03-14-2014, 06:47 PM
Definitions of cartridge lengths and component lengths:
COL: Cartridge Overall Length
COAL: Cartridge OverAll Length (same as above)
OAL: Overall Length (same thing again)
Hogdon uses C.O.L.
Speer uses COAL
LEE uses OAL
Lyman uses OAL
Hornady uses C.O.L.
Sierra uses C.O.A.L.
Lapua uses C.O.L.
Case length: length of the case only
Projectile length: length of the projectile base to tip
Ogive length varies with manufacturing. Comparator gauges can be used for determining distance to the lands, but there will be variance, especially with secant and VLD pills.
Hornady has no such reference to COAL that indicates a comparator. Look through any Hornady Reloading Manual and find a reference to that. COAL = COL.
COL: Cartridge Overall Length
COAL: Cartridge OverAll Length (same as above)
OAL: Overall Length (same thing again)
Hogdon uses C.O.L.
Speer uses COAL
LEE uses OAL
Lyman uses OAL
Hornady uses C.O.L.
Sierra uses C.O.A.L.
Lapua uses C.O.L.
Case length: length of the case only
Projectile length: length of the projectile base to tip
Ogive length varies with manufacturing. Comparator gauges can be used for determining distance to the lands, but there will be variance, especially with secant and VLD pills.
Hornady has no such reference to COAL that indicates a comparator. Look through any Hornady Reloading Manual and find a reference to that. COAL = COL.