OAL For Factory Hornady SST and A-Max 123gr

[TropicalVibe]

Quick question for the Horde...

Does anyone have the base to ogive lengths for these two factory loads?

Regards,
TV

[Jakal]

My notes show an ogive of 1.672 for factory 123gr SST.

[TropicalVibe]

Thank you, Jakal!

[Cornbread]

what is the base to tip average coal?

[Jakal]

2.248-2.251 COAL. plastic tips vary somewhat

[Cornbread]

Thanks. Just shot a bunch for barrel break in and forgot to measure some for refference.

[rg1]

My factory 123 Hornady A-Max overall length is 2.244-2.246".

[TropicalVibe]

Thanks rg1

[wheelguner]

Curious

Jakal,

I am curious what tool are you using to make this measurement.
I use the Sinclair Sinclair Bullet Comparator (6.5) and I am getting 1.5365 to 1.5455 on different lots of Hornady Factory 123gr AMAX. I have never purchased any factory loaded SST's so I can't offer any measurements of them.
The image I attached was made with the lot showing the shorter end of the range. The insert holder and base stage stay on that dedicated caliper.
The OAL numbers are right in line with what I am getting. OAL reading should agree with only the tolerance of the ammo and minor differences in calipers. As you noted the plastic tips do tend to vary.
I learned a long time ago that different brands of tools give different numbers so I always treat them as reference rather than absolute numbers.

[Drillboss]

Jakal,

I am curious what tool are you using to make this measurement.
I use the Sinclair Sinclair Bullet Comparator (6.5) and I am getting 1.5365 to 1.5455 on different lots of Hornady Factory 123gr AMAX. I have never purchased any factory loaded SST's so I can't offer any measurements of them.
The image I attached was made with the lot showing the shorter end of the range. The insert holder and base stage stay on that dedicated caliper.
The OAL numbers are right in line with what I am getting. OAL reading should agree with only the tolerance of the ammo and minor differences in calipers. As you noted the plastic tips do tend to vary.
I learned a long time ago that different brands of tools give different numbers so I always treat them as reference rather than absolute numbers.

I'll jump in here, just because I can. My Hornady comparator measures 1.665", with the 26 insert. From your picture, your Sinclair reaches a lot closer to the mouth of the case.

[wheelguner]

Fyi

Drillboss,
You have a well calibrated eyeball. After I read your reply I looked at the set of used Hornady Inserts that I picked up at a gunshow (I pick up used reloading stuff when I find it) and measured some Factory AMAX with the 26 and the avg of 10 rounds was 1.677". That is well within the variance I have seen in factory ammo.
This just reinforces my belief that you really can't/shouldn't use other peoples measurements.
I also just re-read an article published on Berger Bullets site and written by Brian Litz and thougt the folks reading this thread might like so I have attached a pdf of it.

[Jakal]

Wheelgunner,

I am using a Hornady .26 Comparator. Drillboss might have something there because my comparator is riding higher than yours. I'm not sure if the ogive is built the same for the AMAXs and SSTs. There might be just enough difference that the 2 bullets will need their own measurement. I don't run AMAX's, just 123 grain SST's and Lapua 123 grain Scenars.

[Drillboss]

I should have specified earlier, but the 1.665" was with a factory AMAX round. I got 1.679" with a factory SST round today. And yes, I think we've confirmed that you probably don't want to use other folks measurements except as a rough reference.

[LRRPF52]

The ogive is different on the 123gr AMAX and 123gr SST. The 123gr SST doesn't have as gradual of a transition from the shank to the ogive like the AMAX does.

This will cause different readings with base to ogive measurements.

[wheelguner]

Thanks for the reply.