Minimum seating depth for a .308?

[gr460]

What is the minimum amount of bearing surface allowable to safely seat a .308? I read that the standard answer is the diameter of the bullet, but was wondering if it is safe to a go any less. Thanks.

 

[Ritten]

It will depend on the bullet. I've gone much less than .308 when loading out to the lands in a factory 700 chamber with a 175gr SMK.

 

[rp85]

hello;

have reloaded the 308win. for 40 years.

one i have will not accept a cartridge with an o.a.l. over 2.8" the other will allow slightly longer cartridge o.a.l. per manuals 2.8" is max o.a.l. you can try and seat the bullet out farther but the chamber will allow only so much more.

suggest you leave a min of .020" between cartridge o.a.l. vs. what ever is the max length of cartridge in the chamber.

bullets need a little jump, if the bullet is against the lands you will get extream high pressure. learned that lesson the hard way.

rp