how much variation is normal in seating rifle bullets?

[Matthew T.]

I have the Lee Collet Die set with the dead length bullet seater. I'm using Speer 140 grain Hot Cors with Remington brass for my Ruger M77 Mk II in 6.5x55 Swedish. The seating die is screwed down 1/4 additional turn after the bottom of the die contacts the shell holders, as per the instructions. Length varies around .005, with some going way long as much as .020. Does the seating stem not like the bullets? Speer is the only brand I have tried so far in with these dies.

 

[Master Blaster]

The important measurement of the OAL for accuracy is how long the round measures at the ogilve, the forward most part of the bullet that is full diameter, this measurement will be consistent from one round to the next. The tip of all match bullets is inconsistent, and you will always get a variation on OAL measured from the tip of the bullet. The tip only matters from an aerodynamic perspective. The ogilvie or full diameter part of the bullet that contacts the rifling and its distance to the lands is the part that affects accuracy.

 

[Matthew T.]

So, how would one measure cartridge length at the ogive of a finished round?

 

[Bullet]

With a bullet comparator -

http://www.sinclairintl.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=RESDTCO&item=09-600&type=store

 

[Matthew T.]

sweet

And the price is right, too! Thanks, guys.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Another type of comparator.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=231904