I just bought a Hornady OAL gauge and a set of bullet comparators. I attempted to use them for the first time today and I am a little bewildered at the results. I used two different bullets and took 10 measurements using each bullet. I got a divergence (difference between longest and shortest measurements) of .080 with one bullet and .120 using the other one. I was expecting to see only .001 or .002 difference between measurements.
To the best of my ability I am following the directions; lightly (using 2-3 pounds of pressure) pushing the plastic rod to seat the bullet ogive against the lands/grooves then locking the thumbscrew and removing the case/bullet for measure. It looked simple enough on all the YouTube videos I watched. The rifle is a Savage 111 25-06.
I measured three different Hornady factory cartridges. It was very interesting to note that there was .076 difference between the shortest and longest (3.680-3.604) as measured from base to the ogive.
I think there is a lot of merit to using a tool like this to make cartridges to fit your rifle. I look forward to using it properly.
Thanks for help,
Mark
To the best of my ability I am following the directions; lightly (using 2-3 pounds of pressure) pushing the plastic rod to seat the bullet ogive against the lands/grooves then locking the thumbscrew and removing the case/bullet for measure. It looked simple enough on all the YouTube videos I watched. The rifle is a Savage 111 25-06.
I measured three different Hornady factory cartridges. It was very interesting to note that there was .076 difference between the shortest and longest (3.680-3.604) as measured from base to the ogive.
I think there is a lot of merit to using a tool like this to make cartridges to fit your rifle. I look forward to using it properly.
Thanks for help,
Mark