Ok, I hear ya on the shell plate being full, though I don't understand it fully and it didn't seem to have much effect when I measured cartridges seated either way. Given the idea of loading the shell plate alm the time. Do you always stop four cartridges short to avoid seatin with an empty station? Not mocking...these are honest questions.
As far as why my target is 1.263, that's because I know I have a consistency problem...or at least I perceive one. I understand that the given COL in the manual os a minimum and I should not go under due to pressure problems. The loads I built this run are a work up. So the first few steps I didn't worry so much if I was under. 001 but towards the NE, I wasnt about to compromise. I haven't run across the theory that being over minimum causes pressure problems as well until you mention it Muddy. I've never seen a max COL listed in my manuals. If my thinking is off base...correct me, that's why I'm asking. How do you properly figure your target COL? It seems obvious its not safe to go under minimum at high charges. If going over causes the same problem than this is an impossible pursuit because theres no way to nail it spot on given the deviation I'm getting. I understand different bullet lengths, that mkes sense..but comparing off the ogive doesn't seem to compliment a minimum COL. Am I too concerned about the standards listed in the manual?