George when you mean get the plunger in the lifter half way down its stroke, that could be a couple of turns at least yes? And also roughly what would be the total stroke of a dry lifter?
Don't make it too complicated. A friend came by with a $15,000 dollar built 440 engine with noisy lifters on startup, a brand new engine with less than 1000 miles on it. Turned down the adjustable rockers 1/4 turn, it was better. Then turned them them down the Full 1/2 Turn and the problem went away.
Need to put more Pre-Load on your lifters till they stop making noise.