Hornady Comparators

[baddarryl]

Can you guys tell me what the difference is in these two sets? I couldn’t find a definitive answer. I am leaning at the Headspace Comparator.

Also if I get one of these and an O.A.L. do I still need a case gauge like the LE Wilson Case Gauge? Seems like they somewhat do the same thing with the Wilson being less specific but quicker for leas critical ammo? Thank you.

https://www.brownells.com/reloading...adspace-tools/wilson-case-gage-prod33287.aspx

 

[F Class John]

One is for measuring bullets and the other is for measuring headspace on brass.

They are two completely different sets of tools.

 

[Dub]

they do 2 different things. The headspace gauge is really a shoulder bump gauge tool. At least it is used that way more often than not. The other is to determine how to set your base to ogive for seating your bullets. The wilson case gauge is the least useful for the tools you show. you can determine most of what it tells you with your dial calipers.

 

[INTJ]

Can you guys tell me what the difference is in these two sets? I couldn’t find a definitive answer. I am leaning at the Headspace Comparator.

Also if I get one of these and an O.A.L. do I still need a case gauge like the LE Wilson Case Gauge? Seems like they somewhat do the same thing with the Wilson being less specific but quicker for leas critical ammo? Thank you.

https://www.brownells.com/reloading...adspace-tools/wilson-case-gage-prod33287.aspx

Get both Hornady sets and a good caliper, like a Mitituyo digital.

 

[Uncle Ed]

One measures bullet seating depth and the other measures the case shoulder location.

And with the Hornady case headspace gauge you can measure "FIRED" cases. And the same case in the Wilson gauge may not drop all the way into the gauge due to its fired diameter. Also if you buy the Hornady gauge you will not need to buy a separate Wilson type gauge for each caliber.

Below measuring a "fired" case from my AR15 rifle and then the die is set up for .003 shoulder bump. And the same fired case will not fit in my Wilson case gauge due to the case diameter. Meaning the Hornady gauge is more accurate in reading a fired and then a resized case for minimum shoulder bump.

 

[243winxb]

Get the Hornady. https://www.brownells.com/aspx/learn/learndetail.aspx?lid=12897

Or home made. A 40 S&W case at .400" works for me on 243win.

Just need something near the datums diameter to compared fired to sized brass.

 

[Uncle Ed]

Below is a "FIRED" Lake City 7.62 case in a Dillon case gauge. The case will not drop all the way into the gauge due to its fired diameter.

Below is the same case in a JP Enterprise case gauge that is closer to SAAMI minimum case diameter. And if the case drops all the way into the JP Enterprise gauge it will fit in any chamber. Meaning not all drop in case gauges are the same inside diameter.

Below a Wilson, Dillon and JP Enterprise .223 case gauges with the cases reversed to show their inside diameter.

I buy bulk once fired Lake City 5.56 and 7.62 brass that was fired in a verity of military chambers. I use the Hornady gauge to check shoulder location and the JP Enterprise gauge to check case diameter. And if the resized case and the loaded cartridge fits in the JP Enterprise gauge it will chamber in any rifle. Meaning I'm checking for brass spring back after sizing and using it as a plop gauge with the loaded rounds. I'm loading for my two sons AR15 rifles plus my AR15 and I do not have my sons rifles. So using the JP Enterprise gauge makes sure Dad will not be blamed for making bad ammo.

 

[Hohn]

Get both Hornady sets and a good caliper, like a Mitituyo digital.

I-gaging brand is also excellent for a substantially lower price. You don’t need to spend $130 for a decent caliper, but you do need to spend more than 40-60 or so.