Question about OAL

[Lucky Scott]

Loading 7mm rem mag, and I notice that my COAL (cartridge overall length)
Varies on my reloads. About twenty thousands difference between the ammo I loaded. I would think the press would be more consistent?
This is a RCBS single stage press. I am measuring with a dial caliper, not digital. I do not have the Ogive tool so I am just measuring tip of projectile to bottom of the brass.
Is this common?
Should I adjust the die to try to chase the shorter cartridge and make them all equal?
Any feedback is greatly welcome.

[highpower790]

What bullet are you using?Your varience is most likely caused by a irregular bullet tip.Nothing to worry ,quite common in fact.

[Lucky Scott]

I am using Hornaday SST 162 gr. They are more of a hunting bullet than a match grade target bullet I think.
Maybe the hunting bullets are not as consistent as a match grade bullet?

[highpower790]

+/- a little here or there isnt a big deal.Even a match bthp will have the variences you describe.I would load to mag length ,pull bolt,insert into chamber to feel for any sticking.Shoulder of case should make contact with shoulder in chamber.

[NiMiK]

Use a bullet comparator and measure off the ogive.

[Witch Hunter]

The base to ogive measurement is probably more consistent, your seater die uses a tube shaped plug so it contacts the bullet on the ogive not the tip.