New Guy Questions C.O.A.L., Ogive, and Lands

[btorrey]

So I'm new to reloading, but have jumped head first down this expensive rabbit hole. I want to start measuring C.O.A.L. using the ogive and not just the tip of the bullet, as I've heard ogive measurements are way more accurate. If that's true or not, please let me know. Additionally, what tool would I need to purchase in order to do that?

Secondly, what tool would I need to do to measure the lands. I'm not trying to go down some crazy hole with chasing lands, just want to be able to do ladder tests to figure out what is best for the loads I'll be developing. Thanks

 

[btorrey]

Thank you for the info. Ya some of it gets a bit confusing, but I'm tracking the best I can. I just want to make sure I'm building different loads for my rifle correctly. My current load uses hornady 140eldm's for 6.5. But I have barnes match burner 140's that I want to try too. Just don't want to get more consistent throughout the multiple loads, and different calibers (also load 6mm too).

 

[btorrey]

Gotcha. And that's the tool you put a link for?

 

[btorrey]

Awesome!!! Thank you for the information!! I will definitely look into picking these up.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Yeah. The lock n load comparator.

HORNADY LOCK-N-LOAD BULLET COMPARATOR BASIC SET | Brownells

Measuring cartridge lengths across the bullet tips is not a reliable (or repeatable) method for measuring loaded rounds. Its common for variations of up to .025" to exist from one round to the next. Hornady's Bullet Comparator measures rounds from...

www.brownells.com

And the headspace set:

Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Ga 5 Bushing Set Comparator

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge is a great tool for increasing the accuracy of your loaded ammunition. The Headspace gauge measures from the...

www.midwayusa.com

And lock n load seating depth tool. I haven’t used this one though so...I don’t really know how well it works.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length Ga Bolt Action

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length Gauge is one of the best kept secrets to accurate reloading. This tool allows reloaders to quickly and easily...

www.midwayusa.com

I use these and they all work good.

Also look on youtube for wheeler vids on finding lands and headspace using the action and bolt.

 

[btorrey]

sounds good! I will be watching the videos right now