O.A.C.L

[Willyhunts2]

What is everyone doing? I have been setting to what noslar says. How do you know when to change it up? I've read a lot when you start getting inconsistent at longer yardage change the O.A.C.L but do you actually mess with that or change powder, powder charge, or even bullet type? Seems like a ton of different variables, so where do most of you long range shooter start?

[Willyhunts2]

Sorry typo, nosler.

[firstcoueswas80]

I start at 100, finding my best load there with all the variables you mentioned being scrutinized, then move back. Usually, if you find a load with potential, adjusting the coal will dial it in.

[DesertBull]

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/#/ocw-instructions/4529817134

[cohntr6]

You are correct with there being a lot variables that go in to reloading and finding the best accuracy. I actually like the load development stage,its fun I load different powder charges, powder, bullets, COAL (OCL, COL, OACL, etc.) in small numbers of rounds, head to the range and see what happens. Remember at the range try to keep any variables (shooting rest, position,barrel cleanliness/fouling etc.) to zero so you can pull 100% results from your reloads.

Remember reloading books, manuals use SAAMI specifications for COAL and these are fairly generic numbers for what the actual COAL can be based on your particular chamber for your rifle. Or in other words you can go longer on your COAL so the bullet is closer the rifling so there isnt much bullet "jump" (less jump tends to better accuracy).

There is much more to say about your question but basically load up a bunch different loads and see what shoots best at 100 yards then start to fine tune that load by changing powder charge up or down as well as your COAL. There is a better way to measure a round than COAL and that is using the base to ogive measurement since bullet length is not always the same. It can be more tedious though.

Jeff

[roninflag]

I load .010 off for match rifles and .030 off for hunting rifles.

[STOMP442]

Before you get to involved I would recommend a good bullet comparator to measure to the ogive rather than the tip of the bullet. The hex nut comparator from Brownells works great and is cheap too. The ogive is the most consistent part of the bullet to measure to and is the part that actually engages the rifleing. Changing the seating depth can have some considerable change on your loads. I generally start .025" off the lands and adjust in .005" increments closer to the lands if needed. The sweet spot for me is generally between .020"-.025" off the lands.

[azgutpile]

+1

 

Also note that when you move the bullet closer to the lands, do so in small increments and look for pressure signs.