01-20-2014, 09:31 PM
Here is what I see to be the issue in a nutshell: SAAMI dimensions for chambers are the minimum for which a barrel may be stamped with the relevant cartridge name. SAAMI dimensions for cartridges are the maximum allowable for the ammunition be be headstamped with the cartridge name.
If a factory load will not chamber in one's rifle one or both of two things are at play: The chamber is out of spec, or the ammunition is out of spec.
In either event, DO NOT try to shoot factory ammunition that won't chamber without a lot of help. Your pressures will be higher and can be dangerous. The added velocity is not worth the risk.
My advice: Try more than one brand or lot of factory ammunition. Then return the barrel to the manufacturer with a description of which ammo fits and which doesn't. If only one flavor of ammo gives trouble this way, contact the ammunition manufacturer.
The SAAMI standard means they are obliged to make the dimensions right, else their liability exposure skyrockets. None of us wants a KABOOM, and the manufacturers are even less interested in having to pay for the results.
If a factory load will not chamber in one's rifle one or both of two things are at play: The chamber is out of spec, or the ammunition is out of spec.
In either event, DO NOT try to shoot factory ammunition that won't chamber without a lot of help. Your pressures will be higher and can be dangerous. The added velocity is not worth the risk.
My advice: Try more than one brand or lot of factory ammunition. Then return the barrel to the manufacturer with a description of which ammo fits and which doesn't. If only one flavor of ammo gives trouble this way, contact the ammunition manufacturer.
The SAAMI standard means they are obliged to make the dimensions right, else their liability exposure skyrockets. None of us wants a KABOOM, and the manufacturers are even less interested in having to pay for the results.