Help determining best OAL for my rifle

[iXanadu]

Not that I know about a oal comparators I definitely want one, but how would i translate 3.320 oacl, to a measurement from ogive not tip of bullet?

I load one up at an OAL of 3.320, for example, using the calipers w/o the comparator to measure it. I then install the comparators, measure base to ogive of that load, and off we go.

However, that will not tell you distance to the lands, which is probably what you want. You need to use the tool you own (OAL gauge):
http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Loa ... ght-1Each/
to find the distance to the lands, and then set the base to ogive using that number.

So, if the distance to the lands is, say, 3.450 you can set the base to ogive at 3.420 and say you're 0.030 off the lands.

Does that make sense?

Yes this makes sense. For the short-term, I'm going to use a manual method of calculating distance to my lands. I have a case with a cutout groove that holds a bullet securely, but allows movement. Based on instructions on this forum, and illustrations on youtube, I think I can take several measurements and calculate pretty closely this measurement. I'll get the OAL comparator gauge and then apply your logic above.

Since its hunting season, and I want to generate once-fired brass from factory Winchester rounds, it will likely be another month or so before I actually start loading. This research and similar Q&A sessions will help me understand a lot of the process and what to expect before I get started. A position I generally do well with.

Thanks for the help.