I handload cartridges using methods/tools from basic to somewhat advanced, all according to what I want to accomplish at the time.
With a bit of experience, or guidance from someone who has been around the bench a few laps, you pick up tricks of the trade. For example, for a wide class of cartridges all you need if you want to measure shoulder bump is an empty piece of 40 S&W brass. Put the 40 case over the mouth of your 308, 30-06 or the like. Measure the whole shebang. Size your case. Measure again the same way. The difference is the bump, no fancy gauge needed.
Nice piece of information. Did not know about the 40 S&W trick. I have used bolt spacers to measure headspace. I did pick up the hornady set, and use them.
I like measuring because I am type A that way.
