VLD Comparator

[1J04]

Well, it finally happened. Doing load development for a couple 300WM's with 185 Berger VLD's and can't get CBTO due to bottoming out in my Hornady Comparator.

My google fu is apparently weak because all I'm finding is an outrageously priced Comparator by Bob Green

and then this one from Davidson

for like $24.00 Bucks. http://www.benchrite.com/cscart/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29858

It appears the one by Davidson 'may' be long enough but I don't know anybody using it. You boys got any suggestions regarding a Comparator long enough to keep from bottoming out on long bullets? Would love to hear what you're using successfully.

 

[FishDr]

I'm just spit-balling an idea here.....
Since you have a Hornady comparator, get the "F" size headspace comparator insert. It is 0.188" diameter which can be drilled out to whatever size needed. These are also considerably longer than the bullet comparator inserts, but fit on the same body. If you have a number drill set, you could use a "double-drill" technique so the hole size will be very close to the drill size. I would use an M (.295) drill through, then an N (.302) for size. This wouldn't be perfect, but remember, this is a comparator which gives you relative dimensions for YOUR bullet, with YOUR tool, in YOUR chamber. At least it would be inexpensive.

Let us know if it works.

 

[spife7980]

I know Sinclair has a normal hornady equivalent but they also have an extended length body that would probably work.

 

[1J04]

I know Sinclair has a normal hornady equivalent but they also have an extended length body that would probably work.

I must have missed that spife. I'll go back to researching their inventory of goodies. I can't imagine they wouldn't have an extended insert that doesn't bottom out VLD's and the like. Thanks.

edit: I had to have passed right over this a couple times. This is what I'm looking for. Again, I appreciate the shout.

 

[spife7980]

Not a problem, description says that it can measure the shoulders on loaded factory ammo so I assume it should be able to stand up to the long bullets themselves.

 

[1J04]

Not a problem, description says that it can measure the shoulders on loaded factory ammo so I assume it should be able to stand up to the long bullets themselves.

We'll see. It's been ordered. I know you're not a fan of these, and frankly neither was I, but I load for guns I don't tear down. I always use to post up this vid like yours you put up regarding finding the lands. It's how I do it for my Remington's. But I also like toys and numbers and this helps me and some of my buddies for their guns I load for fulfill that OCD niche. I can tell right off the bat from the pics that this will take care of the 185's I'm dealing with with plenty of room to spare.
One of the guns I'm doing is a Thompson Pro Hunter. Whole different Cat than what I'm use to loading for. Completely different methodology and it's a pain in the ass.

 

[Fishkat]

Very interesting, I use the Sinclair standard comparator and inserts and finding CBTO on loads using Berger 215 Hybrid target bullets is not a problem. These are long bullets. I have learned that the Hornady inserts are beveled allowing the bullet to travel further into the insert, they are also thinner than the Sinclair insert by a good bit.
Good luck, looks like you solved the issue.

 

[1J04]

Very interesting, I use the Sinclair standard comparator and inserts and finding CBTO on loads using Berger 215 Hybrid target bullets is not a problem. These are long bullets. I have learned that the Hornady inserts are beveled allowing the bullet to travel further into the insert, they are also thinner than the Sinclair insert by a good bit.
Good luck, looks like you solved the issue.

It is interesting. I've seated and measured thousands of Berger .30 cal bullets in 168 and 210's and never had an issue. For some reason the 185's are bottoming out. Weird. We'll see......

 

[Fishkat]

Try this all Berger bullet dimensions are listed, let us know what you find out. Should be able to pick the bullet in question and compare the nose length to the others you don't have problems with. I'll do a little checking myself, hope this helps.

http://www.bergerbullets.com/pdf/Quick-Reference-Sheets.pdf

 

[Fishkat]

Correction, you will need to take the OAL minus the Base to Ogive value to determine the actual length from BTO to the tip of the bullet.