Originally Posted by
Shoulder Strap
What tools are needed and what is the procedure on finding out exactly where the bullet touches the riflings
This is not headspace. Head space is where your shoulders contact the chamber. You need some go-nogo gauges for headspace.
For max COL, I use a stoney point tool, (now made by hornady) and use the split case method.
I now just use split case method. I get tired of buying modified cases by stoney point or sending my fireformed cases back.
Split case, you take a dremel tool and cut the neck, and a tad bit of shoulders down teh case. Now you can bend the neck to hold a bullet. Not too tight, but tight enough to move the bullet. Insert a bullet very long, chamber, and carefully remove case and measure COL. Do this several times.
You also want to do this with a fireformed case for accurate results.