I'm just getting into reloading and I'm getting the last little bit of tools and measuring devices together to get started. I was planning on purchasing the SAC set until I came across the Derraco kit. From everything I've read online the SAC kit appears to be extremely high quality and I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for", but for anyone who has used both, is it 3x better. $175 vs $52 is a pretty significant difference for two tools that both appear to be high quality and serve the same purpose.
SAC vs Derraco comparators?
- Thread starter AK4900PA
- Start date
The nice thing about SAC is the headspace comparator is chamfered to fit the shoulder and should give a more consistent measurement from case to case. Also if you buy the SAC funnel the headspace comparators are used in the funnel and fit very nicely on a sized case. Not too tight, but not loose either.
Disclaimer: I've never used the Derraco set so it may work just as well.
Disclaimer: I've never used the Derraco set so it may work just as well.
I prefer the sac for the exact reasons above. The exact should angle cut is very nice for very precise measurements. It leads to buying more tools as you expand caliber range but there’s a price for precision.
You can absolutely get by with the derraco and make very nice ammo. If you’re just starting out in reloading I’d start here and upgrade later if you want
You can absolutely get by with the derraco and make very nice ammo. If you’re just starting out in reloading I’d start here and upgrade later if you want
The comparator is a pretty simple tool. I would go with the Derraco set as it will give you more size options in the kit. If you load several calibers that would be helpful. The only thing I don't like on the Derraco is how the base attaches to the caliper using set screws rather than a thumb screw. The SAC is very well made and you can't go wrong with their version, you'll just have a lighter wallet.
I'm definitely a "buy once, cry once" kinda guy. The SAC appears to be a great piece of kit, but the Derraco at less than 1/3 of the price makes for an awfully difficult decision. lol. The difference in price is a pair of Mitutoyo calipers. 
The only rifle calibers I own at the moment are 300blk, .308 win and 300 WM so most of the pieces in the Derraco kit would go unused honestly.
The only rifle calibers I own at the moment are 300blk, .308 win and 300 WM so most of the pieces in the Derraco kit would go unused honestly.
Should have had a thumbscrew from the beginning.
Yes, I have one, yes I modified it to add a thumbscrew but have retired the kit in favor of my SAC headspace units.
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