Most articles on how to find bullet-seating depth require you to strip your rifle’s bolt (remove the firing pin/ejector). These two methods avoid that.

Here are a couple of definitions before we begin.

Jam-point: The point where you cannot advance the bullet any farther forward into the rifling. It will be jammed/stuck in the barrel.

Touch-point: The point where the projectile is just touching the rifling.
We will be looking for the jam-point measurement with these methods. When you find your jam-point, take that number, subtract .020, and you will have discovered your touch-point.

How to find bullet-seating depth?

Method one
We will produce a dummy round that will self-seat a bullet to jam-point.

Things you will need:

1. A fire-formed brass case and projectile
2. Full-length, bullet seating and expander dies with the appropriate size mandrel
3. A set of calipers with an attached bullet comparator
4. Reloading die wax/lube

Step one
Preparing the case

Size your fire-formed case with your FL die. Next, expand the case neck using your expander die with the correct mandrel.

What size mandrel?

You will want a size that is slightly smaller than your bullet diameter.

Example:
Bullet size .284
Mandrel size .2835

Step two

Apply die wax/lube to your projectile’s bearing surface, then using your bullet seating die, seat the bullet long in the case.

Step three

Using your hand, insert the dummy round into the chamber.

Next, remove your hand (for slow cousin Skippy) and push the rifle’s bolt forward. If it will not advance all the way, extract the cartridge and seat the projectile deeper into the case until it does so.
We are not trying to force it in.

Step four

Insert the dummy round into the chamber and slowly close the bolt handle. You want to feel some resistance but not force it.

The bullet has just seated itself to jam-point on your dummy round.

Now, pop the handle up quickly. There is a mechanical reason for this, but I don’t want to go down that rabbit hole.

Lastly, measure the dummy round using your calipers and a bullet comparator. Congratulations, you now have found your jam point.

Tip:
If a bullet gets stuck in the barrel, insert a wooden dowel down the muzzle end and pop the bullet out. The use of die wax in step two helps prevent this situation, but it still happens.

Method two
Hornady overall length gauge with custom-made case

Today, we will produce a custom-made case specifically for your rifle. The Hornady OAL gauge comes with instructions. Also, we are looking for a jam-point because it’s a solid measurement.

You will need

1. A Hornady OAL Gauge
2. Fire-formed case
3. Full-length-die
4. Calipers with an attached bullet comparator

Step one

Full-length-size your fire-formed piece of brass like you usually would in the reloading process, except removing the neck-bushing.

You do not want to reduce the diameter of the neck.

Step two
Mail your case to Hornady for modification

Hornady offers a service where you can mail them your case. They will drill, tap, and ream your case for use on their OAL gauge.

Step three
Using the tool

Thread the case, flush it onto the tool, and insert your projectile into the front of the case. Be sure to have the OAL push rod retracted. ( not making contact with the backside of the bullet.)

Step four

Remove your rifle’s bolt, and insert the tool through the back of your rifle—next, advance the pushrod, slowly advancing the bullet forward until it stops.

Step five

Tighten the arm tension screw, and remove the tool from your action.

Next, place the bullet back into the front of your case. (The projectile tends to fall out when you remove the gauge from your rifle.)

Last, use your calipers with the bullet comparator and take a measurement. You now have your jam-point number.

Disclaimer: Reloading/handloading can be hazardous to your health like many things in life. You take full responsibility when performing these procedures. 5 Gun Nation is not liable for your decisions. Don’t be an idiot, and if you are, it is not our problem.

5 Gun Nations How-To series