Which Headspace Measuring Tool

[SigsauerP229]

I have the Hornady comparator kit and one of the Hornady Headspace gauges in .308 but I was wondering before I get the rest of the gauges to measure all my calibers, should I just consider the Larry Willis Headspace Gauge? Which is more accurate and has a quicker setup from everyone's experience.

I've heard complaints about the soft metal on the Hornady gauge can start to roll after so many uses.


Thanks

 

[X-fan]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

The Redding instant indicator has been my mainstay, but its pretty expensive.

I haven't tried the Larry Willis version yet, but it is next on my list. Seems like a good unit at a fair price.

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Redding instant indicator has been my mainstay, but its pretty expensive.
</div></div>

Same here.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SigsauerP229</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've heard complaints about the soft metal on the Hornady gauge can start to roll after so many uses.</div></div>


I have my Stoney Point(Hornady) Headspace Gauge for 6 years and have not experienced that, and further its not one of those tools that gets used every reloading session, its pretty much a one time use when setting up a new FL die, once the lock ring is set there really is no need for it after that.

 

[jdmartin]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

I use my Larry Willis gauge a lot and consider it a bargain at $89. I load for enough calibers that it would cost that much to get a gauge for every caliber plus set up takes seconds when changing calibers.
Based on how uniform the measurements are I think it is very accurate.

 

[FLIGHT762]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

The Sinclair bump gauge is a good gauge and has a steel insert cut like the shoulder. The insert will fit into the Hornady bump gauge body. A gauge for a family of cartridges is about $10.00.

I use the Hornady and the Sinclair. They both work. If I were to pick one, it would be the Sinclair.

 

[texasleftychef]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

The Sinclair green insert gauge is the one that works best for me as well. Also can use the same basic set up to measure base to ogive with different inserts..

 

[vman]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

Hornady tool is what I use. Seems to be working well so far.

I do wonder tho, could you get greater accuracy with bushings for individual case types rather than generic ones?

Only reason I ask is because I want to set an FL die up to that it meets SAAMI spec. I do not know if the Hornady headspace insert (its the "C" one i think) measures EXACTLY from the shoulder datum in the same place that SAAMI measure from?

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hornady tool is what I use. Seems to be working well so far.

I do wonder tho, could you get greater accuracy with bushings for individual case types rather than generic ones?

Only reason I ask is because I want to set an FL die up to that it meets SAAMI spec. I do not know if the Hornady headspace insert (its the "C" one i think) measures EXACTLY from the shoulder datum in the same place that SAAMI measure from?</div></div>

I'm toying around with using my reamer to cut my own chamber-specific inserts for the Redding Instant Indicator from a bit of barrel cut-off. However so long as the angle on the shoulder is the same and the diameter is large enough for whatever case you are using then it shouldn't matter. Just zero it out using the same go-gauge you chambered with and measure cases from there, it matter not if it's measuring exactly off the datum so long as it's measuring both the gauge and your brass the same.

 

[targaflorio]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

RCBS precision mic. Fugetaboutit

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RCBS precision mic. Fugetaboutit
</div></div>

Assuming you can find one in the proper caliber (last I looked they didn't make many), I've had very inconsistent results with the RCBS mic. I much prefer a gauge that measures off the shoulder taper (at least part, if not the entire shoulder) rather than a non-tapered hole that measures a discrete point on the shoulder.

 

[memilanuk]

Re: Which Headspace Measuring Tool

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SigsauerP229</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Hornady comparator kit and one of the Hornady Headspace gauges in .308 but I was wondering before I get the rest of the gauges to measure all my calibers, should I just consider the Larry Willis Headspace Gauge? Which is more accurate and has a quicker setup from everyone's experience.</div></div>

Haven't used the Larry Willis setup... but have an extensive set of Stoney Point (now Hornady) inserts for both seating depth and headspace. Now I've started moving to the Sinclair inserts - steel, tapered holes for the seating depth, and holes to match shoulder angle for headspace. Is one 'better' or 'faster' than another? Dunno. I usually have a couple spare comparator heads laying around and keep them set up for my most common cartridges. Then its about as fast as clamping one to the blade of my Mitutuoyo digital calibers and pressing 'zero'...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've heard complaints about the soft metal on the Hornady gauge can start to roll after so many uses. </div></div>

It's aluminum, so softer than steel... but still, if its 'rolling' or otherwise deforming, someone is using *way* too much pressure and will likely end up trashing their calipers as well.