Am I doing this right?

[fredj338]

I don't think a cartridge gauge can pick up the problem of short leade. I gather that they check diameter and OAL of the cartridge, but can't check if the bullet it seated deep enough not to interfere with the leade. Again, this is my experience with 9mm.

There is no rifling in a case gage, so it can't tell you poo about OAL. As always, OAL is gun & bullet specific.

 

[fredj338]

The factory 230 gr ammo I have fired, both plated RN and FMJ RN are both about 1.265" on my calipers and all of that ammo functions flawlessly so i'm thinking of trying that length and doing a plunk test, but i'm sure it would be good. The only concern I have is decreasing pressure by going too long, but i'm sure if I used the high end of the charge with the compatible powders I have for a 230 gr load (TiteGroup or 231) than I should be alright. I am so lost on this lol, when I did thousands of revolver cartridges is was so easy, just locate the cannelure...this auto stuff is different.

OAL doesnt move the pressure needle much unless you are at max or min. So the longest should be fine as long as it fits & you arent at starting data.