I decided to make my own bullet comparator/base to ogive tool instead of ordering one but I'm of work today and I don't have a machine shop in my basement (working on that). So being the diyer I am I figured surely I could find something to use until I get back to the machine shop to turn one out. So I'm scrounging around in the basement, in the attic, all over the house. Then it hit me...a socket! Now I know that a 19/64 socket is supposed to measure about .297 flat to flat but I also know the tolerances on sockets isn't necessarily super tight. So I grabbed a 9/32 socket which is supposed to measure .281. This isnt a hex style socket but the star pattern. Sure enough I put the calipers on her and guess what, measures about .295. Bullet comparators for .308 measure .300 obviously so I figure .295 is close enough to use in a pinch. Some sockets have a bevel on the inside the bullet could hit before the ogive contacted the end of the socket so if you try this be mindful of that.
As long as you use the same socket to take your measurements you should be able to use this effectively as a bullet comparator/base to ogive tool. Keep in mind if you take measurements from the socket and try to use it with an actual bullet comparator it won't be the same due to the design of the socket. Sockets have a chamfer on the end that goes over the bolt and the .295 part is set back inside the socket effectively making your measurement longer than it would be with a comparator.
Just thought I'd share this with everyone. What else have you guys used as a comparator in a pinch? Let's hear it. I'm sure someone has a better idea than a socket lol.
As long as you use the same socket to take your measurements you should be able to use this effectively as a bullet comparator/base to ogive tool. Keep in mind if you take measurements from the socket and try to use it with an actual bullet comparator it won't be the same due to the design of the socket. Sockets have a chamfer on the end that goes over the bolt and the .295 part is set back inside the socket effectively making your measurement longer than it would be with a comparator.
Just thought I'd share this with everyone. What else have you guys used as a comparator in a pinch? Let's hear it. I'm sure someone has a better idea than a socket lol.
