Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator

[Ross308]

Having a problem getting my Comparator to read the same twice in a row. Checking the oal on a .222 Rem. Savage model 112J. Getting readings from 2.757 up to 2.810. Cleaned the barrel with extra care on the chamber but it didn't help. I very lightly tap the case shoulder against the chamber and do the same with the bullet against the lands and grooves. Works fine on my .308 and .243 but gives me crazy readings on the .222. Any insight will be appreciated. Thanks.
Dan R.

 

[tmwinds]

I had the same problem. Had carbon build up in the throat. After a JB paste and bronze brush cleaning it got consistent. Also try holding the case snug against the shoulder and inserting the bullet to a firm touch and average several close readings for your number.

 

[Ross308]

Thanks for the quick response. Went through the process again with a lot firmer pressure on case to chamber and bullet to throat. All readings were within .005. Should be able to better that after removing the carbon. Thanks again.
Dan R.

 

[SHootSTraight22]

Just use the empty case and bullet pushed into the neck method.. Old school works!!

 

[joshb]

I've been theorizing this, also. The Hornady case is not true to my chamber. I figure I need to use a 2x fired case or 3x case for the tool to work for me. I'm using Tony Boyers method of resizing my cases. Take the bolt apart and set back the shoulder till the bolt falls "almost closed". Zero headspace or slightly crushed fit. I figure THAT case then needs to be threaded for the Hornady tool, for it to work for my gun. Am I wrong? Just me thinking. I'm no great shooter and trying to learn. Josh.

 

[jlow]

I've had this problem with longer bullets like the Berger 140 Hybrids in a .260 Rem. The normal prescribed method is to push the bullet deep into the case, put the whole case/bullet into the chamber and then use the flex rod on the Hornady tool to push the bullet in so that it touches the lands. The problem with this method is the longer bullets can come into the neck at an angle and get partially stuck and give you a false reading.

A better method is to seat the bullet long in the case and insert the bullet/case setup into the chamber and gently push it forward until the lands push the bullet into the case. Then push the flex rod forward until it touches the base of the bullet, then lock it in. Now push the bullet/case out with a small wood dowel inserted from the muzzle.

This will give you a more consistent reading.

 

[Ross308]

Thanks for all the feedback. Gives me a lot of different things to work with. Think I'll start with the old method of loading a round long, chambering it and checking the results. After giving the chamber a good cleaning. Thanks again.
Dan R.

 

['Freak]

Consider using the Sinclair Bullet Seating Depth Tool instead of the Hornady. Two stainless steel stop collars get fixed to a ground & polished stainless steel shaft that’s centered & aligned by a Delrin™ action guide. The first collar indicates distance to the base of a bullet positioned to suit within the throat, and the second collar indicates distance to the case head, preferably that of a case fully fire formed in that chamber, but any case will do and without modification. The two collars are fixed to the shaft in separate operations, there’s no trying to feel out the bullet’s position all the while working the rod through a modified case and at the same time, trying to keep it consistently shoved against the chamber’s shoulder.

Once done setting the two stop collars, a measurement of the collars’ spacing on the shaft is the case head to bullet base dimension. Add to that the measurement from the bullet’s base to ogive utilizing a comparator and the result is the case head to ogive dimension with the ogive positioned relative to the lands however you want. The Sinclair tool involves another step or two and you’ll be doing a little simple math, but I find it’s easier in its use to feel what’s going on inside the chamber than with the Hornady/Stoney Point tool, and I can get more consistent, more accurate results.

 

[bsekf]

Because of all these problems, I just use a case that has had the neck cut. Finger seat the bullet long and put it in the gun, close the bolt, the bullet will contact the lands and slid back into the case. Remove and measure. Do it several times because the bullet may hold up in the rifling and you will get a false length. I found trying to measure through the case is too much trouble when all you are doing is getting a base measurement.

Keep in mind that you are getting a measurement, ogive to bolt face. That measurement give you a base to use to adjust OAL and OAL is really ogive to bolt face.

To make this all relevant you have to measure the bullets, ogive to base and that measurement varies, even in the same lot. So now you realize you have to sort bullets.

According to Berger, if you get the ogive to bolt face the same with bullets of the same type and weight, i.e. different lots, they may shoot about the same.