Bullet Seating Depth: How To Measure & Where To Start For Load Development

[@AaronandJanuary]

Man I am coming back to reloading and vids like this DID NOT exist back in 96! So thank you for sharing your experience and expertise!! Actually never thought of swapping between bullets .. just trying everything to get one type to shoot well!! So this video is still relevant!!

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

Small tip from a guy who is F I N A L L Y starting to get some amazing groups. DONT give up after a lot of failures because your going to need to just reload. Learn it get familiar with everything the tools how your press feels the way your gun or guns shoot. Reloading takes practice I have landed on good loads by complete luck in the beginning of my quest to learn this skill. However I still come back to videos like this and as I progress in time and experience. I’m starting to really grasp what these men are talking about. It takes time fellas you will see I promise you

[@rickm4295]

I know that some of these vids are old and you probably wont see this, but I have to thank you Mr. Sam. I have loaded my first set of 308 load development rounds and will be headed to the range tomorrow to see where Im at. Ive learned how to do everything right here on your channel. Im a rookie to be sure but the way you explain things is very easy to understand and to put into practice. Teaching ability is hard especially in this format but you have it down cold. Thanks again for the knowledge transfer. i hope you make some more videos at some point.

[@davejan744]

Not having all your fancy gear I just partially seated a new slug in an empty full length sized case & used the rifles bolt to push the slug into the case. Then using the seating die just pushed the slug in .1 deeper & made that my "master" dummy round. And wrote its OAL on that case. Seemed to work fine. Shot great. Like you, found setting slug just a tad off the lands worked best. Also lightly crimp each NON cannelured. And tight crimp cannelured. THAT really seemed to help & definately increased velocity & decreased velocity spread. Old gunsmith taught me that. Also, inside reaming the primer hole into a cone shape gave a better primer flame that ignited the powder from very bottom to top more consistantly. It also slightly enlarges the primer flash hole. For what its worth I usually get 10 FPS or less velocity spreads. But im a real stickler for EXACT powder weights on EVERY load. Every round is identical to its brothers. Only do "cold bore" testing too..where we live in the bush 1 shot is the difference between eating or not & thats going to be out of a cold bore. In the winter, an EXTREAMLY cold bore. 😁

[@redrock425]

Alaska?

[@millbean13]

Can you please come back to making video? I’ve just recently found these and have been watching all of them. They are incredibly helpful and informative. Lots of good info. I think you are a great resource and the shooting community could really benefit from your continued instruction. Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@williamshanor6473]

Sam, You are intelligent, articulate, precise, and present sooo well. You do not make your presentations about You. "Results driven" Works for me! Thanks

[@kellycook9880]

Hi sam,Kelly from Canada just getting in to reloading for 6.5 PRC. Lots of my friends reloading for hunting but I want a challenge reloading for long-distance precision. I think your presentation and knowledge is quite amazing. Really enjoy it thank you.

[@pipedreams57]

I am 62 years old and reloaded for over 20 years back when it was cost effective. Now with the price of powder and components, you can buy a factory premium round that performs perfectly fine. I use to do what you are doing for seating depth and not crimp on cannalures but that limits the round to TARGET only. I still have my stuff but never use it. RCBS dies were good but I prefer the Lyman turret press. A good custom barrel usually cures reload accuracy problems too.

[@1lenteped]

At last--someone who has great knowledge and can share it clearly, understandably and accurately. Thank you, Sam.

[@joeboyd3478]

Just wanted to say thanks for sharing all the information. I've been reloading for many years and was content with 1 MOA out of my hunting rifles until I was laid up from surgery and started watching all of these videos. My first rifle to start the new load development on went from 1 MOA down to .375 MOA simply from buying the required measuring tools and applying these techniques. Awesome info in an easily understood format! Now on to the next rifle and application of this new knowledge. Thanks again!

[@carlosjavieruhlmann]

I've been watching reloading videos for awhile now and I have seen no one that explains things so well as you. You take the complexity out and bring in the most important ingredient: just plain old common sense. It is both, a learning experience to watch your videos and a pleasure. Thanks for all the work you do to help us shoot better and enjoy this wonderful sport more.

[@gunslinger7647]

When I was young, 40 years ago. I wasted a lot of powder and bullets trying those tiny adjustments. I was young and dumb. If a Bullet or powder won’t shoot, move on. In my experience all those tiny seating adjustments won’t mean crap on the target. I can work up a load really fast using common sense and experience. You are right on . I get a kick watching those shooters wasting their powder trying to get a load to shoot that just won’t shoot. I know from experience. Liked your video.

[@ashokrajasingh4977]

In Harry Potter, the wand chooses the Wizard. In rifles, the bullet chooses the barrel! Good video. Basic and easy to understand without the complex variable & BS you get in some. One point I would like to add - the throat grooves are usually tapered. I use a Sharpie pen to mark the bullet & then check the lands engagement. This results in a scratch mark od about 3 mm. In other words, the tool used in the video is actually pushing the bullet about 2 mm into the lands. That is about 79 thou. While it is correct that the first measurement is a relative number, it is still 79 thou into the lands. If you want to avoid the bullet touching the lands, you will need to reduce that 79 thou to your cartridge length.

[@jamesheimer1866]

Good advice about the limitations on seating depth that may be imposed by the magazine. I went to a whole lot of trouble to measure the seating depth just touching the lands using the comparator tools, then discovered that the overall length of that load exceeded what would fit in my magazine. The closest I could load to the lands was the maximum COL that my magazine would handle, so that's where I stopped.

[@Thetagamma1914]

Thank you so much for this great awesome information. What really stuck with me was, "If you're getting the results you are looking for stop right there and start shooting." Also, "Don't be afraid to abandon a bullet if it doesn't shoot well. All that matters is the results in the target." Thanks again!

[@Baby_Boomer_Warrior]

Thank you, I really appreciate the quality and content of your videos; you are teaching a lot of reloading.

[@elijahmonn3757]

I fire form the case and afterwards cut a small cut down the start of the neck of the case. So you can push the projectile in with a small amount of pressure. And it won’t slip to easily. Then carefully seat the empty case and primer with the projectile at a long length into the rifle using the bolt. Push it forwards and close the bolt. Then carefully remove and measure the overall length. That’s your distance to the Lans. No tools just a dremal or hacksaw blade. It has worked for me. Great videos. Cheers Brent

[@markmarsten8734]

Sam, I love your videos as well as your written stuff. I've learned a lot and remembered a lot of what I'd forgotten. Wonderful. A few days ago I asked about the Redding Competition shell holders. You said they "are a waste of money. They don't work." I had already purchased them, so I did what you tell everyone to do in your videos--"Don't be afraid to try something." Well, the .002 setback shell holder worked like a charm the first time and the 50th time. Perfect .002 shoulder bump. I'm using an RCBS Rebel with 6.5 CM Hornady Match dies (with Micrometer seater head), the Hornady gizmo to measure with the Modified case I made from once-fired brass, and measuring results with a Mituyomo digital caliper. The shell holder also worked for my .308 Win. For that, I use a National Match sizing die and a Forster Micrometer seater die. As soon as I make the Modified case for my 300 WSM we'll see how that turns out. All brass is Alpha or Lapua. BTW, don't believe what you read about the RCBS Rebel's ram being sloppy. This thing is built like a tank. You need two strong men and three boys to lift it (JK), and the ram doesn't wobble a nanometer. I feel a bit awkward giving this constructive criticism. Even though I have been reloading for over 25 years, your depth and breadth of experience are way greater than mine. These shell holders just worked for me. I guess it is better sometimes to be lucky than good. Now let's see how these babies shoot!

[@PanhandlePrecision]

I remember. All I said was they were a waste of money. I bought two sets of them to try. In the end, they don’t do anything a twist of the die can’t do. But you’re right-try everything!

[@hambycustomknives2825]

I’ve been watching these regularly! Really enjoying them. Just ordered a Lee reloading kit, dies, etc. for my 6.5 creedmoor.

[@rickbowen6929]

Well done Sam. I hope people are watching and listening to you and your processes. Bench rest guys will argue with a signpost,.... and anyone that tells them that headspace has nothing to do with accuracy. They will also argue when someone tells them that the jump distance to the lands isn't that big a deal. Never mind that the u.s. military machine already spent millions proving these points, they still spend their own time and money going all through it again. I found the same thing as you did. The barrel will either like the bullet and shoot it well, or it won't ! I have one customer that absolutely is stuck in this old paradigm and refuses to revisit his testing procedures....when I already tested the rifle and got perfect results. He goes right back to bullet jump lengths and starts all over again with his 6.5 CM. The problem is with his eyes and how he sees things through his scope. I know because I can take the rifle from his hands after he shoots a group and take the exact same load and shoot a 1" five shot group at 300yds. with it. Keep up the good work! We are listening.

[@rdtaguestudios]

You must keep in mind BR are a different breed and don't measure groups in .1x", they measure in .0xx", with repeatability within .0xx". Most out there will never own a rifle that'll honestly shoot five 5 shot groups in the teens (.13-.19"). There is a reason why BR shooters jam bullets. Hunters can't do that. Even if they could, most don't have blueprinted actions (definitely not to extent as BR actions.)

[@JD-sf7hs]

Thank you Sam for a great video and also for not ruining it with background electric guitar solos.

[@brucefyfe731]

A huge thanks, Sam, for clearing up something I have been frustrated with for s while...seating depth COL vs CBTO and why some bullets just don't seem to shoot well out of a rifle that I know can be a tack driver. Now to the range! A great teaching video.

[@guns4funfreedomkeeper999]

The first rifle I ever hand loaded for was an old Sako L579 chambered in 243 Ackley. I really regret not taking better notes on my trials. I learned a lot from that rifle and I wish I could remember half of it. Great video.

[@dangrabske3238]

Thank you Sam, I am just getting into reloading and you have been an great help and its making reloading so much easier watching your vidieos

[@robgoose8126]

Subscribed, great presentation. I'm a new reloader working on a load for my Savage 10 chambered in .308 and having a ton of fun with it. So far I've settled on: 175 SMK 42.0gr IMI 4064 Hornady brass (Have Lapua on order) Federal Match large primers. Put four through a ragged hole with one flyer about a half inch left, for a total of .62 MOA. .3 MOA excluding the flyer. Loaded up some more last night and hoping to verify the load soon.

[@BobJones-cr1pl]

First time I have seen your videos. Want to compliment you on your clarity and precise explanation of this and other subjects. It is a welcome relief from some of the reloading nonsense found elsewhere. Thank you.

[@nima4416]

very honest and good information. thumbs up. I own 270 win and I try and measure my gun kissing point with 2 type of bullets obviously I don't have that kind of tools in this country but I use empty case with bullet and try to fit in rifle 3 times and then make it deeper 2.5mm to achieve less jump and good exit by bullet. I try it from half mm to 3mm which is the default choice of ammo factory but as you mention in clip lots of element involving the reloading. like Tangent Ogiv vs Secant Ogive or conventional rifling vs polygonal and etc. as long as your group stay lower than moa in 100 meters every thing is ok but boxer primer, quality of case ( I prefer shot once with mine rifle ), black powder and bullets + reloading skill and tools make it elite. everyone hesitate to announce a measure in most of the time but it seems 2.5 mm up to 3mm dept from kissing point is good enough and it is my personal opinion

[@freedomofabird]

Probably the most common sense approach I have ever heard! Thanks.

[@ToddSchwartz57]

I can't get enough of your videos. I read a lot online, and everybody thinks they're an expert, and always act like their way is the only way. You've taught me to think about WHY I'm doing certain things, and it helps filter out all the dumb stuff we all see on forums and Facebook. Keep up the great videos. I will be watching them, for sure!

[@contractor9391]

I love your straight talk sam. Thank you for the videos

[@gennybogden5404]

Thank you so much, for producing these videos. It's nice to listen to somebody that really knows what you're talking about . Anytime I find one of your videos I can't afford not to watch one . Thanks again Art Bogden Pittsburgh PA 🇺🇸

[@garydziuk1463]

Thank you for the awesome video. I am currently deployed and your videos are what I watch on my off time. I am planning to start reloading when I get back state side. I have watched most of the reloading videos on youtube but your videos are the best as far as explaining how and why to do certain thing a certain way.

[@BussytheRapper]

gary dziuk I hope you made it home safely, brother. Thank you for your service. Also, hope the reloading project went well and has been fruitful for you. It’s a lot of fun and almost therapeutic. Especially precision reloading.

[@bobbygreen2291]

Sam you definitely have it down to the best there is , the only big difference I’ve ever noticed in seating depths of different bullets is when I for hunting purposes started loading a Barnes MRX , you know the solid copper bullets with pressure rings, three or four , grooves like a maxi ball , these type bullets tell you on the box to start your seating depth 50 thousandth off lands and boy were they right , and the closer you get to the lands , the worse your groups will be. Oh and they are expensive, but worth every penny , I could change the powder charge a bunch , and not hurt the group size, they just Waller a hole in the paper.

[@TheWolfgangfritz]

Obtaining ammo for my .356 Winchester has become a real frustration, so if I plan to keep this rifle I need to learn how to use .444 or .307 brass and "resize" it neck it down to the .356 configuration. Please put together a video which details this procedure step by step. Don't just talk about it, but actually do it! There are numerous discontinued rounds out there and I know there are plenty of people who bought the Winchester 94 AE Lever Action Big Bore in the 1980s who would be real grateful to you.

[@ghannah7553]

I'm just getting interested into reloading and have read so much info and have been absolutely overwhelmed with info and choices. There are so many different models and brands and techniques lol. Don't really know anyone that does reloading so I'm pretty much trying to learn what and how to do it on my own. I finally ran across your videos and they are great! You explain things so well and make so much more sense about the subject that other videos I've watched. Thanks for doing the videos. They are greatly appreciated and very helpful! I might even be able to figure out this reloading thing after all lol!

[@grahamhosking3878]

Yes I like your videos as the way you do them is almost being face to face not just a voice in the back ground

[@athingwellmade3157]

Excellent videos Sam, very practical and speaking from a lot of experience

[@jineeshpr]

One of the best explanation about this topic. Thanks mate.

[@tomharrell1954]

Excellent dissertation. I will throw another hat in the ring. You are relating to hunting rifles. I no longer hunt, but still target shoot. I have a custom benchrest rifle. These rifles DO show substantial changes in accuracy when varying seating depth. The tolerances in the benchrest rifles are much tighter which probably accounts for why you see the changes in accuracy. Anyway my benchrest rifle’s “sweet spot” is 3 thousands off the lands to touching in most all bullets... Do you see any “sweet spot” at all in the hunting rifles?

[@billnorton6999]

This is my 1st video of yours. I can tell this channel will be a great tool for me. Thank you.

[@frankbellinger605]

Love the vids...PLEASE keep them coming!! Question: can you do a video about "accuracy nodes". I can understand most of what YOU talk about but for some reason, others are difficult to follow. Thanks!

[@dvcavall]

Great videos. I would like to see you compare the measurement from your homemade comparator case with the Hornady unfixed case to see if there is really a meaningful difference in overall chamber length as measured.

[@mqeqeshe1]

You bring up a good point. I do measure this with my rifles and there's usually a difference of a few thousandths. Maybe not very meaningful but something I like to note, especially if I'm trying to put a bullet right on the lands. I would guess Sam is making his own modified case from brass fired in that gun, so there wouldn't be any difference for him to measure. If you have a lathe and the correct tap they are super easy to make.

[@cbsbass4142]

I just used the Hornady case length guide tool and a .223 modified case, used the digital caliper and every dang one came out different for COAL I don't care to buy comparator gauges too, at this point (until I'm gifted some more gift cards :)) so I'm just gonna use the mean average and seat under that. As it is I can't remember if I used the loading book COAL or used that and added 10 thou. (That's where a notebook would have come in handy while letting the barrel cool). In the end, Without any measurement tools I got 1.090 for 5 rounds at 200 yards, and .850 with 3 rounds at 200 yards, Factory Barrel, Remington 700 SPS Varmint in .223 in a Stocky's stock and a Timney Hunter (Elite) trigger set at 2 lb---so with the tools and seating depth work I'll try to beat it. As far as what shot best in the .223 varmint so far, 55 gr. V-MAX flat based. The Nosler BT Varmint in same weight were everywhere with same powder charge. 1:12 twist rate limits the bullets I can use, to probably 60 gr. and under. Thanks for your videos, Sam.

[@QuantumMech_88]

I like this video a lot and there are still a few reloaders who use metal layout dye like Dykem or a Sharpie permanent marker on the chambered bullet to see some landing / rifling marks . Great video . Thanks and all the best .

[@happyhome41]

Just found this video (05 April 2022) and this is wonderful 'real-speak'. Thank you !

[@davemiller4852]

Really enjoyed the video. Every informative. Will use it on my first attempt to develop my 30.06 load.

[@contractor9391]

It's because of you that I am able to reload my ammo. Thank you sir!!!

[@CplSkiUSMC]

You can measure headspace on the special case for the OAL tool and measure the headspace on your fired brass then simply calculate the difference to adjust the base to ogive reading for your particular chamber.

[@codemannc704]

Thanks for the great content on your YT channel and webpage. I look forward to more precision reloading tips and videos.

[@ВладимирРязань-ъ8г]

Thanks

[@bronzehunter]

Thanks for a very good video on how to do this,you go into alot of detail and explain things that lots of other people miss,loved some of your other clips to.

[@jamie57061]

Thanks. Simple but amazingly effective. I hate doing this job with the comparator then take an average of 5. Yours is a more accurate way in my opinion. Not to keen on removing the extractor though.

[@thetexanoutdoors6670]

I sure enjoy learning from you. Im new at reloading rifles. Ive been reloading pistoles a while. You explain reloading in a way thats easy to understand. Im starting to load for a Savage 110 build for Antelope. You seem like a neighbor I could hang with for sure. Thanks for the videos from N Texas.

[@waynetomkins5584]

great video Sam , very easy to follows, keep up the good work, cheers Wayne.

[@ALDE3B4V3]

Excellent video !! I agree with everything you said. Its been my experience over the years as well. Thanks

[@jmrkx665]

Hi Sam, I just found and subscribed to your Channel. I like your approach on precision rifle topics and I'm excited to see more of your work. Cheers from Iowa!

[@762gunr]

Excellent video. I would like to know how you feel about utilizing max reasonable seating depth to increase case capacity and performance. Example would be my Savage 110 300WM using 208 Amax and H1000. I found that if I run single feed(.010 jump) I can easily load up to 79 grains and get no pressure signs. I assume this is more relevant to "magnum" cartridges using slow powder.It's true about Savage generally having a nice long magazine. The only round I've had to single feed to get close to the lands is in my Savage 110 300WM.

[@rustynut1967]

You should measure base to shoulder with a headspace comparator also, especially on a store bought modified case. You can then add or subtract that measurement from your resized brass to know exactly how far off the lands you are. New brass that's been modified could be .010"+- different (usually shorter) than your resized brass, throwing off your BTOL by the same amount.

[@scottupatree3356]

Great job on your videos, been looking at a mec and after I watched your video I got one on order. Keep up the good work.

[@Copelander]

So well laid out and easy to understand for us beginners. Thanks.

[@varmint223]

Sam you make sum good videos. Keep them coming

[@gennybogden5404]

Hey guy nice to meet you, nice to listen to you real good job with the video enjoy the heck out of it. Nice to hear somebody that knows what they're talking about. A lot of common sense , And makes a lot of sense. Thanks again keep doing those videos. 🇺🇸

[@johnbowman1052]

Thank You Sam for the clear concise info. I was in the process of working up a new load at the very time I saw the first of one of your videos and it answered all my questions. Now after some more steps into the process I have another question. What if you are using bullets that have a cannelure. Is it OK to ignore it and pass it by to get closer to the lands or should you stop at the cannelure and crimp the bullet. I use Sierra 168 BTHP Match bullets for match shooting but not hunting. I am working up a load for a hunting rifle in 270 now. What would your advice be or anyone for that matter that has experience with such matters.

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Ignore it. Seat them where you want.

[@hardybirch3630]

Excellent information and presentation, very informative and directly helpful. I am having difficulties doing this on a .223 Rem Ruger Predator using the Hornady tool and modified casing in that I get wildly differing results on each attempt. I took my time, very carefully executed each step, made sure the shoulder of the case was seated in the chamber, moved the rod forward with measured force, tightened the lock nut, and still got huge differences on each attempt. I finally stopped out of pure frustration. I accept that this is a tried, true and tested methodology which leads to the only variable, the grey matter between my left and right ears. Any and all advice would be welcomed.

[@troutzoolamontanaflyfishin490]

Thanks man, extremely informative especially to a beginner loader like I am and everything is spooky

[@erickg.7439]

You mentioned a valid point on the length of the throat vs magazine length. My AR10 has a magazine C.O.A.L of 2.80. However, using the hornady gauge I surmized the length to ogive @ 3.230. I will never be remotely close to .010 from the lands. Should I just concentrate on load development?

[@georgelza]

any chance you've created a play list of the reloading process, grouping them into video #1, do this, video #2 do this, #3 test load, and how where to cycle back to maybe, all the way to finished load dev, would also be interested in seeing what data you do record, for loads/load development...

[@wiggymccrackin8418]

Great job explaining the process. Thank you for posting

[@michaelc3541]

Great video Sam! Thank you for all of your educational videos... Well done!

[@jassonco]

Excellent! If it shoots, leave it alone.If doesn't shoot a SMK, there is a problem with the barrel.

[@762gunr]

I switched from SMK 2200's years ago when the Amax 168 came out. I just picked up for 168 Sierra TMK. Do they shoot any different than the old 168 2200's?

[@kennethgarrison521]

So, when your as your throat gets longer do you seat the bullet at the same length as you did when the throat was "new" or do you follow the throat and always keep the same amount of jump? If you chase the throat, how often do you check the throat?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

It depends on the barrel. I've seen them shoot well at the same CBOL for the life of the barrel. I usually follow the throat as it moves forward as long as the magazine allows it. I check them at 200 rounds, then every 500 after that.

[@gbrinfo]

Hi from France, thanks for your excellent video . I am using the hornady OAL gauge + hornady mod. cases in .308 . I made a first measure with a Hornady BTHP 168 grs and it worked like a dream for my B14 . But I had a kind of stress with Nosler Partition 175 grs HPBT and I think it's very long long to reach the land . I am a bit worried ...

[@stevenfox3618]

Thanks for an honest and well thought out video.

[@WILDBILLSOUTDOORS]

All my loading is for hunting, But like you said, I will abandon a bullet in a heartbeat if it's not grouping well out of my barrel! I've also had to abandon some powders as well.

[@chadeagon3395]

Sam, Thank you for awesome videos I am new to reloading and have learned a lot of valuable info on your website and videos.

[@nicsu2128]

Question. I often have to stick the cleaning rod down the barrel to push out the bullet stuck in the lands as I have bad “feel”. I never have an attachment on it during. Is that damaging? The end of the rod is bronze and the rest of it is carbon fiber. Even if I had it torqued, I would imagine I’d damage the bronze long before I I put a mark on the SS.

[@PanhandlePrecision]

No problem at all. I use the threaded end of my Dewey rod for the same thing.

[@nicsu2128]

@@PanhandlePrecision Great, thought I might have been doing it wrong all this time.. I’m enjoying your content. Been reloading for a couple years now. Only recently gotten into attempting precision reloading. I’m doing something terribly wrong and I’m determined to find out what.

[@jamesmiller360]

Thanks for an informative video. You answered several questions I've been having problems with.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Top information.. You've gut my sub. You know, there's no classroom for reloading. You're informative.

[@stockbulll]

My Sam, you mentioned to try a Sierra Bullet but one of the vanilla versions not a high BC version. Just curious why you suggest the vanilla version for that?

[@jeffgreene7951]

As always another great video! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@appiegreen759]

消してください。日本は禁止されてます、本当に迷惑けました

[@omnis01]

Thanks for doing these videos. They are well thought out, explained and incredibly helpful.

[@markbremerman4829]

How do you determine seating depth, powder, grains, bullets, to find your best load for said rifle? What do you change per factor to find best fit for rifle?

[@thorinscartoonchannel8132]

Do you do OCW first prior to looking for seating depth? If so, what distance from the lands do you start with to look for OCW? Thank you

[@pipedreams57]

To seat out long against the lands serves to build higher chamber pressures which is what crimping does for hunting rounds. Six of one, half dozen of the other. The advantage of the shorter round is that it will fire well in any rifle, not just the long range target rifle you are working on. I also found that the Teflon coated rounds help greatly to extend barrel life but they are not cheap.

[@catwrench3]

Great video. When your bullet stuck in the chamber while you were pushing the bullet against the lands, how did you know how far to push it back into the case to measure it with your caliper? I didn't understand that part of the video.

[@PanhandlePrecision]

catwrench3 When the bullet hits the rifling, you tighten the screw that locks the rod in place. After you get the bullet out of the chamber, just stick it back in the case up against the rod. That will be the same length as when it stuck in the barrel.

[@louisschneider469]

Thank you for this video. I'm going to start reloading 22 TCM rounds and there isn't much information at all. Armscor is the only company that makes the pistol and the ammo. They do sell reloading bullets but I'm interested in loading the Hornady 35g v-max which is a bit longer than the Armscor bullet. In order to get the round to feed through the magazine I'll need to seat the bullet deeper. Safety is my number one concern..... Again, thank you for the video.

[@robertmorphew724]

Louis Schneider

[@scottgorman7166]

Great video, as you mentioned to do not size the case to get neck tension but what about sizing the case and trimming to get the max case length or slightly less then use the CBTO? Thanks

[@Alberta_MTN_Bear]

Does your powder charge need to increase as the seating depth is adjusted to fit your chamber/mag?

[@AZGunner-mp7yx]

Always a life saver Sam, great video. 🤙🏼

[@ericparthenay4851]

Thanks Sam. I have a question. My reloads sometimes widen group over time. I noticed when I went to pull a bullet it was tight. Had to seat it a bit deeper to pull. My fresh reloads are easy to pull. I’m wondering if sticky bullets cause a different pressure giving me a different group. How do I fix this.

[@mqeqeshe1]

Hey Eric, the bullets sticking in the neck can affect powder ignition, velocity, and accuracy. There are several dry neck lubes you can use to solve this problem, such as hex boron nitride, graphite, mica, etc. Search your favorite reloading store for dry neck lube and you'll find what you need. I coat my bullets with the hex boron nitride (HBN) so that's what I have on hand to use for neck lube. I just get some of the powder on a Q-tip and lightly dust the neck of each case before charging with powder. The Imperial dry neck lube comes in a container with a bunch of small beads so you can just dip the neck in there and move it around to coat everything.

[@jimmyjamautrey]

when tweeking loads, do you try to manipulate the seating depth first or powder charge.....or does it matter

[@PanhandlePrecision]

James Autry I usually don’t change seating depth at all, or it shoots well across a wide range of depths. I spend most of my time on powder and bullet selection.

[@haroldtraen7768]

Hi Sam I am a long time reloader. Just starting to load for long range and more precision and have learned so much from your videos thank you. I am wondering were you get the target you use as would like to get some.

[@silencedogood433]

Thank you so much for making these videos! You are a wealth of knowledge.

[@freedomisgolf5816]

Thanks for this as my 270 does not like it to close to the lands and i made a huge adjustment after watching this and have a great grouping happening Sam I’m currently using 140 sst by Hornady as it does not like Nosler what is your suggestion with Berger please as never tried them and I’m willing to ry them as i need to start on my 6.5 creedmoor brilliant explanation so easy to listen to Also getting the right powder as ours in Aussie is different to yours any way you know to check this please cheers Clint Starting on your next lesson tonight

[@jumpenjackflash4964]

Hello thank you for the information. When you look at different charts and there’s a minimum amount of powder and a maximum amount of powder they also provide you with an OAL or COL. if you seat your bullet in the case at something deeper than what is suggested does that raise the pressure inside your bolt or breach? Most manufacturers unless their match grade bullets generally their depth is within .005 to .012. Also we’re looking at different reloading manufacturers suggested books, whether it’s Hornady, Hodgdons, or Lyman their suggested loads and their suggested deaths are always different. Do you need to be cautious in the variations when loading to the higher end of the load spectrum? Especially when you’re seating your bullet beyond the suggested over all length (OAL)

[@perskov9747]

Hi Panhandle Precision Thanks for your great videos. I just have a few questions that I want your opinion on. What is your position on coated projectiles vs. the opposite. If, for example, you shoot 6XC, which is a completely unique caliber and where cases are trimmed to 48.20 mm. how do i find out my tolerance on maximum case length. From which case length should I trim. These are Norma cases. Thanks again for your instructive videos. Per Skov Danmark.

[@milboltnut]

ditch the gauge and use a case with a slightly sized neck fireformed case. Strip bolt down to the body to get the correct feel of a formed case. You should be able to close the bolt with a slight resistance but not a hard bolt closure. I use a Lee Collet die to control the neck tension, to allow the right clearance when applying red lock tight for a dummy round. From there I use a Redding seater micro seating die.

[@contractor9391]

How do you keep track of throat? I think you said the throat of a gun will get burned out after a while. Thank for the video.

[@Thoseaboutto911]

What is the difference in the case buy and the one you make? What have you measured difference between them?

[@rogerluckin1797]

WHAT IS THAT LITTLE GADGET YOU HAVE ON YOUR DIGITAL CALIPERS? IT LOOKS A GREAT IMPROVEMENT OVER THE NORM

[@Marrio49]

Great video I like everything you do. Could you please do a video on how to remove the ejector and firing pin from a Savage 110 I noticed in this video you have a Savage I'm wondering if the bolts are the same thank you

[@JulioMo]

Wow! The man can teach! Thank you, sir

[@WingsnBones]

Does powder charge effect accuracy a good ammount in your opinion? Just got into reloading and learning about load development. Your videos help. Thanks.

[@PanhandlePrecision]

You bet. The effect it has varies according to case capacity, burn rate, bullet weight, etc.