What tools are needed and what is the procedure on finding out exactly where the bullet touches the riflings

I have a digital caliper so (Cartridge Overall Length) is not the problem I'm under the manuals length. I want to know at exactly what length my rifle touches the riflings and adjust accordingly ,thanks

Sorry about the last post. Didnt fully understand your thinking. Read it again and think that would be a pretty descent way of finding the C.O.L.

make up a dummy round just starting the bullet in case, load into the chamber & push bolt closen & lock.
this will tell ya exactly the length OR buy the gauge.
Hope this helps.

http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.php?cid=172

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.

I like this idea. I will try this one myself.

i do about the same thing. First remove the firing pin and ****ing piece from the bolt. Insert a neck sized cartridge with the bullet way long. Lightly grease the bullet to keep it from sticking. Chamber and remove the cartridge carefully. Then measure the OAL of the round. Set your bullet seater to make a round that is .015 shorter than the OAL of your dummy round.

Problem is that rounds set up this way will not go into the magazine of some rifles.

That is very true. I have made up a dummy round before, and put a bullet in, but it made it very hard to close the bolt. (duh) But the dremel trick sounds like an excellent idea. I have also found that setting the bullet to the lands and a bit back wont allow the cartridge to fit into some magazines.

I really like the ideas that you all have given me and I'm sure will work great. Thanks to all of you.