rrogacki is correct about using the proper collet for the comparitor. The collet measures from a predetermined datum on the bullet for the measurement. Also be sure to rezero you callipers when using the comparitor and subtract the inch lengt of the comparitor itself for the final measurement.

rrogacki,
Nothing wrong or unusual about your Tikka. Unlike Davyboys's rifle, most rifles can chamber a longer round than the magazine will accept. The magazines are designed to accept a SAMMI length round.

Looks like I am using the comparator slightly differently than it's intended to be.

This is what I did. Put a collet on the factory round and measure it. This came in at 2.938"

Put the measuring case with bullet into the chamber, adjust, measure. This came in at 3.151"

Make up an empty round with a target length of 3.1", which I did.

I used the same collet as I figured that I am measuring the same dimension all the time. The round of 3.1" wouldn't allow the bolt to close and the lands were fouling the bullet. I seated the bullet deeper until it came in at 2.988" and that fitted.

The conversaton is slightly academic as I will find out how it shoots tomorrow! 5 round batches made with three different powders. That is the only variable so we shall see!

Hey! I'm only killing deer with it!

D

Have fun at the range and I hope you find the load that puts them in the boiler room every time.
Your collets should be marked with the caliber .22, .24, .25, .26, .27, .28, .30 etc.
Keep a record of the setting for that bullet. Each bullet weight/make will have a different measurement.

Never used one of them there all singin', all dancin', fancy measuring devices.

Seriously though; all I have ever done is measure my new cases to ensure that they are correct by the criteria for case length in my Sierra Reloading Manual. I then load, seating the bullet to the OAL length indicated in the above manual.

When my cases need trimming I trim them to the trim length indicated in the paperwork with my RCBS Case Trimmer. I will only trim cases in batches of 10. This ensures that I will maintain some sort of consistency. I still seat the bullet to the OAL length above but I need to adjust the seating die to make sure I get a consistent crimp on trimmed and untrimmed cases. This gets a little fiddly but it works for me.

As for accuracy; my rifles are only used for hunting and although they are capable of MOA and do so regularly I am happy with consistent double MOA. This puts the bullet in the kill zone with comfort.

Cheers, Vince

Never used one of them there all singin', all dancin', fancy measuring devices.

Seriously though; all I have ever done is measure my new cases to ensure that they are correct by the criteria for case length in my Sierra Reloading Manual. I then load, seating the bullet to the OAL length indicated in the above manual.

When my cases need trimming I trim them to the trim length indicated in the paperwork with my RCBS Case Trimmer. I will only trim cases in batches of 10. This ensures that I will maintain some sort of consistency. I still seat the bullet to the OAL length above but I need to adjust the seating die to make sure I get a consistent crimp on trimmed and untrimmed cases. This gets a little fiddly but it works for me.

As for accuracy; my rifles are only used for hunting and although they are capable of MOA and do so regularly I am happy with consistent double MOA. This puts the bullet in the kill zone with comfort.

Cheers, Vince