Originally Posted by Al_Nyhus
Originally Posted by Jordan Smith
Al, I’m guessing this was directed at me.


Not at all, Jordan. smile More of an observation on the bigger picture of things here.


Originally Posted by Jordan Smith
In my above post, I was asking and wanting to discuss in good faith. I’ve certainly experienced what I described above (many times), so I wanted to get your take, as well.

Jordan, my initial suggestions had nothing to do with magazine length limitations. If the chamber is throated correctly for bullet being used, mag. length is a distant 3rd. on the list of importance.

If, on the other hand, mag. length is the dimension around which everything else has to work, then you make other compromises. Work the problem backward from that. Or do what it takes to correct the mag. length issue so you don't have to compromise on the throat.

I've already gone further on this than I should have. Or will going forward. A smart guy once told me that after about 5 replies to any question here, things start circling the drain.....a pretty accurate observation.

Good shootin' Jordan. smile -Al
My mistake, Al. Thanks for the reply.

I completely agree. This is not a new thing we're discussing, but it's something that many haven't thought much about. Within a given weight class, a shorter bullet typically has a shorter-radius ogive that results in a shorter bullet body base-to-ogive length. When comparing bullets in very different weight classes, however, I agree that the shorter bullet certainly requires a shorter throat. 'Stick has posted lots of good photos comparing bullet BTO, but here's a pic illustrating same. The bullets are aligned where the ogive meets the bullet body (ogive reaches 0.224" diameter).

L-to-R, all .224": 40 gr Sierra HP, 50 gr Rem PSP, 55 gr SP, 69 gr Scenar, 69 gr MK, 75 gr ELD-M

[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

Assuming the bullet body should stay at or above the case shoulder/neck junction, when comparing against the 75 ELD, both the 69 Scenar and MK require a longer throat to just contact the lands. When going down in weight significantly, the 55 gr SP and 75 ELD require similar throat lengths, but the 40 HP and 50 SP both need a shorter throat than the 75 ELD.