Jeep Strokers

Hello, first post here. I'm half way through my 4L Stroker build and I'm trying to figure out what length push rods to order. I'm running the stock rockers, stock lifters and a Comp Cams Extreme 4x4 250H13 cam, PN: 163-201-5. I've already used my adjustable length push rod to figure out what length I need to take out all the play in the rocker when the cam lobe is at its lowest point. My results varied between 9.551" to 9.572". I averaged them out to 9.562" and figured 9.600 would be a good length to buy for all positions. I wanted to verify that by setting my adjustable push rod to 9.600", installing it, and putting a dual indicator on the spring cap to see how much travel I get. I expected at least .281" since that's what the cam card says the lift should be but when I rotated the crank I initially got almost .350" at the highest point but when I stopped rotating the dial slowly started going back down to about .250". One thing I feel like I should note is that I soaked the lifters in STP oil before I installed them.

Is this a normal result? Is this a proper way to check the valve travel? Am I over thinking this step? Should I just buy the 9.600" rods and send it? Any help would be appreciated.