How is cartridge overall length measured?

The overall length (OAL) of an ammunition cartridge is a measurement from the base of the brass shell casing to the tip of the bullet, seated into the brass casing. Cartridge overall length, or “COL”, is important to safe functioning of reloads in firearms.

What thread is Hornady OAL gauge?

The Hornady OAL gauge tool uses 5/16″ x 36 TPI threading. You can find these taps on Amazon, like this one: For drills, I use a small drill to get the primer drilled out and the hole started. Any drill around 3/16″ should work.

What are Hornady modified cases used for?

Hornady Lock-n-Load Modified Cases are specially modified to work with Lock-N-Load Precision gauges. A special fine thread is used on this Hornady reloading tool to attach it to the gauge, ensuring that it remains perfectly square for precise alignment in the chamber of your firearm.

What is a bullet ogive?

But what is an ogive profile? Simply defined, it’s the curved portion of a bullet forward of the bearing surface. Because a flat cylinder is undesirable for exterior ballistic reasons, rifle bullets have on of three ogives or “point profiles”: flat nose (FN), round nose (RN) or pointed (spitzer).

What is a reloading comparator?

The comparator attaches to any caliper and measures cartridges from 17 to 45 caliber. When used in conjunction with the Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length Gauge (Sold Separately) you will able to determine the exact bullet seating depth for the ultimate precision.

Why is cartridge overall length important?

The primary effect of loading a cartridge long is that it leaves more internal volume inside the cartridge. This extra internal volume has a well known effect; for a given powder charge, there will be less pressure and less velocity produced because of the extra empty space.

What does a bullet comparator do?

Gauge, the Bullet Comparator provides the ultimate in precision measurement. The Bullet Comparator will properly align the O.A.L. Gauge for precise measurement using a caliper. This method allows direct comparison of your loads as you set up your bullet seating die for any selected bullet free-travel (jump).

What does CBTO mean in reloading?

Cartridge Base to Ogive
Cartridge Base to Ogive (CBTO) is the measurement from the base of a loaded round to a specific point on the ogive (nose) of a bullet. When loading at home, you generally use a set of calipers and an ogive comparator tool to find what the CBTO would be.

How far should a bullet be from the lands?

Most bullets shoot most accurately when seated to within . 035 inch to . 015 inch of touching the lands. Many benchrest shooters like them just kissing the lands.

What is a progressive reloading press?

A progressive reloading press is the most complex of the three kinds of reloading press. A progressive press will perform several actions with each pull of the lever and it will automatically index (turn) the shell plate to move your rounds to the next position. This means that you will produce one completed round with each pull of the lever.

Which Lee progressive press should I buy?

Another affordable reloading press from Lee, the Pro 4000 Progressive Press costs less than what you’d pay for a top-of-the-range single press, making it an ideal choice for your first progressive press. If you’re new to progressive presses, then this is a doubly good option considering how easy it is to set up and use.

What is the Lee Precision breech lock pro progressive press?

The Lee Precision Breech Lock Pro Progressive Press is a completely new concept that costs even less than the average single reloading press. The reloading press comes with a four-station shell plate that fits the standard Lee Precision four-die set and is relatively easy to use.

How does the Lee Precision Pro 4000 reloading press work?

The modular construction of the Lee Precision Pro 4000 Progressive Press kits allows you to manually turn your cartridge through each stage of reloading or to simply rely on the auto-indexing. One of the more low key features of this reloading press is the wooden roller handle.