How to find jam on your barrel. Do this before load development.

[@Brandonscode]

Should make a video for people who are just starting out with reloading. Like setting up basic dies and presses. Your videos are amazingly informative I bet you’d help a lot of new comers!

[@hinkrakagaming5532]

As a somewhat newcomer to reloading and wanting to get into precision, this would be insanely appreciated. Like calibrating a full resize die after a chamber.

[@planeiron241]

@@hinkrakagaming5532 go to accurateshooter.com and you will learn plus Eric & Fclass john learn from the best shoot the best

[@MrT13]

It’s a lot of info but not meant to be from scratch. This stuff is a little more experience driven. Not reloading 45

[@reloadrefine]

Check out RCBS reloading die set up videos. Nosler also does some great reloading videos as well. “For basic set up” Then watch some Ultimate Reloader with @Gavintoobe and prepare to overload your brain. 🤯 then go back and watch RCBS again 😂 There’s some great content on KZbin.

[@kathrynleaser5093]

Good information thanks.

[@danblumel]

That's amazing, after watching so many videos how to do it so differently (more complicated) than this. Yesterday on my own, I did it exactly this way myself, I thought why not let the "jam point" push the bullet into the case deeper ?? Seemed simple enough and it worked beautifully. Then just today I watched this video today just long enough to discover, this is exactly the same way Erik C. does it !!! I did this on my new Weatherby Vanguard 6.5 PRC for both Barnes 130 TSX BT and 130 Hornady ELDM bullets.

[@jeffclark9500]

Really enjoyed the “short to the point” of this video. Having watched many of your videos I get overwhelmed with the amount of information at times. These short videos help me find the one with the single spot I am needing to work on. 👍

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Clickable outline: 1:15 De-primed Fire-formed brass run thru sizer die and expander mandrel 2:10 Seat bullet 0.050-0.070" long 3:00 Measure Cartridge Base to Ogive Length 3:20 Lube bullet ogive and chamber cartridge 3:35 Jam by closing bolt 4:02 Measure Cartridge Base to Ogive Length after jamming bolt 4:30 Seat bullet 0.020" deeper 5:00 Chamber to confirm bullet not jammed into rifling 5:30 Reason to measure jam is to determine danger point for seating bullet 5:55 Why inconsistent jam length measurements really does not matter 6:30 Take shortest jam measurement - 0.020" and good to go 7:00 Now have max length and work from there until find seating depth node

[@rudolphferdinand3634]

There is finally a person who knows what he is talking about, amazing! Where have you been?

[@ErikCortina]

Rudolph Ferdinand I’ve been competing and learning all this stuff. 😁

[@rudolphferdinand3634]

Erik Cortina - Pro Shooter, I do not have the time, but if I do, your methods I would adhere to; sound. I have watched videos were two different guys using a piece of equipment a comparator for bullet measuring dial type that I have never seen or heard about before. Sinclare (Brownells) is this a tool you have or have used before, worth the cost?

[@ahmedmanajid]

great stuff and i like how you always try to help others even while in the middle of a match. great sportsman for sure.

[@diyprecisionshootingandrel3559]

Amazing content, I just got done doing my powder charge test Jam-20 found a charge with single digit SD and ES. Tomorrow I will be doing the seating depth to fine tune. Thank you for the advice sir!!!

[@brctom1]

Thanks, I’m one of the guys who learn by “seeing something” once or twice or having to read an explanation 7 or 8 times.. I’m a visual learner, thanks for the video..

[@railx2005]

Its proven theres no such thing as visual learner

[@Xx0ME0xX]

@@railx2005 that doesn't mean that you won't fully grasp it quicker by seeing it be done. Also, if i see it done by someone else, then i'm more confident i can replicate it myself, whereas i would be hesitant to try it if i just read about it. Just because visual learning might not be real, doesn't mean that it won't boost your confidence, and make you feel like you have a better grasp of what you're trying to do. Especially with something that can be very dangerous (if done improperly) such as reloading.

[@scottbutler2761]

........ OMG just followed your instructions . So easy . Cant wait to shoot in few days . You make reloading so easy

[@calebwhiteknives]

Finally someone said it out loud, publicly, someone with the experience to know; barrel break-in shenanigans are a stupid old wives tale that cause more new shooters to chase their butts than just about any other "precision shooter" practice. Shoot your dang barrel; clean accordingly, move on with life...and use good ammo, unless there are zombies. Then, whatever.

[@jonlennon3348]

Erik one small note to you. Next time show what the bullet looks like after it was inserted into the lands so others just starting out can get an idea what it really looks like for future referance. You video's are well done and highly educational. One other note how much neck tension is required when finding jam. I usually load between .0025 to .003 so I have a .0015 neck tension. Now if a newby uses say rcbs dies which have twice the tension you couldnt close the bolt with a hammer so to speak. Keep up the great work because what you do is very important to everyone who is wanting to better themselves behind a rifle.

[@xr5ix135]

Great vid. I've only been reloading for a year and like most have found millions of vids that help. But I really like your no BS approach. Thanks for all the tips much appreciated 👍 🍺🍻

[@rickcastilla]

Thank you Eric! I've been following all your instructional videos and turned in a sub .50 group today working through the seating depth adjustment. Beyond stoked to finally exceed a commercial "Match" load.

[@ronmoody4023]

I love this method, thanks for keeping it simple. I've been reloading for twenty years and have learned several things watching this man. Thanks for sharing.

[@dmperry1974]

This is a perfect refresher lesson/course. For any type of shooter/reloader, pro or amateur. Thank you Mr. Cortina.

[@wesrich415]

Is die wax different than sizing lube?

[@dmperry1974]

@@wesrich415they do the same thing, the wax is easier to clean, while the the lube or oil based products can be some what messy. I hope this helps.

[@mln19631]

That's exactly as I had envisioned it in my mind's eye. It's nice to see this video to confirm I'm on the same page. Thanks for your time and efforts to keep us straight.

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

After your first video I tried this method on a brand new 6.5 creedmoor xbolt. What a time and component saver. After less than 20 rounds and I found the sweet spot. She shooting a solid 3/4 MOA, plenty good for hogs and deer. I've been reloading for years and was chasing lands before. Thank you

[@TheAdam2877]

Thank you Eric, this is very helpful. I am just getting my feet wet with 6.5 creedmoor and your videos are a godsend. Most people would never share their recipe for success on anything. Here you are helping even people who may one day meet you on the competition field. Thanks again.

[@truckdrivinmilanr]

30 years ago I did a similar thing as you demonstrated. I coated the bullet with White Out and progressively made the OAL longer until I saw rifling marks on the White Out. Then backed off the OAL by .015. It was significantly longer than factory ammunition. It turned 2” 100 yard groups with factory ammo to sub MOA groups with my reloads.

[@ryanstewart1521]

This sounds interesting, I like the idea of being able to see the rifling marks on the bullet instead.

[@rustynut1967]

I had questions about how to find jam from watching your other videos and SHAZAM here it is. I guess the only real difference in doing it this way as opposed to using a OAL gauge is your measuring from the bolt face and a OAL gauge would measure from the shoulder.

[@hellyeah3871]

Thank you for the tips and tricks Eric. It is very much appreciated. I know you are a busy man and it means a lot that you take time out of your busy schedule to do these.

[@Colterkni801]

“If you don’t know, you don’t know” well know I know. Had no idea. Subscribed!

[@ErikCortina]

😁

[@Impimpster2000]

I'm subscribe'ng too!

[@jond4803]

Eric... now what the hell am I going to do with all the time you saved me with this??? Have been banging my head with the inconsistent results from Hornady's OAL Gauge, this method you showed here is consistent, every time! Thank you so much!

[@bernardc2553]

Been away for to long when..you define what's been missing. Bringing back the fun..30 yrs later.

[@thesaint1517]

Solid comments on how to avoid bullets getting stuck. This is a common happening especially with newbies however, a good refresher for the old timers as well. I learned to choose the shortest and it has worked for me ever since I adopted it. Really appreciate your videos.

[@niuhikona]

Thank you Erik, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your extensive knowledge.

[@rdude1184]

This is very similar to the method I have used. Took a couple years of sorting through the BS from various sources until I developed my own experience and confidence to do what made sense, backed up by results. (Also for my custom barrels I came to the conclusion just load and Go!. They all shoot quarter to three eights) Keep the vids coming when you can sir, thank you.

[@MrT13]

👍🏻👍🏻 it is what it is. Cleaning rods and tape. Fancy gauges and lathe a case. Just put one in with no powder. Lots of lube. Tada. If it is one that sticks open bolt stick a cleaning rod down the pipe and tap it.

[@robertkeese9069]

Getting into reloading and I really enjoy your way of explaining things. I haven't actually started yet, these videos are really is giving me the confidence for when I press that first bullet. Thank you buddy.

[@patfarrell6069]

awesome demo Eric. I did it the way you showed us.....got it my shot group down to .312" at 100 yrds with my .308 on the first set. Thanks for the tip

[@michaelmuzzy8401]

I was just under 1/2 moa after his vid @300 was about 3/4 ,so i seated 200 to the new cto and clened the snot out of it feeling happy. The next day it was back to my orignal 1 moa wtf.next day looked at everything and my sunshade was loose figured i found the problem,nope 20rnds later t was 3/4 ,still wondering what went wrong dropped another 25 was a lot better,last night @ 100 it is still at 3/4 but 300 was 7 shots in the same splatter mark.its in a tikka 308 was thinking i took away the copper equilebiram ? not sure .just ordered a bore scope eric showed .the round is 308 17 elds 43 gr varget,cci br2 ,lapua ff and annealed. any thoughts,?

[@justinwolden399]

You are the MAAAN!!! There's too much nuance in reloading. And you are helping the entire community to realize they're over thinking it as far as I have noticed with your last few videos. Reloading is SAFE guys. Reloading is easy! If you spend 10x as much time at your bench than you do shooting then you're never going to get anywhere!!! Lol. Cheers Guys.

[@dakotagildea9259]

TLDR: I use a similar method, but have a question at end for some clarification. Funny thing about this video! I was just testing my jam point the other day and was thinking that since there are multiple ogive shapes other bullets could have a different jam point when using my hornady comparator. Also since watching the "stop chasing the lands" video I knew that 11 times out of 10 there is going to be a node further out then say staying exactly .005 from the lands etc. So back to the different shapes I made up an arbitrary number of what I would consider a safe starting measurement using the comparator and my decision was .020. And after watching this and knowing that a professional uses almost the same method I find that pretty cool. Thanks in advance and as always, love your videos Erik I learn a ton from you all the time. (also the only reason I enjoy april fools is you, those are so funny!) But, if anyone even reads comments on old videos am I correct on assuming that with the different ogive shapes they could all have slightly varied jam points using a hornady comparator set?

[@blueridgeboy6791]

Trying this method again tonight, only way I've been able to find my lands accurately. Tried everything else an it was inconclusive. This method atleast gave me some info to go off. I know my maximum length atleast. Time to go test loads now. Thankyou

[@johnsimonelli9988]

Thank you Erik, I was a little hesitant about jamming a bullet into my rifle but I did it exactly how you described and it worked perfectly! Thank you.

[@qedsteve]

I am a totally newb to accuracy-loading so am trying everything for the first time. I took one of my once-fired rounds and drilled/tapped the primer pocket for using in the Hornady LnL OAL gage. The once-fired round has good enough neck tension to hold the bullet. It is handy for helping set the jump when trying a new bullet. If I'd seen this and your prior video, I'd probably still have bought the OAL gage but this gives a really good view of just exactly WHAT is happening where the ogive meets the lands and ALSO shows me that all my worrying about whether my "jump" is 0.010 or 0.012 isn't worth worrying about! As always, good learning videos.

[@vazquezusmc]

Thanks for posting this. Saw your previous video and this confirmed the way the process works.

[@vdog4799]

Man you made that simple. Your illustrations are clear and precise. Thank you for the video!

[@margiconstantino3548]

Glad to see I've been doing it right for 34 years! Ha. A Stoney Point OAL gauge with the correct caliber specific case will get you to the same place as well. 😃

[@konrad1853]

Sometimes. I've always had a hard time getting consistent lengths with the Stoney Point. Each measurement is different.

[@bennettdavid904]

You are a wealth of knowledge, thank you for sharing. I was close to falling into the neck sizing only side of things. I now am on the right path! Thank you!

[@BenBelkin]

You, sir, are a breath of fresh air.

[@ErikCortina]

😊

[@hinkrakagaming5532]

Yeah, it didn't come across as obvious last video. Maybe because we Swedes have a tendency to be very ironic, so the last sentence "well at least I didn't have to break in my barrel" I took it as an ironic "I really should have chosen the other door". Thanks for clarifying! Love the content and tongue in cheek delivery!

[@craiggarrison9043]

I'm a beginner , awesome video's , Thank you sir .

[@danelder9301]

Have played around a lot to find my Rifles happy spot . Great way to explain your process. Was amazed by how far jam was for my 300WM Bergara B14 using berger 168s

[@matthewtracy8744]

Your videos have seriously been helping this newbie immensely! I have already learned so much, and my groups are getting tighter every day.

[@JS-xs5hq]

Many thanks again Erik for these videos, which are highly instructive. I now understand barrel jam point theory and how to apply it to my hand loading. Valuable information indeed. Also, thanks for clearing the dense fog and all the hype about barrel break in. Many of us sweated over all the techniques on proper break in, only left with the gnawing thought: "is there another way that would have ensured better accuracy?" Now I need not wrestle those thoughts again. All the best to you.

[@scottturner3081]

I been reloading since ‘85 and still learning thank you for your time

[@ryancrume]

great video. I believe this is what the Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Gauge does, however you need various modified cases to work. Relatively consistent too, I use for multiple calibers / rifles. Happy shooting

[@johanlindh737]

Concise and to the point. No nonsense bits of information. 👍👍

[@lowrider9367]

Nice Video!!! Now knowing your a Bruce Lee fan, you have just graduated to the next level of awesome in my book!!! As always, Love your vids!!! Keep it up!!!

[@dandypoint]

Just did this on my new 223 Bolt action. Watching your video gives me a good feeling I did it right!

[@craignapoli]

Thank you Erik, really simple, no nonsense and very practical advice, you just saved me the cost of a COAL Gauge.

[@geoffsmith1837]

Hi Eric, Thanks for the great videos. Wish they had been around in the late 70's when I first started reloading. Particular thanks for your videos on finding JAM and NOT Chasing the lands as they made getting back into reloading simple to understand.

[@Guitarjourney4life]

Need to see this with a gas gun. What do you think pros/cons with this Erik? Would this work? Could you use only .002” neck tension on your test round for finding jam? And then increase your neck tension on your normal rounds?

[@BlueTJay]

This past week i took delivery of my new 85 Sako Classic in .270! Cleaned the barrel made sure nothing in it when i unpacked it, took it out and fired 10 shots straight. Came home cleaned it, checked the rifling and as smooth and shinny as a baby's but! Perfect! What is barrel break in anyway? Shoot more bullets!!!

[@dbmail545]

I have noticed, mostly in military rifles with CHF tubes that several cycles of shooting them up to temperature and letting them cool down tightens the groups a bit over the course of 200 rounds or so. I think the CHF process leaves stresses in the barrel that work out in a reverse cryo treatment.

[@BlueTJay]

@@dbmail545Hi, I heated up my Sako with 6 bullets, let it cool down and then fired 4 more, i find this is enough with a new rifle/barrel before mounting a scope and zeroing it in!

[@joeritter8331]

@@BlueTJay so you shoot the rifle without a scope or even bore sighed? Why? It seems like a good way to miss a backstop and send a bullet to unintended places. Wouldn't you get the same utility with an aiming device and rudimentary zero, and ensure that you have a good idea where the bullets are going? And as an added bonus by that tenth round you could have your scope zeroed or at least close.

[@BlueTJay]

@@joeritter8331 Joe, i shot the rifle in a indoor 100 yrd range while I was working another rifle. I don't mind sending 10 bullets down the range. The only thing that bothered me was the noise in the confined space. At least now, when my scope arrives, I will use my laser bore sight and i will need only 3 bullets to have the scope set up! Now i feel my bore should be ok, to use the scope and have some normal groups! Thank you for replying!

[@TerryGilsenan]

Barrel break-in is primarily an opportunity to "chuck rounds down range"

[@kazimierzspaczynski7401]

Thank You Eric. I always get new detail from You. Gracias.

[@billroberts9182]

My 56 year old .300 Win Mag has a "jam" point 0.241" beyond my max magazine length. I shoot 180g Barnes TTSX for hunting and routinely get 1 MOA or better. Amazing the bullet jump is at least 1/4 inch yet it still shoots fine for hunting!

[@daveenriquez7790]

Thanks Erik for sharing your knowledge!

[@dhooter]

Love this guy's videos. Seriously helping me a ton

[@RobertKearl-Outdoor-Adventures]

I came back to watch this video again always learning

[@robwebster2562]

Yup, finding Jam was the easy part. Worked great. Thanks. Oh, and the Neck Size Tshirt showed up today. Love it.

[@ErikCortina]

💪

[@geraldkoch394]

Man I wish we were neighbors because we be hanging out all the time. Always great schooling

[@Frostytravels]

lol that meat grinder is a beast. lol Started watching you on your building channel. Great to see you in a shooting scene. Your home building care and concern in building makes this a breeze for you. Doing it right, that is what I see.

[@coleburkhalter1206]

I’d love to see your work flow with the Dillion. Are you washing brass to get the wax off, or doing everything on one tool head. How do the results with the Dillion compare to your co-ax.

[@chipsterb4946]

Besides removing the sizing wax, I have a few other steps between sizing and powder charge + seating. Checking case length is important for a semiauto rifle. Chamfering the case mouth if the case needed trimming and cleaning the primer pocket are necessary steps too. Because I shoot service rifles with floating firing pins almost exclusively, I prime in a separate step also. That gives me a chance to feel each seated primer to make sure it is below the case head. Forster priming tool gives me the sensitivity and leverage I need for proper primer seating. None of that is necessary for a bench rest, bolt action rifle.

[@86309]

Thanks Erik , Im doing this exact procedure in my new Warner Palma rifle.

[@NMranchhand]

Great. I think I’ll go watch the other video before I ask my question. Thanks.

[@russhubbard2690]

Loved the break in procedure

[@cornbreadburgess1950]

Thanks Erik for the sharing, enjoyed it much.

[@kathrynleaser5093]

Great video. I like the use of on screen numbers. Seeing is believing.

[@OE8ZZZ]

Hello Erik! How to choose the expander mandrel for a specific caliber? I'm reloading .308 and there are different mandrels available (308, 3085, 309). Thanks for the great videos. I stopped neck sizing my brass after watching them. Makes things a lot easier. Thumbs up!!

[@jasonwoods7665]

Thank Erik again for another great video. CMONNN guys get those like up!

[@Lexidezi225]

Thank you for making this so easy for me!! Awesome information

[@rg3412]

I never seriously considered reloading but having seen Erik’s approach to it, I can’t wait to get started. First, combustion, then seating depth (work your way out from jam minus 20/1000”, 3/1000” at a time to sample node positions, and finally if groups are inconsistent across distances, look at the BC if the bullet. Right?

[@shaneironside58]

Good to know, Erik thanks

[@christophersarandou856]

Do your barrels come factory lapped. My understanding was that through either lapping or break in, your trying to smooth out and tweak in the last bit of consistency by evening out some of the fine tooling marks. Or as I've also heard build up a consistent level of copper "fouling" the barrel. Ps I'm writing this before watching so I don't forget to ask. I really like your content keep it up.

[@chrisblakey9116]

I have a sized piece of brass for each cartridge i reload that has a slit cut in the neck. That allows the bullet to push back more easily and eliminates any spring in the case. I take this measurement for every different bullet i use.

[@jonathonimpey5938]

Appreciate you sharing your experience and knowledge!

[@ClintTerry]

Thank you very much for sharing this information with us! This is a privilege to (virtual) apprentice with you.

[@g11outdoors8]

Thankyou again. Quick and easy, just the way I like it.

[@jamesmiller360]

Good information and demonstration. Thanks for posting.

[@LaGuns-yo9be]

That is awesome pal. Thank you

[@reloadrefine]

When stating they’ve done it multiple times and struggled for consistency the case trim lengths may be why they are struggling to grasp the concept. 🙏🏻 Humbly speaking.. If they haven’t trimmed their cases consistently they may struggle to understand your concept. “ longer case deeper jam” “shorter case less jam” conclusion is the cartridge over all length is a variable between the case length and jam. Which dictates the seating depth you were speaking of. Thanks for sharing your tricks of the trade.. I’m sure there’s a lot of lightbulbs lighting up🤔😂😁 God Bless!

[@MikeGuadango]

Awesome video. Please share more. I want to get into reloading this winter and your videos are a huge help

[@pawswet9476]

“See, no primers” ... yep :( That action on your competition rifle sounds as smooth as glass. Nice!

[@kevinharmon5801]

Enjoying your advice .Thank you.

[@edj9978]

Thank You this method is so stupid simple even I can do this! thanks again.

[@scottywatson9135]

Erick you legend talked before seating depth professional shooters Australia 4 generations got showed years ago from family seat projectile really long in case with die then reload into rifle with little bit diy wax and close Bolt unload gently and measure can use measure between our measurement and the way you do it interested see how much difference luv your shows Scotty roo shooter 👍

[@ugomannerini4359]

Erik u are the best ever...

[@timothyodonnell8591]

Jam on my barrel? [See title] I prefer jam on my toast.

[@kellywalker8407]

No jam on my barrel, just peanut butter. Not my fault that bull elk walked by while I was eating a sandwich.

[@redleg1013]

I've learned more in your last five videos than in the last five years. I do have a question about trimming necks, do you trim to SAAMI or use the gage to determine max neck length?

[@ErikCortina]

Depends on what I’m shouting. I usually look at my reamer print and use that. SAAMI is fine.

[@chrisjardeleza8489]

1. are you able to get as accurate ammunition on your progressive press compared to a single stage? 2. if varget has a higher INsensitivity to temperature, why do you use vihtavuori? 3. do you normally run fired brass through your full length resizer die or was it just for this vid? Just curious to know if you either regularly clean your dies or if you normally clean your brass before processing it?

[@Whitetailpursuer]

I only wish I could give you five stars on this one! Good job! How about 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Loojmemhav]

Erik. Fantastic video! One question. Besides looking for your accuracy node, do you also look for velocity consistency node, via ladder test or other methods? If so, do you do the velocity consistency test before or after you do the JAM depth minus 0.020” and load development to find accuracy node? Or, do you even bother with the velocity consistency node test? I find that the velocity test is as useful as much as your method makes sense to me. I ask this question because I question if your accuracy node is where the velocity node is as well. My prior ladder tests shows that my ES and SD is not the greatest where the group was the best. 🤷‍♂️

[@dakotagildea9259]

Don't know if Erik has a video on it here or patreon. But I do know that "winning in the wind" here on youtube does when he talks about is main process for load development. Also a good channel to watch. Much of what both erik and him say line up (except for the chasing the lands thing lol!)

[@PileofBrass]

Thank you for this !

[@mannequinfukr]

I never thought I'd have to remember this trick for a 129 year old milsurp rifle (my gew 88). Supposed to use round nose in it and apparently spitzers had to be shorter than the round nose counterpart

[@billpahlmann4263]

Plain and simple

[@marcp.3690]

Another useful and informative video.

[@henrykfu]

There are so many myths that need debunking. The one that drives me up the wall is "you should run your cleaning rod through the barrel in only one direction - the direction the bullet goes". I think its already been debunked that bronze brushes "ruin your barrel" when they don't.

[@katan7381]

Thanks a lot Erik. Please could you do a video for plotting f class scoresheets. Thank you

[@glockparaastra]

Great tip! Thank you!