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I was wondering today...Is it possible to find the C.O.A.L. with the barrel off the action? Not knowing, I was thinking, why not seat a bullet in a sized case, insert the round into the chamber and do die adjustments until the bullet clears the lands?
I guess you could. Start with a baseline protrusion length. Drop the sized case in the chamber and measure from base to end of barrel. .125"-.130" or whatever it is. Seems like a lot of trouble but if you are experienced it could be done within .005 or better. I feel like its better done with it assembled.
It's better to have the bolt face to measure off of.
And keep in mind that the bolt head will apply pressure to seat the brass all the way into the chamber while seating it by hand may not get it seated all the way to the full depth.