keep the bullet as straight as possible when it enters the rifling. The jump across the leade in a rifle will create the possibility that the bullet will yaw on it's axis before engaging the rifling and once that happens it will stay that way as it goes down the barrel.

Revolvers have a throat that should help keep the bullet straight, as long as the bullets fit properly. However, there is still a leade in revolvers too, although not called by the same name, where your brass doesn't actually reach all the way to the beginning of the throat. While there are several things that can be done to improve accuracy in a revolver most people don't shoot well enough to see any improvement from taking the time to do them. Choosing the proper bullet is very important as is using the brass that the firearm is designed for.

And that's why I use 357 brass in my 357's. Same with my 44's.

 

[Az Rick]

John Traveler makes a good point. Be aware of the amount of bullet in the case. All LSWC are not the same even if they are of equal weight. Same with different brands of jacketed or lead bullets. With high pressure rounds loaded "hot" it could lead to serious problems. If you're trying a different bullet, try to figure out if you're decreasing the case volume first, then worry about OAL.
Usually loading longer poses little risk with a known load in a handgun as long as the round functions well.
It will be difficult to see improvement in accuracy. Good consistent powder charges with consistent crimps are best.

 

[Jellybean]

The real reason for using the published cartridge overall length (OAL) is to make certain that the cartridge will fit the cylinder of the revolver. A secondary, and certainly not of lesser importance, is that chamber pressure data is developed for cartridges with bullets seated to a certain depth. If you seat bullets deeper, the chamber pressure will be greater, though not necessarily to dangerous levels.

Most published OAL figures for specific bullets are based on where the bullet was designed to be crimped and has nothing to do with fitting the cylinder or chamber. If it is a jacketed bullet there may be a problem with bullet pull on heavy loads in a revolver, while with lead bullets you may be able to roll crimp ahead of a driving band. A good max. length is where a loaded round will drop into the chamber by itself and not have to be pushed. (keep the driving band just out of the throat if you can.) Most data is usually loaded to SAAMI specifications also, which have a maximum OAL for each cartridge, but this is so every round of ammunition will fit every gun made for that caliber. Since you are loading ammunition for one gun you can alter your ammunition to work specifically in that gun, although it is a good idea to mark it as such. This is the difference between RELOADING-returning ammunition to it's factory specifications, and HANDLOADING-tailoring ammunition for a specific firearm. You are not restricted by any SAAMI specs, but you are still responsible for knowing what you are doing so be afraid, be very afraid.

Also, pressures drops if seated longer than the published data but that is not an open invitation to up the powder charge unless you have a way to check the pressures you are actually getting. However, it is known that the percentage of drop in pressure will be greater than the percentage of drop in velocity.