Les in Wyoming
Well-Known Member
OK, the way I used to do it is by resizing a cartridge and barely seating a bullet. Then slowly closing the bolt and locking down. This pushes the bullet to "Jam." Then I got a fancy cartridge seating depth gage. I have had a horrible time finding a seating depth for Nosler bullets. None were accurate. Then I compared my old "jam" method and found there to be a big difference in COAL measurement. As much as .032. Now I am confused. But wait, there's more. I was trying to find jam with Berger bullets. They are also different from the cartridge seating depth gauge, but unlike the Noslers, they vary among themselves. Doing 7 empty cases with long seated bullets, the Bergers vary as much as .050. The Noslers vary only .005 and I got a couple that were the same.
I measure with CBTO gauge and COAL with calipers. Every one of those bullets has marks showing they engaged the lands. How in the world can you know which is right? What am I doing wrong? I sure would appreciate input. Thanks.
I measure with CBTO gauge and COAL with calipers. Every one of those bullets has marks showing they engaged the lands. How in the world can you know which is right? What am I doing wrong? I sure would appreciate input. Thanks.