Pistol cartriges OAL variations/deviations question.

[G37]

So...

When reloading, I aim for an OAL of 1.14" for my 9x19 reloads
& 1.230" for my .45ACP reloads.

However, I notice that there is a consistent variation / deviation of +/- .003" for approximately 90% of my reloads. The final 10% could be as much as +/- .006".

I've experienced this for as long as I've been reloading (I only reload pistol rounds) and it's never really affected anything negatively. I was just curious if this was normal, or is it my low-end reloading station (using an old LEE Turret press.)

Are you guys getting consistent OALs that are exact, all the time? Am I missing out?

Thanks~

 

[Ganderite]

You are measuring from the case head to the tip of the bullet.

The seating die may be engaging the bullet on the shoulder, so what you are seeing is variations in the bullets between the shoulder and tip.

So long as the longer rounds don't bind in the mag, the variations won't matter.

I get a variation of about 5 thou.

In rifle ammo, the variations in bullet in the distance from the ogive shoulder to the tip can be as big as 20 thou in a single box of bullets. This is why OAL in rifle ammo does not mean much, except for fitting in the mag.

 

[Suputin]

Don't worry about it, it's no big deal.

 

[G37]

Never had issues, only recently decided to ask.
Thanks for replies, I'll keep on going as I have been.

Cheers~