Wheeler method

[Kevin1990]

Could someone describe to me how to do the Wheeler method? I see it said here all the time when something about OAL comes up, but I can't find a thread on how to do it?

I usually use an hour ady OAL gauge but I can't do that with certain cartridges unless I drill and tap it.

Thanks fellas!

 

[tom]

Videos | wheeleraccuracy

www.wheeleraccuracy.com

 

[tikkaman308]

You can go to his website, there is a video there. Wheeleraccuracy.com

 

[Kyle Schultz]

Videos | wheeleraccuracy

www.wheeleraccuracy.com

All the videos are great and warrant being watched over and over. Good luck!

 

[Kevin1990]

Awesome thank you everyone! I was driving myself crazy trying to find them.

 

[Kevin1990]

One last question. How much neck tension are you using with this method? I just watched the video. What a great way to do it. Way more accurate than the OAl gauge.

 

[fisherman987]

Neck tension does not matter as long as the bullet isn't sloppy loose. Just don't jam it hard and force the bolt closed.

 

[Jud96]

Best method for finding oal. I’ve used all of the tools and Wheeler’s method is the simplest and works every time.

 

[6BRA]

You don't want to force the bolt closed. You want the bolt to do everything under its own weight.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Could someone describe to me how to do the Wheeler method? I see it said here all the time when something about OAL comes up, but I can't find a thread on how to do it?

I usually use an hour ady OAL gauge but I can't do that with certain cartridges unless I drill and tap it.

Thanks fellas!

Alternatively, check this out. It's based on the same thing...touch is touch and very repeatable and quantifiable, done right.
The Hillbilly accent just is what it is, but the info is clear. Lol!
Pretty cheap and very easy, but extremely accurate and again, same principle as the method you referenced. There's a place for both methods, imho.

Finding the lands...Tool!

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...

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[Dave M.]

Alternatively, check this out. It's based on the same thing...touch is touch and very repeatable and quantifiable, done right.
The Hillbilly accent just is what it is, but the info is clear. Lol!
Pretty cheap and very easy, but extremely accurate and again, same principle as the method you referenced. There's a place for both methods, imho.

Finding the lands...Tool!

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...

forum.accurateshooter.com

I have Mike’s EZ checker and I will measure three different seating depths of dummy rounds and consistently come up +/-0.001” to the lands.
Dave

 

[Dave M.]

Videos | wheeleraccuracy

www.wheeleraccuracy.com

Great method and I love Alex’s WORK. The only issue I have with the video is his very last statement where he says that if you use this method, two people could share the numbers and know they are talking about the same dimension. This would only be true if they were using the exact same comparator and caliper setup (not the same brand, the EXACT SAME COMPARATOR AND CALIPERS)
Dave

 

[Kevin1990]

This actually has me asking more questions now. With wheelers method it sounds like the shoulder is pushed back a little. With mikes tool the shoulder is touching in the chamber correct?

 

[6BRA]

Shoulder is irrelevant. You just don't want the shoulder causing bind. Thus resize bump before starting and deprime. The only bind on the bolt should be the bullet.

 

[D Coots]

When I find something more simple than using a barrel stub chambered with my reamer to find touch, and as repetable, I'll use it.

 

[JMayo]

Yeah use the method first to determine sholder.
I like a scrubby sholder but i size it down an extra thou to find touch.
I also use my greasy fingers to lube bullet at ogive to keep it from sttickingin the lands.
Another trick i was taught it to use high grit sandpaper to remove land marks, LIGHTly spin bullet so the swirles go around the bullet making the land marks stand out better.

 

[L.Sherm]

When I find something more simple than using a barrel stub chambered with my reamer to find touch, and as repetable, I'll use it.

Thats fine if you have the stub and the barrel is new.

 

[AlNyhus]

Alternatively, check this out. It's based on the same thing...touch is touch and very repeatable and quantifiable, done right.
The Hillbilly accent just is what it is, but the info is clear. Lol!
Pretty cheap and very easy, but extremely accurate and again, same principle as the method you referenced. There's a place for both methods, imho.

Finding the lands...Tool!

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...

forum.accurateshooter.com

Mike's tool is a good one. Mike thoughtfully included a little packet containing some 'Kain-tuh-kee' accent. I sprinkled the contents on the instructions and all was clear. I use it to check a new barrel and then double check that measurement when the barrel is on using the 'T.P.'/Wheeler method.

The 'T.P.' method is nothing new....the late Dick Wright described this method in detail in the '90's in Precision Shooting Magazine. It was how I was taught to establish bullet seating depth even before that article appeared. I use a fair bit of neck tension (.003) and polish the bullet with 0000 steel wool each time to better see the rifling marks. After doing this a while, you get a good feel for how the different throat angles look, too. It also helps to see why (for example) a 7 ogive bullet seated .020 'in' feels so much different when closing the bolt than a 10 ogive seated .020 'in' with the same throat angles.

Good shootin' -Al

 

[JEFFPPC]

Operative thought.....Touch is a reference point, that's all. Don't try to make it be something it isn't, that just causes confusion.

 

[Northridge]

Operative thought.....Touch is a reference point, that's all. Don't try to make it be something it isn't, that just causes confusion.

Agreed Jeff, just a reference point or baseline that is “relevant “ to your notes only … does not have to equate to any other humans note book… only our own…

Shawn Williams