I finally started reloading again after 20 years, this time on my own equipment, but I need to clarify What is the Max C.O.L. mean?

Also my handy RCBS funnel allows the powder to cling to the sides so quite a bit is stuck in it. What do I do about this

Cartridge Overall Length, mainly important where the cartridge is being used in a box magazine (rifle) ie. clip, or cylinder (revolver.)

As experienced reloaders know, in custom rifles as well as many single shot pistols, the OAL can be played with quite a bit, with the same (as well as different) bullets, to get the best accuracy.

C.O.L is "cartridge overall length".

It is important really in all cartridges. All bullets, even those of the same weight, are not the same. It is wise to use the C.O.L recommended for the exact bullet you are using if possible. If not, you could potentially end up with more bullet inside the case, thus raising pressures to dangerous levels.

As to the powder sticking in plastic funnels, yeah it happens. Usually just a shake breaks it free. Some powders seem to cling worse than others.

Dan

I did think of the dryer sheet but I think there is a coating on the and didn't want to mess up the powder with the chemicals

Dryer sheet works great for clinging powder.

you wash the funnel with dish detergent and dry.

cartridge over all length....you seat the bullet to fit the gun. if it is a magazine fed weapon, you are restricted to the max length the magazine will allow. straight wall cases in a revolver, you seat the bullet to the cannelure/crimp groove. single shots, you seat the bullet out near the rifling for best chance at accuracy.
what the reloading manual lists as max c.o.l. has no bearing on how your load(that fits your gun) will actually measure in length. you work up in powder charge from a safe starting position in the charts of the manual.

read the reloading manuals........

I'm reloading 44 mag right now and as for the C.O.L. I matched a Winchester Factory round. I think I will lengthen then the next ones though since the can. groove is just barely showing

Best advice yet....

Night,

Seating the bullet further out of the case, in the 44 Mag will decrease pressure, assuming 2 things, all other variables are the same ( powder and wt., primer, case, and case length ), and the bullet does not engage the rifling in the leade. Seating a specific bullet differing distances from the leade will determine the "sweet" sot for the load and gun. One should not decrease the depth below the minimum recommended depth, as high pressures can result. This point was stated above.

Doc

In my book there is no min. col, there are case trim and max lengths but that is all, so should they be loaded to the max col or just under?

it would help if you posted what cartridge and gun you are loading for.

Night,

The minimum lengths are not usually listed; however, the manuals will caution you to insure the the bullet is not seated too deeply into the case ( 9x19, 40 S&W, 45 GAP, 45 ACP, 1' auto cartridges ). For the 44 mag, in a revolver, not single shots, it is most convenient to use the cannelure. The does several things, gives a uniform COL, assuming cases are the same length; AND, it allows a tight crimp to insure ignition of the "hotter" powders, Lil' Gun, H110, WW296. Some bullets have 2 cannelures, eg. Speer 300 gr UniCor. The book recommends using the lower cannelure for most revolvers and the upper for rifles and Dan Wesson and others with shorter cylinders and/or tight chamber throats. See Speer manual #14. The maxCOL generally is with the bullet seated and crimped in the cannelure, manufacturer specific. Are you using a revolver ( what brand ) or single shot?

Doc

Colt Anaconda loads are 180grn hornandy XTP and blue dot powder

1.6" is where the hornady manual shows the 180gr xtp's max c.o.l. thats where i'd seat it to n apply a firm crimp into the cannelure. i'd make sure all cases were trimmed to length to ensure consistency. i use the 240's, which seat to the same length.

Actually I did find the max COL. I looked right over it for some reason
Thanks Guys

Next Q
What is Sectional Density and the abreviation B.C.

i'll say again....you should read the reloading manual, n it should explain all that. now that i've ripped yer hide again

.......

secitonal density is the relationship between the length n diameter of the bullet. a higher S.D. would correspond with a longer for caliber bullet. a lower S.D. would relate to a short squatty bullet. with 2 similar constructed bullets the one with a higher S.D. should penetrate more. kinnda like more meat to it....


B.C. is balistic coefficient....which relates to how well the bullet flies thru the air....or how aerodynamic it is. kinnda like coefficient of friction....how well something slides on something else. wood to glass....or sandpaper to wood.

best explanations i can type out.

in a revolver for deer....i don't give either a whole lot of thought. there are circumstances where one could use both and determine a better choice of bullet for a job, especially under extreme demands.

So I took my first 44 mag loads, I new they would be light loads but when I pulled the trigger I wasn't sure the bullet came out the tube.LOL It was still fun and time to move up to the next recipe