hunter338,

Are the loads for your 338RUM compressed loads? I remember reading somewhere (in the Speer manual I think) that heavily compressed loads can actually expand inside the case enough after the bullet is seated to push the bullet back out a little bit. If I remember correctly this could be tested by loading up some rounds with the bullets seated at the desired depth and leaving them to sit for a couple days. After they sit for awhile you measure the COL again to see if the bullets got pushed out any. If they did they suggested trying to crimp like you did, or using a more dense powder that doesn't fill the case as much.. If they didn't move then the compressed load is good-to-go.

Mike