I use the 1996 edition of "Modern Reloading" by RIchard Lee and it gives minimum OAL for every load, not maximum.

Loading manuals pressure test loads at the overall length listed in the manual. Seating to a shorter length the the load dynamics and load data is no longer valid. Load to the listed length only.

the Winchester data hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol gives you a COL or cartridge overall length if you stay close to this you will be fine

I have been handloading for years and have never had any trouble going by loading data info on OAL. the main reason is so your ammo will function in your firearm. Seat the bullet to deep and it will probably function in a revolver ok but will not feed right in a semi auto , pump, and lever action firearms. Depending on your bullet type, length, nose type , you may have to seat a little deeper to function or cycle in your firearm. Stay with the standard OAL to be safe and enjoy your time at the range or backyard shoot if your live in the country. Don't be a victum of a foolish trial and error, it could be your eyes or your hand and fingers, that you loose plus your firearm.

I mean shouldn't be a disaster

There don't appear to be any "minimums" listed as each bullet is a different length and each different powder "load" is different as to volume required. Pressure produced varies due to brand, powder type and even powder lot from the factory.
The link is a set of instructions for determining the maximum length of an entire cartridge as it will fit in a gun. If you always load to that length, you will never need to worry about "too much pressure" as long as you measure your powder properly.

Hodgdon has a data center for reloading but you can also call them. When you say minimum length for handguns I at look what loads reliably in my guns. You can look at shell cases afterwords to see if signs of over pressure. Afew tenths under max should be a disaster.