They need to be long enough so that there is only metal to metal contact from the head of the action screw to the pillar, and on the other end, the pillar against the action.
I would cut or file them to length, test fit, and then bed the action and pillars as one unit. I would make sure the ends are flat and perpendicular to the length. I would not curve the end that rests against the action.
Ideally, the bottom of the pillars are recessed, so as long as the action screwhead does not protrude below the bottom of the stock you should be ok on length.
http://www.6mmbr.com/pillarbedding.html
The above link is the way I have done it, realizing that that article was written for a Savage and some things are slightly different with your rifle than with the author's rifle.
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