Reloading .308 a few questions. COAL

As stated above, once you have found Your Max OAL with your choice of bullet , reduce that OAL by a few thousands (I reduce by .015) to start. Then begin your load development by starting with a low powder charge and working up.

Remember, this Max OAL you found is specific to your rifle and THAT particular bullet weight and design. Changing bullets will change your Max OAL.

BTW, the OAL listed in the manuals are only a reference letting the handloader know what was used during testing. It is in no way a requirement. Some manuals do not even list tested OAL it is that unimportant to the handloader.

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