Length variances in 69gr SMK?

[damndave]

Yesterday I loaded up some 69gr SMK in 223 and while measuring them, I noticed a pretty big variance in COAL. It ranged anywhere from 2.249 - 2.259. I then measured them from the ogive and they had a variance of about .007.

They were all seated using a Forster Ultra Micrometer die.

What is a "normal" variance in lengths? With my 168gr SMKs they are all within .002.

[SixPointEight]

I've noticed this especially in the smaller SMK bullets. .010" meplat variation is pretty much par. The .007 off the ogive is a bit much.

If you look, the tips are pretty darn inconsistent looking. At least on the ones I have, but they shoot well

[GeoffLinder]

.007 off the ogive is just fine IME. You cannot measure match hollow points to the tip as the tips vary a lot.