Thread: Do you always need to case trim?

I think its actually max OAL, but anyway here it is.
you need a long rod, preferably single section but with a male thread or solid end not a female thread.
close the bolt on an empty chamber but don't pull the trigger i.e leave the pin retracted.
run the rob in from the muzzle till it hits the bolt face. place a clothes peg against the muzzle. pull it out and mark where the peg is against the muzzle.
that's your first point.

Next remove the bolt
get a projectile and push it in to the chamber till it seats on the lands. you will need to hold it in with another rod or similar. then place your original rod in to the muzzle till it sits on the projectile tip and place the peg back on. mark the point and then measure the distance between the two.

Having just written that Its measuring the max overall cartridge length. But that's a start and you will be able to work out some other points from that I think.