If you are not loading the heaviest/longest bullet for that calibur, then you have a little more freedom when seating the bullet. As a rule I try to seat mine, at least,to the dept of the diameter of the bullet. However, I found that using a StoneyPoint COAL guage is the best idea. I could not do with it now. Then you know just how you are loading/seating the bullet.

Peace of mind is worth it.

Before loading very many rounds, check to insure that a bullet will 1) chamber OK (careful here),2) will fit in the mag well and 3) will eject from the chamber.

I loaded a bunch one time that I had to shoot single shot.