I am working up some loads for 30-06 ammo for a bolt action gun. I am trying to replicate some factory Hornady ammo. I am using Hornady Brass with H4895 and Hornady 125 gr SST. I am using the Hornady comparator to get a measurement off the ogive and then also checking the COAL. The 125 SSTs have a cannelure for crimping. When I get the depth on my loads to match the depth obtained with the comparator and the COAL, I can tell a visual difference in where my brass ends in the cannelure as compared to the factory rounds. I am not crimping. I havent pulled a factory bullet to measure it as compared to the length of the bullets I am using but otherwise am at a loss for what else to check. What am I missing and should I be concerned?

Set the bullet where you want it. Ignore the cannelure.

X2. I’m not sure why they’re even on there. reloaders typically set the bullet out longer than the factory cannelure. Very few crimp either.

Yp unless crimping do not worry about the cannelure

Lots of factory loads are crimped and use the cannelure plus it is useful when loading for some semi-autos to avoid bullet setback

I tried to do same thing few years ago and could never get close on their velocity. 30-06 also. Was told they blend powders to achieve the max velocity on the Hornady ammo. This was their premium ammo in 165grain I was trying to match. Never got close.

Thanks for the quick replies. I kind of guessed this would be the answer but since these are some reduced recoil loads for the kids wanted to make sure.

Seating the bullet out longer will work, but I wouldn't recommend it for a reduced load. For a reduced load, you want to avoid having a large air space in the case. So, you would want to seat the bullet deeper to do this for a reduced load. For full power loads, seat it where you want.

Edited to add more info later