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**Mal H** · January 21, 2000, 12:33 PM

I fully agree with labgrade. I hadn't even noticed that you were using measurements to the ten-thousandth of an inch. I guess my brain is geared to ignoring any reloading measurements less than .001" even though I work with measurements in the sub micron area at work. I assume you aren't using a "lab grade" scale to measure your powder to the nearest microgram. Please don't be too anal or you will soon tire of the hobby as it will become too much of a chore.

As labgrade said, the differences you see can be from the measurement itself or they can be real. One bullet may have an unnoticeable dent on the top or the case may be uneven on the bottom or the bullet press may not hit the top of the bullet the same way each time. IOW, there will be some variations, but don't worry too much about them.

(added)
We both failed to answer your actual question as to which manual to believe. The answer is to use the one that applies to the actual bullet you are using if you have that manual. If you have a bullet that isn't included in a manual, and there are a lot of them, use the measurement from the manual that most closely matches the weight and shape of the bullet. In the case you are talking about, you can safely go with either manual's OAL for a FMJ.

[This message has been edited by Mal H (edited January 21, 2000).]

January 21, 2000, 12:33 PM	#5
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	I fully agree with labgrade. I hadn't even noticed that you were using measurements to the ten-thousandth of an inch. I guess my brain is geared to ignoring any reloading measurements less than .001" even though I work with measurements in the sub micron area at work. I assume you aren't using a "lab grade" scale to measure your powder to the nearest microgram. Please don't be too anal or you will soon tire of the hobby as it will become too much of a chore. As labgrade said, the differences you see can be from the measurement itself or they can be real. One bullet may have an unnoticeable dent on the top or the case may be uneven on the bottom or the bullet press may not hit the top of the bullet the same way each time. IOW, there will be some variations, but don't worry too much about them. (added) We both failed to answer your actual question as to which manual to believe. The answer is to use the one that applies to the actual bullet you are using if you have that manual. If you have a bullet that isn't included in a manual, and there are a lot of them, use the measurement from the manual that most closely matches the weight and shape of the bullet. In the case you are talking about, you can safely go with either manual's OAL for a FMJ. [This message has been edited by Mal H (edited January 21, 2000).]