When loading up some Berger 80.5's for my .223 service rifle I found the OAL's measured to the lands (Compass Lake chamber, Krieger barrel) to be all over the map- over .010" different from bullet to bullet. Of course similar result after seating the bullets into the case. I see a little variation from SMK's and almost none with Nosler CC's. The SMK's and Noslers both perform better than I can. Have not yet shot the Bergers but may get to the range tomorrow.
I was thinking Bergers were supposed to be one of the best, but I find the variation in bullet shape / length concerning. Anyone else use Bergers? What has been your experience with them? I need to go back and weigh a few of these too- hopefully the variance doesn't carry over to the weight as well. I loaded a couple different lengths to test for accuracy but am avoiding bringing these too close to the lands due to this issue.
Putting this in the Competition forum rather than general reloading to hopefully filter responses to those who know the intended purpose of the loads.
I was thinking Bergers were supposed to be one of the best, but I find the variation in bullet shape / length concerning. Anyone else use Bergers? What has been your experience with them? I need to go back and weigh a few of these too- hopefully the variance doesn't carry over to the weight as well. I loaded a couple different lengths to test for accuracy but am avoiding bringing these too close to the lands due to this issue.
Putting this in the Competition forum rather than general reloading to hopefully filter responses to those who know the intended purpose of the loads.