You are correct about the alloys effect on bullet size. I've been a bit leery about buying NEI moulds that were made after Walt passed away. I'm just not hearing a lot of positives about NEI since then. I hope it all works out for you.

If they got pusjhed out, or if there is some gunk holding the blocks apart, the mould might not be closing all the way.

I've had a NEI catalog. I believe they state that the mould will cast either .002 or .003 over the catalog diameter.

That being said, Alloys do effect bullet size. I can't tell you offhand what they would be, and which ones "shrink" less. However, If you can chamber a .360 or plus without being pressed into the throats, and still have a a few thousanths movement before contact with the throat, I'd shoot the larger bullet and not worry.

those cast from a harder alloy. You might lube them in two steps, first one about .360 with lube, then go to .358" with lube. The lube from the first step will help keep the lube grooves from going away in the second step. Maybe .360 will work. All my NEI moulds were done by Walt.