Thread: Correct cartridge length

Hi, I received a 308 Lee Loader Classic for Christmas and went to the local Hunting and Fishing shop for powder, primers, and projectiles. They gave me AR2206H, 12 30 cal Hornady 150gr Interbond projectiles and the No 200 CCI primers. I see I use 43 grains of this power and loaded 6 rounds without a problem. The overall length of my rounds are 70mm or 2.747 inches. I though as long as they are 2.8 inches or less they are fine. I then see there is minimum lengths as well or should they just be 2.8 inches exact? I see the Winchester rounds I use are 2.7 inches but different powder of course.
Am I ok with the size I have used?
Thanks,

Do they chamber in your rifle? If so then ok. Having them shorter won't (I believe) make any difference apart from maybe accuracy. Seating them further to the lands may help accuracy but pressures can increase so be careful working up speeds and pressures.
Others here are far more capable of giving a more educated opinion, safety is not a negotiable variable.
May I ask why you loaded so short in the first place?-Magazine length?
How have they been accuracy wise or haven't you fired yet, hence the question?

Originally Posted by Danny

Do they chamber in your rifle? If so then ok. Having them shorter won't (I believe) make any difference apart from maybe accuracy. Seating them further to the lands may help accuracy but pressures can increase so be careful working up speeds and pressures.
Others here are far more capable of giving a more educated opinion, safety is not a negotiable variable.
May I ask why you loaded so short in the first place?-Magazine length?
How have they been accuracy wise or haven't you fired yet, hence the question?

Hi, thanks for you reply. I haven't tried them yet. The projectiles are quite tapered so front and back so I wanted the neck of the cartridge to be on the most parallel part of the projectile hence the length the ended up at. I though the 2.8 inches was just a maximum length. The projectiles have a red plastic tip. I don't think I'll get them again. Luckily I just bought a sample pack of 12.
Cheers,

I am sure you'd be fine mate as long as your not to close maximum loads to start with. I am in no way am expert but I live and learn.

Here is a good read that might answer some of your concerns.

Effects of COAL and CBTO | Part 1 | Berger Bullets Blog

http://www.bergerbullets.com/effects...e-cbto-part-2/

Originally Posted by 10-Ring

Here is a good read that might answer some of your concerns.

Effects of COAL and CBTO | Part 1 | Berger Bullets Blog

Effects of COAL and CBTO | Part 2 | Berger Bullets Blog

Thanks, those articles look really good. I'll have a read.
Cheers,