Over All Cartridge Length

[high country]

if your die is set to bottom out on the stroke, the odd lengths are likely from (a) compressed load putting up a fight, (b) tolerance variables in your bullets, press and micrometer.

unless you are shooting barnes xbt or xlc you will likely never see the difference.

[PA BEN]

These aren't compressed loads. I miked the bullets and the Palomar tips are off. I miked at the base below the tip and they come out the same.

[JackOfAllTrades]

I miked at the brass below the tip and they come out the same.

Now there ya go! Damn lead and plastic tips anyway.  The best way to measure is with a collet that fits over the bullet and sits at the same place every time on the ogive of the bullet.

I think you're doing just fine with your loads. Paying attention to detail will put that shot where you aim. If the intended target cooperates, all the better.

-Steve

[PA BEN]

I need to pay more attention. I just started reloading for my 7mm-08 and set the OAL back the same as my 7mm rem. mag. I dropped one in the magazine and it chambered. Will loaded up some to shoot and found that two would not load in the magazine. Just a tad to long. I didn't like the groups w/two different powders, so hopefully setting them back a little will improve the groups.   

[carpsniperg2]

yeah we all make mistakes sometimes. i am sure once you get it setup right you will be just fine.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Ah,  but at least those are too long.. You can just push the bullet down to the shorter OAL for the -08.  If you'd have done it short, for the 7mag, then you'd be pulling bullets.

-Steve

[PA BEN]

I went .020 back for the 7mag. just right, to long for the -08.