O.A.L guage problem

[J.d. Popkes]

“Touch number”, is an arbitrary number.

Where it shoots best, is the number that matters. Write that number down, and if you need to adjust later, seat them out a bit longer. Then ultimately who cares if it’s touching, jamming, jumping, hard jamming etc.

I like how Cortina approaches it.

Fiddling around with some janky tool or a cleaning rod trying to measure something consistently to the third decimal point?

 

[K22]

I use the Frankfort Arsenal tool method which produces consistent ogive contact with the lands.

However, due to variations in bullet ogives, operator consistency in using the tool and caliper, I have never been able get a group of measurements that are identical. So, my approach is to measure 5 bullet per lot and use the average unless I encounter an extreme outliner in which case I reject.

Since I never seat bullets into or touching the lands, this is no big deal. I typically seat about .010 to 020" off the lands taking into account magazine fit. My goal is to assure that I do not touch or jam into the lands thus this procedure works quite well for my purposes.

With that said, seating depth can make a difference if you are seeking the best groups for your rifle. At least this has been my experience. But in my experience, the improvement, while measurable on target, pales in comparison to the bullet and powder selected.

 

[Ackman]

If you're wanting to find the 0 point seating anybullet its real simple. Just use a split neck case. Doesn't get any simpler than this.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I gave up on that tool. Now i use the speedy method where you pull off the barrel and drop a case in. Or I just ignore where they are and use the cortina method to find jam by loading a bullet long, coating it with sizing wax, and let it seat the bullet. Some sharpie on the bullet can also show you if you are in the lands.

 

[Webster]

“Touch number”, is an arbitrary number.

Where it shoots best, is the number that matters. Write that number down, and if you need to adjust later, seat them out a bit longer. Then ultimately who cares if it’s touching, jamming, jumping, hard jamming etc.

I like how Cortina approaches it.

Fiddling around with some janky tool or a cleaning rod trying to measure something consistently to the third decimal point?

My feelings also. You don't need an exact number since it's only a arbitrary reference number to try other lengths from.

 

[Bill Norris]

I stopped using the Hornady L & L tool and went to the Wheeler Method. I get good results with using the close bolt method. It is repeatable but the firing pin assembly and ejector must be removed from the bolt in order to use it.

 

[6MMsteve]

I like the barrel stub, spin the bullet till it hits the grooves then measure, then back off .002 at a time or a coat of sharpie then look st the fine line but I just spin seat spin seat till it quits touching the lands, I know then I'm with in .005 I think