MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted November 15, 2014 So how many of you would load off of book data as far as COAL for a factory gun and then go shoot? I loaded some 243 85grn #1530 hpbt at 2.650 coal as stated in Sierra book. So go shoot some rounds right? Well I did and no issues with pressure or bolt action and gun shot very well. So it turns out that Sammi spec to the lands is 2.259 and my loaded rounds were at 2.284 when measured to coal during bullet seating. My other 2 guns in 243 have a land measurement of 2.325 for a mod 70 and 2.315 for a mod 700. The chamber on my savage is at 2.245 or .014 under spec. Anyway I have never run into this before, usually coal length in the book is .100 off the lands so I never thought about it. I used my ogive gage and the coal ended up being at 2.624 or so touching the lands. I only use my ogive gage on long range guns. So anyway on the first night of hunting when I was clearing the chamber I left the bullet in the lands and my hunt was over, 10 miles in from the truck and no sticks taht would slide down the tube right. I did find some wire but didnt want to risk it, not worth it for the few deer I saw. I wont be making this mistake ever again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
el diablo Report post Posted November 15, 2014 Huh? Sorry I don't speak Spanish Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WampusCat Report post Posted November 15, 2014 Had the same problem with some Berger VLDs intentionally loaded into the lands because thats where there prefered to be. Opened the bolt and got an action full of powder. Eventually got it out with my best attempt at hydraulic pressure so I didnt need such a long stick. Filled the barrel with drinking water and made a small patch to seal the bore against a small stick as my plunger. Worked but cost me the better part of an evening glass. Bummer that it ruined your hunt. At least you took in the sights along the trail! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted November 15, 2014 I guess I rambled there, basically measured to the tip at 2.650 the ogive of the bullet is burried in this gun but not my others. When the length at the tip is set at 2.624 the ogive is just touching the lands so I set them to 2.605 long and now I need to go shoot again. just have never seen a gun under spec or none of my other guns are even close to this savage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted November 15, 2014 They make a setup to measure your chamber or you can use a cleaning rod and some tape to measure. Book charges are ok but for length it's best to check the gun itself then you know how long is to long etc. should help in the future. Sucks your hunt was ruined. I keep a 3 piece cleaning rod and a brass end in my pack (not for that issue) but incase I fall or get mud or something in my barell. I also load all my Sierra stuff from an early 70's gold covered book that's signed by the author. Awesome data and its pretty! Lol. Compared to modern manuals it usually shows max charge a few grains higher and dimensions are different in some listings, before lawyers found out there was money to be made on the shooting world. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted November 15, 2014 Ya the cleaning rod is going on my pack from now on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted November 15, 2014 Good deal! Tell timothy edge to get his butt in gear and help out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted November 15, 2014 Ya he was itchin to go but he had too many miles on his ponies. HAHA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted November 15, 2014 Huh? Sorry I don't speak Spanish but your name is El Diablo? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
el diablo Report post Posted November 15, 2014 Huh? Sorry I don't speak Spanish but your name is El Diablo? Yeah it's Spanish for a fighting chicken or something. On a side note that sucks your hunt was ruined. We were huntin this last weekend and a guy in our party came within 80 yds of a decent 4x4 and had a brand new factory round misfired. The back of the primer blew out the back of the casing and never went off. Sounded like a 22 goin off. Hope you get it figured out. When ur not into all the techs of things and rely on factory ammo even it can fail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big or Bust Report post Posted November 15, 2014 Find a green stick and unclog that tube. The green stick will not hurt the barrel. Bullets in lands are easy to clear. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azsugarbear Report post Posted November 17, 2014 I had something very similar happen to me when I was younger. It was a great lesson to have happen early in my life. From that hunt forward, I have always taken the time to cycle every round I plan on taking on my hunt through the action. If I feel anything out of whack, it goes in the pile to be shot at the range. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roninflag Report post Posted November 17, 2014 factory or handloads it does not hurt to safely run them through the chamber befor e the hunt.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roninflag Report post Posted November 17, 2014 3 .243's ! nice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
