Best product to measure shoulder bump?

[Mooster1223]

I'm expecting a 300NM 40° Improved any day now and would like to know which product to buy to measure how far I'm bumping the shoulder.

With other rifles, I've typically found a piece of brass that's chambering hard and adjust my sizer down until there is "just a touch" of resistance when closing the bolt. This has worked fine but, I would prefer a way to actually measure the change.

Hornady sell this product that measures off of the datem but, when looking at sinclair, they specify that they do not measure off the datem as though it is not the proper way to do it.

I would also like to be able to measure oal using the bullets ogive as a better (more consistant) means of measurment. Do I need 2 tools for this or is there a package that will do it both.

I'd like to use the tools to also measure 6.5 Creed, 243ai (40°), 260 rem.

Thanks

 

[in2deep]

Here is a Youtube video showing exactly what you need. I prefer the Sinclair comparator inserts over the Hornady's inserts since they are stainless steel and I get a better measure. Get an insert for shoulder bump and one for bullet seating for each caliber you shoot. They work great and very consistent just use the same hand pressure each time to close the jaws.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wlsgGKfjfI

 

[in2deep]

This is another tool that gives equal if not a little better results and is adjustable for any caliber and you won't have to buy anything else. If you don't have or need any calipers this is a great tool:

http://www.larrywillis.com/ps_article.html

 

[Mooster1223]

This is another tool that gives equal if not a little better results and is adjustable for any caliber and you won't have to buy anything else. If you don't have or need any calipers this is a great tool:

http://www.larrywillis.com/ps_article.html

Thanks for the replies. Im intrigued by this piece of equipment. I however don't know how you would actually set it up for measuring length based on the ogive since it appears that the diameter of the opening is user set. Does anyone have any experience with this tool?

I also like the chamber gauge but, since the barrel has been chambered, the excess barrel has already been discarded by the smith.

 

[MrMajestic]

Larry's gauge is great. I am confused what the ogive of the bullet has to do with headspace. I use two separate gauges for seating depth, Sinclair Comparator, and headspace, Larry's gauge.

 

[in2deep]

There is a screw that you can't see that adjusts the size of the opening in the gauge and that is the beauty of the tool so that you can quickly set the screw to measure any point you want on any size bullet or case. The screw forces the bullet or case into a V-notch and is self aligning and a brilliant idea. It adjusts for each parameter in less than 2 seconds with no fiddling around.
The gauge can be zero'd at any time wherin you set a fired case in the holder and zero the gauge and then each subsequent case will read out if it is sized too little or too much and makes it easy to set up your die for shoulder bump or seating depth.

It's one of those tools that actually works as good as you hoped it would and you can tell alot of thought went into the design.

With a Sinclair bullet comparator set on the plate the gauge can also be used to quickly sort bullets for bearing surface length like the Tubbs? unit.

For seating depth I have even screwed a 6BR case inverted into the holder so that when measuring base to ogive lengths on a loaded round the bullet settles into the inverted case mouth and self-centers really nice and makes for a very accurate measure.

 

[Mooster1223]

Okay, I just ordered one of Larry's gauges. I can see how putting one of sinclairs comparators on the base will allow me to measure bullet bearing surfaces as well so, i'll order a couple of them too.

With the oal question, I was getting caught up in taking measurments from the actual ogive. I guess all I need is a consistant spot to measure from. I guess I could always put the sinclair insert on the base and use Larry's tool to measure off of the case head for a seating depth change.

Thanks for the help and guiding me to what I'm sure is the right tool for the job.

 

[in2deep]

The regular comparator inserts won't work you need to use these since they are taller than a bullet:

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=40165/Product/Bullet-Comparator

Here is one in use on a Sinclair bullet comp unit:
http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=38769/Product/Sinclair-Bullet-Sorting-Stand

As for measuring bullet OAL you just stand the shell up on the stand and adjust the screw to contact a point on the ogive on the bullet and it indexes right there. It is very precise and easy to use.

If you have never been to his website it is very educational and I think he has tutorials for many things pertaining to reloading.

 

[ridgeway]

I have yet to find anything other than a simple stub and calipers to measure shoulder bump.

 

[watercam]

Don't forget the Wison case gauges. Economical and very simple to measure with standard caliper. Sinclair has them or buy direct. One can check loaded rounds with them as well.

 

[tenring]

I use the Reding instant indicator to measure bump. It is quick, and you can bump as little as .0005". However it is caliber specific and you need to order the dial indicator as well. The same tool has multiple other functions.

http://www.redding-reloading.com/online-catalog/37-instant-indicator-headspace-and-bullet-comparator

 

[Dgd6mm]

I gave Larry's tool to teele1 for his 50th birthday. This tool is so handy and easy to use, wish I had bought 2.

 

[Flybuster]

+1 on the barrel stub.

 

[in2deep]

This is how I like to use it for a bullet comparator (not as designed by the maker but works great). The spent shell is just used as a comparator for one end with a Sinclair comparator on the bottom and makes checking individual bullet lengths quick work.

You can see the tension screw and how everything self-centers in the v-notch so you never have to buy additional inserts when changing calibers.