Originally Posted by
c-rad
I used my Hornady oal tool to measure. I talked to one of my friends about it. He said try seating it deeper if i really want to use that bullet. He also said load 9 more Sierra's with the 40.5gr of powder. If it groups that good again stick with that load. I still have the nosler bullets to try also so not sure how involved I want to get with one bullet.
The Hornady OAL gauge is nearly worthless unless you are making the appropriate corrections for your once fired cases vs. the modified case or unless you are using their bullet and headspace comparators in league with your measurements. I say "nearly" with the intention of being generous. I'm at the airport right now, I can elaborate more tomorrow when I'm back "in the office."
I can relate to what you said about digging too deep into the Barnes bullet, when you clearly have other options that shoot well. The cost on the Barnes mono metals is what kills them for me, but if a guy treats them well, they've definitely proven that they can be incredibly accurate.