Clod Stomper Wrote:Like I first posted, I'm not a benchrest shooter. I just want to be able to load to mag length and go.
Outside of .223 / 5.56, I'm not sure you can safely do this on any of the AR-15 alternate calibers.
IE: You really need to learn to measure the right seating depth for your rifle. LR1995 has documented the poor man's loc & load. I used a dowel or cleaning rod of all things to get me close. There are multiple methods that will work.
I don't believe you have three rifles with unfinished throats, so it'd be worth confirming and takes 5-10 minutes max.
Once you do it, that becomes your standard seating depth. With three rifles, you'll have to compromise a bit if they have different throats. Both of mine are AA or AA licensed reamers, so the throat variance is so small it's not worth sweating.
I, like you, have been reloading decades. But not for AR-15's, and I have to say when you are pushing the envelop with grendel, spc, etc, you have to pay more attention with the gas guns. Bolt actions, just not an issue. The mags are long enough, the leverage when closing the bolt is high enough that it's almost impossible to seat them too long. I think they also tend to have different throats. (I'm sure there are bolt guns that are pickier with throats, but it's not your typical rack model 70/700/77/110.
I'll also say that there are dimensional constraints with the Grendel & similar that lead some bullets to have problems where others do not. The 123g SMK was problematic for me, as were 120g AMAX's. The 120g SMK and 123g AMAX's have been fine. As have Speer 120g Hotcores. No surprise on the 123g AMAX, as it was largely designed for the Grendel. Or at least with it in mind.