I know there has been a lot of debate here lately about COL. I just found this on Western powders site regarding this topic. It is interesting and actually supports what I have posted here before. Take from it what you want.
the barrel, 3) ogive or profile of the projectile and 4) position of cannelure or crimp groove.
http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/Acc%20Guide%20v3.3%20version.pdf
SPECIAL NOTE ON CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH “COL”
It is important to note that the SAAMI “COL” values are for the firearms and ammunition manufacturers industry and must
be seen as a guideline only.
The individual reloader is free to adjust this dimension to suit their particular firearm-component-weapon combination.
This parameter is determined by various dimensions such as 1) magazine length (space), 2) freebore-lead dimensions of
It is important to note that the SAAMI “COL” values are for the firearms and ammunition manufacturers industry and must
be seen as a guideline only.
The individual reloader is free to adjust this dimension to suit their particular firearm-component-weapon combination.
This parameter is determined by various dimensions such as 1) magazine length (space), 2) freebore-lead dimensions of
the barrel, 3) ogive or profile of the projectile and 4) position of cannelure or crimp groove.
http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/Acc%20Guide%20v3.3%20version.pdf