For years I have been measuring OAL by setting each bullet to be loaded, into the chamber, then carefully inserting cleaning rod with flat end until it touches the bullet, then mark the rod at the crown. Remove bullet, close bolt, then do the same thing to the bolt face. I see there are gauges to do this, like Stoney Point and Sinclair. *** Should I change this procedure, even though it seemed to work fine..and if so which OAL system seems to be the most reliable. Curious!

I used the same method for a few years and then went the Stoney point route. I also changed bullet lots so I cannot definately say how accurate I was but I have noticed absolutely no difference whatsoever in accuracy between the two even when measuring of the bullets ogive instead of the tip as I used to.

I bought the straight Stoney Point OAL guage because their advertising led me to believe the curved one was action specific. Then I got to thinking WHY?

Heck, it looks to me like the curved guage will do it all. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I think my concern came from the fact that they say there is a diffeence between tips and I can see maybe that's true. However, with the newer BAL TIP, I would think the tolerances would be better. I know the old Softpoint had some problems. I just have to think that the measurement would be the same using the 'old' method...if your careful with marking of the rod.
STEVE..they say there are two..one for bolts and single shots and the other one for auto's and lever actions. My impression is the curved one for the auto's and lever's is because you don't have a straight shot into the chamber. Would either work on a bolt or single action, probably, but I can't imagine the straight one working on auto's, etc. Just my thought and I don't even own one, yet. Thats what I'm trying to figure out...is there any advantage to these vs the old way.

I used to do it the old way. Its much easier with the stoney point. Seems to be much more consistent also.