Seating depth question?

[ducks-and-bucks]

I currently do the cleaning rod method with some rod stops using dewey rods... Is a different way of doing this, such as the hornady loc and load tool any more accurate or better??? What is the best way or tool to get to measure seating depths for rifles? I've never had anything else to confirm my numbers when I do it my way...

 

[Alex Wheeler]

The only precise way in my opinion is to strip the bolt of firing pin and ejector so you have better feel. Size a case and chamber it, you should not be able to feel the case in the camber, if you do bump the shoulder more, the bolt handle should drop with gravity. Now seat a bullet long, the only feel on the bolt will be the bullet in the lands, seat the bullet deeper until you can close the bolt with a light finger, polish the bullet really well with something like never dull, chamber the round while holding the bolt back against the lugs. Look at the bullet in a good light and you will see 4 marks left from the rifling. Seat the bullet deeper until those marks disappear. The last seating depth where you saw at least 2 marks is touch. No other method will get you as precise a measurement. You should be able to repeat and get the exact same measurement each time. If you use the stoney point tool you are probably in the lands .005-.010.

 

[4xforfun]

+1..except..a few of my tubes give me FIVE marks.

 

[mikecr]

I currently do the cleaning rod method with some rod stops using dewey rods

Are you having some issue with this?

I've never had anything else to confirm my numbers when I do it my way

They're your local numbers and just for you only. What need is there to confirm anything (other than what shoots best)?

 

[K22]

I've use the rod / rod stop method for years an found it to be reasonably precise. However variations in bullet ogive can cause some inconsistent readings.

 

[lukehalee]

Real touch, dykum paste, bullet straightener, and a loop.

 

[Joe Maisto]

+1..except..a few of my tubes give me FIVE marks.

And ANOTHER +1
I do the same but use farmer matches to blacken the bullet . Easier to see.
I never got two readings the same with my Stoney Point tool , and when you're shooting "group", you need to know where your bullet is in relation to the lands. It's called "tuning". The rest of that process comes with your load.