Developing a Custom Load | Guns & Gear Bonus Tip

Published on March 26, 2024
Duration: 7:26

This video demonstrates the 'old school' method for determining the optimal bullet seating depth in custom rifles by finding the rifling contact point. It involves marking the bullet's ogive with ink, chambering it, and observing where the rifling leaves marks. This process helps create a reference round for consistent handloads, with a recommendation to seat bullets at least 0.020 inches off the rifling for safety.

Quick Summary

The 'old school' method for determining bullet seating depth in custom rifles involves marking the bullet's ogive with ink, chambering it, and observing rifling marks. This allows for precise adjustments to ensure consistent projectile engagement with the rifling, crucial for accuracy. A safe seating depth is typically at least 0.020 inches back from the rifling.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Customizing Bullet Seating Depth
  2. 00:18Kent from Hodgdon Powders
  3. 00:33Old School Method Explained
  4. 00:47Custom vs. Mass Manufactured Rifles
  5. 01:02Gunsmithing Preferences in Chamber Cuts
  6. 01:30Initial Bullet Seating and Measurement
  7. 02:03Marking the Bullet Ogive
  8. 02:24Chambering for Rifling Marks
  9. 02:51First Chambering Test Results
  10. 03:20Analyzing Rifling Marks and Deformation
  11. 04:01Re-marking and Adjusting Seating Depth
  12. 04:13Optimal Seating Depth Considerations
  13. 05:00Second Seating Depth Adjustment
  14. 05:26Second Chambering Test Results
  15. 05:46Final Check for Marks
  16. 06:03Creating a Reference Round
  17. 06:30Overall Length vs. Seating Depth
  18. 06:46Finishing Bullet Seating
  19. 06:59Accuracy Testing Implications
  20. 07:12Finding Rifling: The Old School Way
  21. 07:15More Gun Talk Content

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'old school' method for determining bullet seating depth in custom rifles?

The 'old school' method involves marking the bullet's ogive with ink, chambering it in the rifle, and observing where the rifling leaves marks. This indicates the point of contact, allowing for precise seating depth adjustments for optimal performance.

Why is finding the correct bullet seating depth important for custom rifles?

Correct bullet seating depth ensures the projectile engages the rifling consistently without excessive pressure. In custom rifles, this allows for fine-tuning to the specific barrel's throat, maximizing accuracy and potentially improving ballistic performance.

What is a recommended safe distance for bullet seating back from the rifling?

It is generally recommended to seat bullets at least 0.020 inches back from the rifling. This provides a safety margin to prevent over-pressure issues that can arise from barrel expansion during firing, especially with sustained shooting.

How can you tell if a bullet is too long for the chamber when determining seating depth?

If the bullet deforms slightly upon chambering, particularly with soft copper projectiles, and shows significant rifling marks, it indicates that the bullet is too long and is being forced into the rifling, which can lead to dangerous pressure spikes.

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