Minimum Freebore

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:28 pm Post subject: Minimum Freebore

I'm working on coyote loads for the .243 Win now that I seem to have the woodchuck load worked out. I came across a good deal on 3 boxes of Sierra 85 gr HPBT(#1530) bullets that were thrown in with another deal (5 bucks a box). My woodchuck loads are at near maximum length for the bullet used (2.650" but I might try to cheat them out another .005"-.010") Since I have the additional bullet length to work with using the 85 gn bullets, I started with the bullet .020 off the rifling (using the Stoney Point OAL gauge and comparator), but was wondering how close to the rifling can I SAFELY set the bullet? I understand that everyones rifle is different I'm just looking for a good "rule of thumb" distance to start with.

As always, any help is greatly appreciated!

Morax · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 8:07 pm Post subject: Re: Minimum Freebore

some say you can accually start them into the rifling, i personlly dont like that idea, i keep mine a hair out, 2.65 BUT this is also with 75gr vmaxers...

bradking1 · Member Joined: Mar 03, 2005 Posts: 53

i used to shoot some 60gr sierra HP's on the lands...rewarded with super tight groups... 3/8" @ 100 meters for 5 shots Very Happy

Bushmaster · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: Minimum Freebore

You can run them right up to the lands. I would concider that into the lands can cause higher chamber pressures. Some rifles need that little bit of bullet jump to get started. I set my .30-06 165 grain Sierra HPBT at .005" off the lands and have had good results. It requires you to experiment until you find what works for you and your rifle...It's part of the fun of reloading...

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:03 pm Post subject: Re: Minimum Freebore

The best group I managed from the first three loadings was just under 2". The next "batch" will all be .010 longer, and I'll take it from there.

Is it dangerous to set the bullet into the lands?

I thought I read somewhere to avoid doing this.

Thanks for the help!

Bushmaster · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 10:01 am Post subject: Re: Minimum Freebore

Yes...It can cause high chamber pressures...

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: Minimum Freebore

So would .005 offa the lands be a good stopping point? Or should I stop at .010?

Bushmaster · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:35 pm Post subject: Re: Minimum Freebore

What you are looking for is accuracy. If you are getting good accuracy as you reduce the distance from the lands continue until you start to see no improvement in accuracy. As I said I achieved what I was looking for at .005" +/- .001" off the lands with my rifle. What and when you will achieve what you are looking for is up to you (component selection and loading skills) and your rifle...

1895ss · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:18 pm Post subject: Re: Minimum Freebore

"Most" of my rifles shoot best with the bullet approx .010 from touching the lands. There are exceptions and for those one must reduce the powder charge before seating bullets that close. I load for my brother in-laws .270 and it prefers bullets seated touching the lands and "very near" max loads with no high pressure signs.

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:35 am Post subject: Re: Minimum Freebore

Thanks for the help guys!