silly question, but am new to this so bear with me.Is the overall case legnth that is listed in the books the max length that will fit in the chamber from strechting, etc? For example I am reloading 9mm. Both hornady and lee books list a 9mm as .754 overall lenght. Well using my rcbs dial caliper I get .747... and I noticed if I measered a 223 its short too. Am I being too picky? Or is my caliper off? I zeroed it when the the jaws are closed. thanks

The max case length is the length to fit a minimum saami chamber...the trim length is usually .010 less than that....the OAL it the total length of the cartridge to fit the magazine or fit a chamber without jambing the bullet into the lands of the rifling.....usually......the magazine is usually the test for a auto and the cly for a revolver cartridge OAL/ Over All Length..the case will stretch over its life..some more than others...hot loads,loose chambers,overworked by dies can cause....hth..good luck and good shooting!

quote:

Originally posted by joel clark:
Well using my rcbs dial caliper I get .747...

That's because you have the seater die stem turned in too far. Turn it counter-clockwise until you get a finished round that measures .754" or whatever overall length you desire.