.30 Luger loads, cartridge length.
 

Just got notified by Sportsman's Guide that they have Fiocchi .30 Luger ammo in stock. Well, the FMJ anyway, not the soft points.
http://http://www.sportsmansguide.co....aspx?a=606389

Also, I'm working up a batch of handloads with Hornady .30 Mauser bullets, 86 grain .308Φ. I noticed when I seated them to crimp the mouth of the case at the cannelure, it exceeds maximum cartridge OAL. I'm loading them with 5 grains of Unique. Anyone else have experience with this load? What cartridge length are you loading them to ensure smooth feeding? I might wait until UPS delivers my factory ammo and load them to that length.

I use an OAL of 1.155-1.165 with that Hornady 86gr .308 bullet. I try to load it as long as possible and still function in my mags, and the chambers. The Fiocchi 30 Luger ammo uses a much shorter OAL due to their bullet profile. Also, Fiocchi uses a roll crimp into their bullet cannalure which can not be done in the 30 Mauser bullet(too long of an OAL).

Hi:

With round nosed bullets, proper O.A.L. is 1.173 inches. Shorter may work sometimes, but not consistently.

Sieger