[Matchshot]

I am in the middle of loading my first batch of bullets and I have the oal at
1.214" The guide says 1.175" can I leave it or should I adjust down? For future loading, how much lee way do I have?

Thanks for any help.

[Ol` Joe]

Is the manual specific for the bullet you are useing? If so I would try to match the data, if not I would still try to stay in the same lenght range within reason. I load Nosler 185 HPs in my 45acp to 1.225. The Sierra 185 JHP is seated to 1.210" The biggest factor when changeing the COL is usually feeding. The pressures will vary with seating depth but normally with same changes not enough to cause trouble. It doesn`t take much though to screw up the functioning.

[Jim Watson]

HP - FMJ???
Make up your mind, it can't be both.

OALs are specific to the brand and type of bullet, influenced by the individual gun in some cases. What have you really got?

[Steve C]

Seat the bullet so the mouth of the case is just below the point where the bullet nose begins to taper. On a square shouldered bullet like those made by Hornady this point is pretty obvious, on a bullet like the Remington 185gr JHP, or the Speer GD's you'll need to look a little more closely.

Make sure the assembled load drops freely into and out of the chamber of the removed barrel of your pistol used as a cartridge gage. The cartrige should also sit at the same depth as a factory round that should be used for comparison. What your checking for is to make sure the bullet is seated deep enough in the assembled cartridge so that the bullets shoulder isn't engaging the rifeling too early and not allow the round to sit completely and properly in the chamber.

Check the OAL and that's your depth for that particular bullet.

[Matchshot]

I appreciate the help. The bullet I am working with is a 185 gr HP, not fmj. Getting late.