Bullet Seating Depth Variations

[rl850]

I am having some inconsistencies in my C.O.A.L and am curious if I am being too anal or what I might be doing wrong to get inconsistencies. I have trimmed all my cases to 1.750" and am using Hornady 75gr BTHP and SMK 69gr bullets. I am getting variations between .002 and .003 and even one .007. I am sure that the case lengths are all the same. I am using a Hornady AP press and die. I'm guessing its a die issue but seeking advice. Forgot to mention, reloading .223

 

[Gadawg88]

Case length has no bearing on OAL. The distance from the shell holder to the bullet seater stem determines OAL. A variance of 0.002 is normal an nothing to be concerned about. It is most likely due to variance in the bullet ogive.

 

[WelshShooter]

Exactly what Gadawg said. Case length will only affect crimping, if you perform this step.

 

[Walkalong]

The consistent placement of the ogive is important, but not the OAL with non pointed/trimmed bullets. They vary a little on length. Don't worry about it.

.002 and .003 variance in OAL is very good, .007 is decent. Get a tool to measure base to ogive, that's what's important.

 

[JimKirk]

Forgot who said it way back ... but the tip of a bullet touches only the front of the magazine(you have to load to fit the magazine if using a magazine ... maximum length) .... the tip hits the air on the way and it hits the target ...

 

[rl850]

Thanks for all the input, I was hoping that I was just over thinking it. What tool measures the base to ogive?

 

[Gadawg88]

This is one:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/23...ad-bullet-comparator-basic-set-with-6-inserts