I imagine he means Overall Cartridge Length. The proper way to measure is obviously to the Ogive. I use the Sinclair measuring tool, it is simple to use, and works great. But it is also proper to measure the bullet by the weight.

Different bullet mfrs. seem to pay attention to ogive while others seem to pay more attention to overall bullet weight. It has been my experience that Sierra bullets have less weight variation, while Hornady has more weight variation. But then Hornady ogive's have been more consitent than Sierra.

IMO this benefits Hornady in the lighter weight varmint bullets, and it benefits Sierra in the heavier big game bullets. This may sound silly but I have watched it over the years , and it has been fairly consistent. I have went through whole boxes of Sierra 155 grain Palma's that have not varied more than .1 of a grain. Tom.