So, here is what I have determined so far; the bullet as sized at .356 will function properly as long as I keep the shoulder of the bullet from protruding from the case mouth at all. That means my OAL is around 1.035-1.040. That also means that I am getting a bit of a compressed load using AA #7 @ 5.5 grains. Also, because I am using range brass, some loads will not in fact seat deep enough. I have tried backing the charge back to 5.0 grains with AA #7 and still have some cases that won't seat deep enough. I switched to Unique @ 3.0 grains and because that gives about the same volume in the case and I still have the same problem. Backed Unique off to 2.8 and now have failure to cycle, so done for now.
Bottom line for now...I think that my choice of bullet style is my main problem. Yes, tapering the leade might give me a bit more room (might try that at some point), but for now I am going to shop for a smaller bullet. I have been a handloader for about 40 years now, but have never really dabbled with casting my own other than some for my .38 spec and .44 mag so this is going to be fun!
I really, really appreciate all the great thoughts and advice given here and I look forward to learning from you all!