I’ve used a home made version for years and it wasn’t as precise as desired. I finally broke down and bought one even though they don’t have special cases for 2 of the cartridges I’m looking to reload, 6.5×284, and 6.5×55. I will have to drill and tap my own. Anyone else use this thing, and how do you like it?
I have one I use for my 22.250. works as advertised, no complaints. takes a bit of a learning curve to use it, like how to feel when you’re touching the lands, without sticking the bullet.
Has anyone ever tried the old school “bullet in an spent case method” and compared it to the result from the Hornady gauge?
I’d be interested to know how the measurements compare. Obviously, the old school method has significant potential for error if not done carefully and some rifles have very strong ejectors that make extracting the case without altering the measurement difficult. Personally, I do it 10 times and take the average after throwing out any measurements that vary significantly.
Anyone ever compared?
Grouse
I’ve tried various homebrew methods,.And to expedite the process I bought the gauge for $33 out the door. I’m on my way now to the hardware store to get the “L” size drill and 5/16″x36 tpi tap to make my cases.
Iv’e had mine since Hornaday came out with it. It works great.I make my own modified cases too from once fired brass out of the rifle I intend to load. That way the case is fire formed to the bore. Grouse– I have compared it. Both ways work but OAL gauge is quicker and more accurate. That being said I still do it 3 times to be sure.
Well, that was a bust. Got to hardware store and they neither had the drill or tap. $20 bucks later Amazon has me covered and I’ll be in business next week.
Has anyone ever tried the old school “bullet in an spent case method” and compared it to the result from the Hornady gauge?
I’d be interested to know how the measurements compare. Obviously, the old school method has significant potential for error if not done carefully and some rifles have very strong ejectors that make extracting the case without altering the measurement difficult. Personally, I do it 10 times and take the average after throwing out any measurements that vary significantly.
Anyone ever compared?
Grouse
I use the H OAL gauge extensively and have compared to the old method of the bullet /spent case. Too much time in the old method. You need to measure it multiple times and average it out just like you said you did. For me, i don’t have the time to play games and fart around with crap. I’m in the mind thought of “measure twice, cut once”.
I have made one change in my Hornady OAL gauge. For the inline gauge, I threw the plastic rod in the garbage and replaced it with a brass rod. That eliminated getting the few variable measurements. Like any gauge though, you don’t push it in there like a cork in a wine bottle. A soft touch is all that is needed to feel the bullet ogive touch the lands and done.
I must have a really old one,no plastic. The rod is a small channel shaped metal piece. Did yours come with the doodads that fit on a caliper, and goes over the bullet to the ogive to measure the length?
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