Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Comparator questions/advice

Looking for the easiest tool to accurately measure base to ogive for bullet seating depth, however would also like the ability to measure shoulder bump for resizing. Bullet to ogive use takes precedence. I have seen a few online from Hornady (used in conjunction with dial caliper) and RCBS which seems like a stand alone micrometer type unit but have no idea as to ease of operation/accuracy. Any advice on a tool that works easily and accurately without breaking the bank would be appreciated.

Thank you
gdc

If you’re talking the RCBS precision mic, it really didn’t work that well, so I bought a Stoney Point that’s works a lot better. Hornady bought Stoney Point.

I use hornady comparator, it’s good enough to cull out the same base to ogive.

Hornady bullet comparator for base to ogive, and headspace gauges for shoulder measurements.
Hornady gauges

I ised the Sinclair comparator

https://www.brownells.com/reloading...s/sinclair-hex-style-bullet-comparators/

I used the Hornady comparator for a while but seemed to get variable results so eventually gave up on it. But maybe I didn't have the technique down.

Hornady works well enough

I use the Stoney Point comparators and headspace gauges which are now under the Hornady brand.

To help with accuracy/repeatability I always clamp the base to the same spot on the caliper jaw, make sure it is seated squarely on the jaw before tightening the set screw, and when measuring rotate the case heads a bit to make sure they are perfectly square and flat to the opposite caliper jaw, all headspace measurements are done without fired primers in place. Some of that may not be absolutely necessary but I never found any of it to hurt.

It’s what I use as well.

^^^same here. Hornady

Hornady good enough, Sinclair even better.

Hornady Lock-N-Load (prev Stoney Point) here as well. They work fine for my purposes.

The Hornady headspace and comparator gauges work for me. They work even better since I got a accurate caliper. Fact is, Hornady gauges of all kinds work well for me.

When in doubt spend more money?

Been using the Sinclair for many years in conjunction with the Stoney Point. They work well together.

I have both the Sinclair comparators are higher quality.

Had issues using the Hornady with Remington 700 factory barrels. Bore scope shows the rifling isn’t so even. I’ve waxed getting them touched up, but resorted to Remage barrels.

I’ve also done Wheeler’s method. Removing the firing pin, pin spring and ejector. Seat the bullet intentionally high in sized, but unloaded brass. Try to chamber it, repeatedly seating the bullet lower, until bolt just drops without resistance. The last size that had even the least bit resistance is your “Touch” length.

Wheeler’s method is a pain in the butt, so l’ve resorted to using the Hornady when I’m loading VLDs. I don’t get so critical with VLDs because they really don’t care about the jump. Most of the time, the mag is the limiting factory, anyway. Once I establish the touch length is longer than the mag length, its a moot point.

I have an old original Stoney Point and a newer Sinclair. I think the newer Sinclair is better built, but either will do the job.

I get along fine with the Hornady. I'm sure there are higher quality tools out there but my needs are met with the cheaper option.

This; either is fine. I have both. Hornady/Stoney Point is aluminum, Sinclair is steel.