.308 165gr BTSP Sierra Gameking

[Californio]

The manual calls for 2.75 OAL, anyone push it up to 2.80 OAL? What are you results?

Thanks

[5968]

I have the 168s to 2.778 backed with 42 grs of IMR 4240 shooting excellent results.

[EOD3]

The maximum COL is there to keep you from loading ammo with the bullet in contact with the rifling. I know we're only talking .05 inches but, if it's a little too long, chamber pressure can skyrocket. Measure your chamber and then decide what length you can safely load.

[Californio]

The maximum COL is there to keep you from loading ammo with the bullet in contact with the rifling. I know we're only talking .05 inches but, if it's a little too long, chamber pressure can skyrocket. Measure your chamber and then decide what length you can safely load.

I am driving tacks with GMM308 168SMK at 2.80 OAL, the Gameking is similar in design, slightly shorter. I was wondering about the performance of setting it at 2.80 instead of 2.75 OAL.

[EOD3]

The Nosler reloading manual has advice on determining the optimum? seating depth for a specific rifle/projectile combination. Your rifle MAY group better with the projectile seated closer to the lands but, you must be certain the projectile IS NOT TOUCHING the lands.

[nothing4u]

I am driving tacks with GMM308 168SMK at 2.80 OAL, the Gameking is similar in design, slightly shorter. I was wondering about the performance of setting it at 2.80 instead of 2.75 OAL.

Size your brass, and trim to length. Load the dummy round with no powder and primer at 2.8 and see if it chambers without resistance. Make sure it fits into your magazine at that length. Thats the only way you will know for sure if the bullet is jamming into the lands. As the previous poster said bullets tend to be more accurate when loaded to near the lands. But chances are if you do this it will probably not fit in your magazine and you will have to single load each round.

[TwoDogs]

Depends on your chamber. Most of my Remington barrels have chambers that can handle 2.830. One i load to 2.880. I fire it single shot but it is that long.

[hylander]

The manual calls for 2.75 OAL, anyone push it up to 2.80 OAL? What are you results?

Thanks

Yes; Sub 1/2 MOA from a Rem 700 VLS and a Ruger 77

My Load:
Sierra 165 BTSP, also 168 Matchking BTHP
39gr. 3031
Win Brass
Win. LRP
OCL 2.80