Variance in COAL

I am not sure what happened but I'll try this again...I am new to rifle cartridge reloading and the RL550 but not to reloading; I have at it for 15 years using an SDB.

I set up the RL550 as per the directions and set up the dies as per the manufactures directions (I use Redding dies).  I prepare the cases by first decapping then trimming, chamfering,  and flash hole and primer prep.  I start my process by inserting an unprimed case in #1 and priming the case.  I index the shell plate to #2, pull the handle to drop a powder charge, insert another case into #1, prime it, and index the shell plate.  There are now cases at #3 and #2.  I place a bullet into the neck of the case of #3.  I pull the handle and the bullet is seated to a predetermined length and a charge of powder is dropped into #2.  I place another case into #1, prime it, and index the shell plate.  There are now cases at #2, #3, and #4.  I use a Lee FCD at #4.  I pull the handle once again, place a shell into #1, prime it, and index the shell plate.  The case at #4 drops into the bin and another cycle begins.

After reloading 10 cases in my initial batch, I measured COAL.  I am loading .223 Rem and use a COAL of 2.250".  I have variances from 2.265" to 2.244".  What is going on?  I know that there will be some variances but this seems a bit much.  I have made sure that the powder die is not set too deep as it may case the neck to swell.  Other that that, I am at a loss.

 to maintain consistancy in the machine, you need to have a fired case in station one when the seating die is set up, and during loading, in order to minimize OAl variations. Most of the upward pressure on the toolhead is at the sizing die. A +/- variation can often normally exceed  .010", depending on the quality of components being used, with FMJ bullets showing greater variation in manufacture than match-grade ones.

Dillon,

Thanks for getting back to me.  I will try another batch with a fired case in #1.  I have also ordered a separate tool head and universal decapping die with which I will prep my cases before reloading.  I will then full resize while loading hoping that this will lessen the variance.  I understand about the quality of components but I figured that my variances with 77 gr Nosler Custom Match bullets were out of the norm.