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Level is not even in all cases. We now have a loading block full of charged cases, and are ready to seat our bullets. The next question is how far do we seat the bullet into the case. In reloading manuals you will find the Over-All-Length (OAL) for each cartridge and bullet type. This OAL is set to safety fit and function in all firearms of that cartridge type. We want our cartridge to safety fit and function in only one rifle. (Warning; Do not use ammunition that is made for one rifle, in any other firearm.) So how do we find the OAL for our rifle? If your rifle has a magazine, you are limited to a length that will fit and function through the magazine. If your rifle is a single shot or a magazine feed rifle but you are willing to load one round at a time, you will not be limited as to the OAL of a cartridge. I believe that most rifles will shot their best when the bullet is somewhere from being pressed into the lands (5 to 10 thousandths) to as much as 20 thousandths off of the lands. Only through shooting deferent OAL will you be able to find the best length.
You will run into two different problems when trying to find the OAL for your rifle. First the bullets vary in length; if you measure the bullet from tip to base, but if you measure the bullet from the base to the ogive it will measure almost the same. (ogive : The bullet's curved forward portion) A little gadget call a bullet comparator, allows the reloader to use the bullet's ogive when measuring the OAL. This gives you a more accurate and consistent method for measuring the OAL of a cartridge.
This bring us to the second problem. Where is the bullet in relationship to the rifle lands? The old methods; like polishing a bullet to see if there are any land marks on it, or using a cleaning rod to find the OAL of a cartridge, are not good enough. Stoney Point Company makes a tool called the Over-All Length Gauge. This gauge allows you to accurately measure the OAL of the cartridge with the bullet in light contact with the lands of your rifle.
By using both the bullet comparator and the over all length gauge, you will be able to find the exact OAL for your cartridge to touch the lands of your rifle. This measurement is used as a reference point. I subtract .010 thousandths off of this measurement to get your starting OAL, only through experimenting will you be able to determine the OAL that will give you the best accuracy in your rifle. If you change to a different bullet, use your OAL gauge to get new measurement and start all over again. (Caution; anytime you change a component or setting, reduce loads at least 10% , and work up slowly while watching for signs of excess pressure.)
With the OAL for are cartridge, were ready to seat our bullets. You can use the bullet seating die that comes with your die set, or buy a Benchrest Bullet Seating Die. You can load amazingly accurate ammunition with either one. I like the benchrest seating die because they have a micrometer in the head of the die. This takes the guest work out of adjusting seating depth. If you use your standard seating die, just take your time and move the seating stem in small increments. When seating bullets I like to seat them in increments of 1/3 rd at a time, while turning the cartridge in the shell holder a 1/3 rd each time. This will help to insure that the cartridge has as little run out as possible.
I have not mention anything about applying a crimp. If your ammunition is to be used in a rifle with a tubular magazine, go ahead and apply a crimp. If not let the friction between the bullet and the case hold the bullet in place.
You are now holding a complete cartridge that is tailored made to fit your rifle. This is the bare minimum that you have to do to get the best accuracy from your rifle. Most reloaders have read enough to be safe reloaders, some have read just enough to be dangerous, we have all seen one of these guys at the range. If you are not ready to invest the time and money that it takes to make quality ammunition, just buy the cheapest factory stuff you can find. It will be as good as your reloads and you didn't waste hours making it. If your still reading I hope that you see why I made the statement that most reloaders should not reload.
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