Finding the lands...Tool!

[gunsandgunsmithing]

This is a tool I've used for years for different things, from finding the lands, checking shoulder bump, chambering barrels and even cutting cone depth with an attachment I have inside that contacts a "datum" or reference point from an old bbl that transfers to the new one when cut. Super simple tool and comes in handy often.
This is a variation of my friend Speedy's method of finding touch point consistently but without all the trial and error or subjective feel. Anyway, pardon the accent. It's pure Southern Ky!
...Here goes.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=566638578323196

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

There. It worked that time

 

[Drewel]

Awesome video! I use Speedy method!! It works very well. This would definitely be faster! Is this a tool that you make or that I can buy?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Awesome video! I use Speedy method!! It works very well. This would definitely be faster! Is this a tool that you make or that I can buy?

Sure. I've got some things on order to make up a couple that are even more precise for cutting the cone on a bbl. The tool needs to be a really nice fit when cutting the cone but for most work, not so much. It doesn't have to fit perfectly for indicating off of a flat surface. Send me a pm or give me a call. I kinda thought people might like this. It doesn't get any easier and it's good for multiple jobs. Obviously, the bbl has to be off for it but other than that...I can hit chamber jobs within a half thou, etc.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

If you're chambering bbls, a panda for example, you can set the depth with a depth mic to 1.115 and just work to zero while chambering.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I've got parts on order for the same tool, specifically for chambering and cutting the cone, due to the precision of the contact area needing to be much closer for cutting the cone than for most work it can be used for. It'll definitely be two different prices though.

 

[Drewel]

I've got parts on order for the same tool, specifically for chambering and cutting the cone, due to the precision of the contact area needing to be much closer for cutting the cone than for most work it can be used for. It'll definitely be two different prices though.

I will send you a pm and we can work out the details

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

If there's interest, I'll make up a batch. The more...the cheaper. I'll hopefully have a gunsmith version and a version for the reloader. The gs version will be adjustable for a precision fit over multiple bbl tenon od's. The reloader version would have a say 1.065 id that will fit most any 1-1/16 tenon. That probably cover 85% of the actions out there, if I was to just guess.

 

[Dave M.]

I’d be interested in one.

Question Mike, does the bullet in the dummy round you used have to be able to easily move inside the neck? It seems like it would…. Also, after watching the video twice now, I’m not sure I understand how it tells you that you are .0205” from the touch point (are you saying it’s jumping??)
Dave

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I’d be interested in one.

Question Mike, does the bullet in the dummy round you used have to be able to easily move inside the neck? It seems like it would…. Also, after watching the video twice now, I’m not sure I understand how it tells you that you are .0205” from the touch point (are you saying it’s jumping??)
Dave

No, to both. It's just comparing an empty but sized case, to an sized dummy round loaded long. The indicator is just telling you HOW long from touch. So, you just reduce OAL by .0205 and that IS your just touch point. Simple. Don't overthink it. Happy to help but it's just that. The long seated round is telling you exactly how much too long it is, from just touching. That's the indicator reading. Shorten the seater by .0205 and that's exactly your touch length.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Ok I think I am tracking how this works - sized brass to the bottom of the chamber on the datum of the shoulder = 0.000

What ever bullet you shoose seated way long will give a positive value when it touches the rifling. That value - Whatever it is, subtracted form the OAL or the BTO of the long bullet will be the actual touch point OAL or BTO value.

 

[wkdickinson]

Great tool, I would love to have one, but you have to take the barrel off the of the rifle to use it, which frankly I wonder how you equate that to being screwed/torqued into the action. I watched "Speedy's" video and also found it fascinating and maybe a better way. But I still have a hard time transposing either into the real world (maybe my ignorance). Personally, I have found the "Alex Wheeler" method of finding "touch" to work very constantly (while the rifle is assembled). The other thing is, the measurement itself means nothing, it's just a reference point. From that point you adjust jam/jump, until it works best.

 

[Dave M.]

No, to both. It's just comparing an empty but sized case, to a sized dummy round loaded long. The indicator is just telling you HOW long from touch. So, you just reduce OAL by .0205 and that IS your just touch point. Simple. Don't overthink it. Happy to help but it's just that. The long seated round is telling you exactly how much too long it is, from just touching. That's the indicator reading. Shorten the seater by .0205 and that's exactly your touch length.

I get it now Mike. I was totally over complicating it. I’d love to get one of those adapters. I can see great use for that. Do you think that number is more representative of “Jam” as opposed to “touch”?
Dave

 

[LVLAaron]

The most simple answer is usually the best answer. Lots of back-n-forth out there about "the best way" to find the lands but they're all equally clunky in my opinion. I like how slick this is. I'll be making one.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I can’t get the video to load.

 

[Lone Hunter]

I can’t get the video to load.

Me either. I don’t do Farsebook..

 

[jackieschmidt]

Me either. I don’t do Farsebook..

I guess that’s my problem as well.

 

[Dave M.]

I don’t use Facebook and the video loads and plays perfect the first time on my iPhone 13.

 

[Lone Hunter]

I don’t use Facebook and the video loads and plays perfect the first time on my iPhone 13.

I tried it on my IPhone 13 and it loaded and played perfect. It would load on my IPad but would ask me to let Farsebook track me. I punched No and it went to a black screen every time. Thanks for the info.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I get it now Mike. I was totally over complicating it. I’d love to get one of those adapters. I can see great use for that. Do you think that number is more representative of “Jam” as opposed to “touch”?
Dave

Very light touch.