I'm reloading some 168 gr nosler ballistic Silvertips. Everytime I chamber the round and re measure the overall length it changes. The bullet is being pulled out .02 everytime I chamber it. I don't understand.
Dusty Stevens said:Try more neck tension or start out a bit shorter
waldo1979 said:The hornady COAL gauge can be really hard to use and is hard to get repeatable results. Even more so if you're not using the straight gauge and are using the bent gauge. I've replaced mine with the Sinclair OAL gauge which allows me to use my own brass.
To use the hornady gauge you have to develop a finesse while pushing the bullet into the lands. I use a wood dowel to push apply counter force so i can feel the resistance as the bullet presses into the lands. I've heard people using a release agent (lube) which I imagine makes it easier but then you have to get it out of the barrel.