38 SPECIAL CASE LENGTH

I started to load another batch of 38 SPECIAL 148g HBWC'S today and noticed that my star cases have an OAL of .130+/-about .002.  The SAAMI specification for case length is 1.155 -.020.  So my cases are about .005 under minimum.  When I loaded them last fed my Model 52 OK.  What else can go wrong with under size cases?  I expect the pressure will be up a little.
Doug

Never worried about .38 spl cases.
Probably the most forgiving cartridge out there!

Don't sweat the small stuff! You are good to go. Lube 'em up, load 'em up and shoot 'em up. You're not an engineer by any chance, are you?

james r chapman wrote:Never worried about .38 spl cases.
Probably the most forgiving cartridge out there!

Forgiving cartridge, that what I like to hear.    I will test a few loaded .010 to .015 proud of the case instead of flush. That way they will have the same OAL (and case pressure) as my load with Winchester cases. 
Thanks,
Doug

djw1cav wrote:

james r chapman wrote:Never worried about .38 spl cases.
Probably the most forgiving cartridge out there!

Forgiving cartridge, that what I like to hear.    I will test a few loaded .010 to .015 proud of the case instead of flush. That way they will have the same OAL (and case pressure) as my load with Winchester cases. 
Thanks,
Doug

I wouldn't load them with any lead from the full wadcutter bullet sticking out. For the model 52, they should be flush seated or even a little further into the case.

BE Mike wrote:Don't sweat the small stuff! You are good to go. Lube 'em up, load 'em up and shoot 'em up. You're not an engineer by any chance, are you?

BE Mike
Engineer?  Does it show?  I am aware of the problem and try to fight it,  but the urges are sooo strong. 
Doug

only time i need to have the same case length , is when i load for the SW 52. they need flush mount heads. any lead past the case and its a jam-o-matic. so case length matters with the fickle 52
it helps to have the same head stamps since they usually maintain the same length over time. sometimes maybe

We must be celebrating El Dia de los Muertos with this 2 year old thread!

You're loading HBWC heads in Star Line cases?
Some say that's a no-no due to internal case taper of Star Line brass.

https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t24161-38spl-hbwc-for-revolver