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1SOW · November 28, 2011, 01:31 AM

The smaller the case, the more important oal becomes. In a 45acp .01 isn't that big of a deal, but in a 380 it can be a very big deal, especially if you're in the upper mid-max load range.

-Plus or minus .004" or .005" should be a reasonable max. limit, and most should be better than that.
-Case length and bullet length does not affect "COAL". The distance from the die anvil to case bottom (case holder) should not change. Bullet seating depth changes with case/bullet length changes.
-Your handle pull CAN cause deeper or shallower seating due to some flex in many presses and the way the anvil seats on the bullet. You do need a steady consistent handle pull on any press for best results.

-A flat anvil may be the solution, the cup may not fit the flat tip of the bullet close enough to get consistency. You can pull it out and look at how it hits/fits the nose.

Hope this makes sense.

November 28, 2011, 01:31 AM	#5
1SOW Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: South TX Posts: 269	The smaller the case, the more important oal becomes. In a 45acp .01 isn't that big of a deal, but in a 380 it can be a very big deal, especially if you're in the upper mid-max load range. -Plus or minus .004" or .005" should be a reasonable max. limit, and most should be better than that. -Case length and bullet length does not affect "COAL". The distance from the die anvil to case bottom (case holder) should not change. Bullet seating depth changes with case/bullet length changes. -Your handle pull CAN cause deeper or shallower seating due to some flex in many presses and the way the anvil seats on the bullet. You do need a steady consistent handle pull on any press for best results. -A flat anvil may be the solution, the cup may not fit the flat tip of the bullet close enough to get consistency. You can pull it out and look at how it hits/fits the nose. Hope this makes sense. Last edited by 1SOW; November 28, 2011 at 01:44 AM.