Bullet Seating Depth vs Max COAL

[nlb34]

I have determined what my COAL is for my Shiloh 40-65 and a 416 grain bullet I am working up as explained here: https://www.shilohrifle.com/forums/view ... 40#p324305. Unfortunately if I seat the bullet to reach the COAL the brass ends right in a grease groove which leaves the bullet very loose after crimping. I would suspect loading to the max COAL would proved the most accuracy but for field use I don't like having this groove exposed and also don't want to end up with a follow up shot where the chamber was just a bit too dirty for the cartridge to chamber. In this case if I reduce the COAL by 0.05" does it matter, is this greatly detrimental to accuracy or causes other issues? Please advice, Thanks.

• Bullet OAL = 1.302"
• Breech to base depth = 1.608"
• Max COAL = 2.910"
• COAL with brass just grabbing above the last grease groove = 2.860"

[Don McDowell]

Let the rifle and the target answer that question

[powderburner]

For field use you want dependable. Shorten it up.
You are not clear what you are doing but mostly field means hunting so seat it so it drops in and work on 200 yard accuracy.

[Don McDowell]

Yup

[Lumpy Grits]

No need to crimp

[nlb34]

On the topic of crimping I could use some further advice. I am now using fire formed Starline brass. I am not full sizing the brass but am using the neck expander die to just open up the lip of the brass. This allows for the bullet to easily slide in. The crimp die seems to lock in the bullet, note it is still loose, i.e. I can twist the bullet in the case but it does not easily pull out.

Also field use to me means hunting and/or plinking at random stuff, not bench target practice.

[Don McDowell]

The last thing you want is to reach to your cartridge belt for a round and find just a primed and charged case
For hunting purposes and contrary to popular internet wisdom. Full length sizing , using good neck tension, using an expander die to ensure good neck tension, and a slight crimp will assure the bullet stays put, and yet can/will deliver target accuracy.

[amprat]

Personally, I've found better accuracy with a light crimp on my handloads.

[Lumpy Grits]

OP, have you annealed the case necks?

[nlb34]

I have not annealed the case necks.

[bpcr shooter]

I use the FL die or a taper crimp die for hunting loads to get tension in the next driving band. I just keep mine in a zip lock bag to keep them clean, I dont feel its that necessary to keep them out in the weather, its not like your going to be putting multiple rounds down range at a running animal with a single shot rifle. Make your load/gun as accurate as you can and make the first shot count. I see it as muzzle loader hunting.....ya only get one. good luck


matt

[beltfed]

YEars ago, hunting deer in the North Woods of WI with my '86 Win 45-70. I depended on the first carefully delivered shot.
even tho I had more rounds in the magazine.
beltfed/arnie

[martinibelgian]

Just use neck tension instead of a crimp. A crimp without neck tension isn't very useful, with the bullet loose. Seems like you're trying to combine target loads with hunting ammunition, and making the wrong combination.

[steveu834]

Anneal your brass (Starline recommends this if using BP), neck size and use an appropriate expander for neck tension to hold the bullet. For my 40-50SBN I use a 41 mag sizing die to neck size and a .4105 expander to get the tension I need. Like you I also put a small flare on the case mouth to seat the bullet. I don't crimp to remove it.

It works for me<
Steve