docone31
05-12-2008, 11:50 PM
I am loading for my .303 British. I have two weights of Lee molds. One in 155gn, and one in 185gn. Both with gas checks.
Upon comparing both bullets, with gas checks on, they have lube grooves well beyond the cartridge end. I mean, at least two lands exposed.
Suprisingly, there are crimp grooves on each bullet. I won't even go into whether I want to put a crimp on a lead bullet.
Has anyone played around with depth of the bullets in the cases?
If I were to go by what so many people have told me, I wouldn't be reloading at all. I have been reloading for over 30yrs.
My thougth, is to leave one lube groove exposed. This keeps the gas check real close to the cartridge neck.
One "expert" I know, told me if the gas check is into the cartridge, the force of the expansion of gasses mushrooms the base making a lead glob that then extrudes into the barrel.
Even with jacketed bullets, I try to get the rifling to almost engage the bullet upon loading. What is the best way with lead bullets? I am using smokeless powder, so there will be differences with loading techniques.
With paper jackets, I could see the bullet really loaded almost out of the case. The paper would cover the lube bands.
Any opinions?
Upon comparing both bullets, with gas checks on, they have lube grooves well beyond the cartridge end. I mean, at least two lands exposed.
Suprisingly, there are crimp grooves on each bullet. I won't even go into whether I want to put a crimp on a lead bullet.
Has anyone played around with depth of the bullets in the cases?
If I were to go by what so many people have told me, I wouldn't be reloading at all. I have been reloading for over 30yrs.
My thougth, is to leave one lube groove exposed. This keeps the gas check real close to the cartridge neck.
One "expert" I know, told me if the gas check is into the cartridge, the force of the expansion of gasses mushrooms the base making a lead glob that then extrudes into the barrel.
Even with jacketed bullets, I try to get the rifling to almost engage the bullet upon loading. What is the best way with lead bullets? I am using smokeless powder, so there will be differences with loading techniques.
With paper jackets, I could see the bullet really loaded almost out of the case. The paper would cover the lube bands.
Any opinions?