Question on OAL

[alexisjohnson]

So i'm here trying to load some Berrys 115 grainers with some HS 6. There is no plated data for the berrys plated but there is leaded RN data.

The one thing that kind of threw is that the OAL is listed as being 1.1.

When i seated the bullet to 1.1, it just looks super short. I know that the deeper the bullet is seated, the higher the pressure. Any advice on what is best to do here? Is it better for accuracy to have an OAL of 1.1 or is it better if i back it out all the way to 1.16?

Just trying to understand how this whole thing works!

[Cheep]

I use 1.1" for 115 but not HS-6.

[slayer61]

I use HS-6 with Xtreme bullets (also plated) but I load them to 1.15"... If that's any help.

Start by loading them long and doing a "plunk test" and shorten up as needed to go plunk.

[Bill Steele]

A lead or plated bullet with the same profile is going to be pretty close to each other length wise.

The 1.10" is there as a minimum OAL for that load data at maximum charge weight. That is, Hodgdon is saying when they tested the load, at that OAL and bullet, with a maximum charge weight specified, they recorded the pressures listed.

it is not implied that you should load that short or that accuracy or function will be improved by loading that short, it just explicitly lists that at max charge and that minimum OAL they got that result.

Loading longer for function or accuracy is fine, these are things you need to find out with your own gun and load work ups.

[dsouza411]

I use HS-6 with Xtreme bullets (also plated) but I load them to 1.15"... If that's any help.

Start by loading them long and doing a "plunk test" and shorten up as needed to go plunk.

Exactly the same OAL I use for 9mm. Only difference is 124 gr Xtreme over HS-6 or Power Pistol.

[alexisjohnson]

Are there any benefits to loading long OAL? For example, my handgun has no issues feeding a 115 grain at 1.155 (which is what the factory ammo) loads are at.

I"m assuming the longer the OAL, the lower the pressure and also the lower the velocity (so theoretically, the accuracy should be less as well)?

What do you guys typically do...longer OAL or shorter for accuracy?

[pacrat]

Are there any benefits to loading long OAL? For example, my handgun has no issues feeding a 115 grain at 1.155 (which is what the factory ammo) loads are at.

I"m assuming the longer the OAL, the lower the pressure and also the lower the velocity (so theoretically, the accuracy should be less as well)?
What do you guys typically do...longer OAL or shorter for accuracy?

Not a safe "assumption" to make. Increased velocity does not directly correlate to increased accuracy. Sometimes increased velocity with a given bullet in a given firearm will make the bullets destabilize and fly wonky.

Guns, like Wimmens each have their own personal prefferences. "Manuals" are references not carved in stone absolutes.

You as a reloader have to do your own testing to find what works best in your gun.

Enjoy the ride.

JM2c