Ok starting sorting bullets with the hornady bullet comparator. After watching tv I noticed my measurements were changing. I would got back to pile and they were all different. I had the anvil/bushing on lower caliper jaw then close they jaw till the base of the bullet touched the upper jaw. The spin the bullet till it sat flat on the jaw. So i guess its wearing it out being aluminum and be making rookie mistakes. Is this a common issue and keep going till it makes a nice seating spot. Its frustrating because all my piles are off. F@$K IT load them up to the max and send it lol.
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Hornady bullet comparator issue.
- Thread starter Kangbeef
- Start date
Ok starting sorting bullets with the hornady bullet comparator. After watching tv I noticed my measurements were changing. I would got back to pile and they were all different. I had the anvil/bushing on lower caliper jaw then close they jaw till the base of the bullet touched the upper jaw. The spin the bullet till it sat flat on the jaw. So i guess its wearing it out being aluminum and be making rookie mistakes. Is this a common issue and keep going till it makes a nice seating spot. Its frustrating because all my piles are off. F@$K IT load them up to the max and send it lol.
Time to pony up some money and get the good ones. Ditch the hornady.
You might be using too much pressure???
It's takes some time to develop a good feel for using a caliper to get consistent reading, especially when using a comparator like that. You might try putting the comparator assembly on the upper jaw and no anvil on the bottom jaw.
You didn't say what caliper you're using. If you don't have a good caliper, getting inconsistent measurements would be normal.
Lol yeah but I am not at that stage yet just doing repetitions and learning. I guess the good ones require some loot.
Yeah true that. That may be a near future purchase as many people use mitutoyo(msi viking) i believe for best pricing. Gonna try the old lyman calipers I got in a package deal years ago that was a steal. My digital rcbs calpiers are going it the junk drawer.You might be using too much pressure???
It's takes some time to develop a good feel for using a caliper to get consistent reading, especially when using a comparator like that. You might try putting the comparator assembly on the upper jaw and no anvil on the bottom jaw.
You didn't say what caliper you're using. If you don't have a good caliper, getting inconsistent measurements would be normal.
IMHO. . . this is a good price for a good caliper:
SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL BULLET COMPARATOR INSERTS | Brownells
Check out the SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL available Online at Brownells Today and many more Bullet Comparators products are available in our Reloading Department.
www.brownells.com
Then there are the really good comparators:
Simple Bullet Comparator - Whidden Gunworks
Don't we need a simple way to measure the Cartridge Base to Ogive so that we can get our bullet seating depths just right? After all, how can we set the appropriate bullet jump if we can't even measure the bullet properly? The simple solution is our Simple Bullet Comparator. Besides seating...
www.whiddengunworks.com
Were you using it with lead or Moly coated bullets? Looks awful dark.
Unless they took the incredibly cheap step of drilling the bushing after anodizing the surface should be harder than any common projectile.
69gr smk .224 no they didnt drill it was all me with to much pressure. Trying to get used to the anvil on the upper jaw lol.
Guess i will place some orders tomorrow while in the treestand. Have a good night to everyone. Thanks again for the lessonsIMHO. . . this is a good price for a good caliper:
SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL BULLET COMPARATOR INSERTS | Brownells
Check out the SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL available Online at Brownells Today and many more Bullet Comparators products are available in our Reloading Department.
Then there are the really good comparators:
Simple Bullet Comparator - Whidden Gunworks
Don't we need a simple way to measure the Cartridge Base to Ogive so that we can get our bullet seating depths just right? After all, how can we set the appropriate bullet jump if we can't even measure the bullet properly? The simple solution is our Simple Bullet Comparator. Besides seating...
and double check that it didn't change vendors when checking out... Amazon really does a lot of shady shit to promote some sellers over others.
If you're ordering a Mitutoyo caliper from Amazon, double check it to be sure is not a cheap knockoff.
Sorry dumb question but do you give whatever you're measuring with a caliper/comparator a twist? I give light pressure using the adjustment wheel then roll the case or complete cartridge with my fingers when checking case length, shoulder length, or seating depth.You might be using too much pressure???
It's takes some time to develop a good feel for using a caliper to get consistent reading, especially when using a comparator like that. You might try putting the comparator assembly on the upper jaw and no anvil on the bottom jaw.
You didn't say what caliper you're using. If you don't have a good caliper, getting inconsistent measurements would be normal.
It seems to me that would cause it settle on the shortest spot and increase consistency but I don't really know. It does make faint marks on my bullet ogive.
A light touch on the caliper closing + a small rotation will usually improve the presentation, and result in more consistent measurements. The key thing is the jaws are hard and the brass/bullts are soft. Don't bite too early before its squared up, and don't over-work the rotation once the presentation is good
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The rookie mistake is wasting your time using a comparator on 69 SMKs. LOL Those bullets won't know or care about a few thousandth of an inch difference when seated.
IMHO, sounds like you're doing it correctly, as I find doing it that way gives me consistent results. I'm pretty "light" with the pressure and sometimes I do get a faint burnish on the ogive, but for me, that indicates I'm either putting a little too much pressure with the caliper (as light as it is) and/or am twisting such as to wedge the bullet into the comparator too much with my fingers.
Yes i gave them a roll between my fingers to find where it sits flat. I think thats what has caused my issue. I have heavy hands and need practice on a lighter touch.
A caliper is really not a precision instrument. Therefore, IMHO, it's not worth it.
Besides developing the proper "feel" for using a comparator, the other thing that allows some consistency of measurements is dedicating a caliper to it.
With a gauge-block block under 1 inch, one can use it for multiple things...A caliper is really not a precision instrument. Therefore, IMHO, it's not worth it.
your 'precision' tools like micrometers and dial indicators etc...included.
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What you need to learn is what is worth doing and what is not and what is worth spending money on and what is not. But seems like you want to learn that yourself instead of learning from those of us that wasted our time and money on things so have fun.
Probably but its me wanting to learn. Its really intriguing and fun to do
It started with different seating depths and not staying consistent. So started the sorting on bullets based on ojive to base. Learning lessons and mistake on me. Future steps will be asked with many questions and advice.
Okay, but be advised you’re heading down a rabbit hole with no return on investment, unless you’re a competitive shooter.
Your shooting technique likely has more impact on your precision than a few thousandths here or there.
P
Wait until you start obsessing about how different primers have different brisance, and the potential impact on ignition.
Oh no you di’int.
P
One day you’ll come to the conclusion that proper brass preparation has more influence on precision than primer selection.
Then you’ll realize that annealing and neck tension are more important than anything except runout.
Then some day they’ll find you rocking in a corner saying “RCBS lied to me” over and over…
P
Then you’ll realize that annealing and neck tension are more important than anything except runout.
Then some day they’ll find you rocking in a corner saying “RCBS lied to me” over and over…
P
On the contrary, OP is simply trying to learn how to measure stuff. If he ends this thread with a reliable caliper and a gauge block, and the skills to use them consistently, he's doing well with his time and money.
Simply learning to do GOOD job on QC checks is a huge part of the reloading process. Having better, easier to use tools (and reliable technique) makes this non-glamourous activity go alot faster, and smoother.
And you're therefore less tempted to skip these critical checks/double-check etc steps in your final process.
Just my $0.02
Exactly and this is what i have gathered. Quality tools, advice and ask questions. I will be no expert over night
You need to listen to all the answers and not just the ones you want. Pharmseller is trying to help you also. I have been competing for over 20 years and never sorted a bullet. Maybe if you were a top 1000 yard BR guy but short of that if you buy good bullets you are just wasting time. Learning how to do it is fine but don’t think it has to be done.
Yes you're right also. I have realized i am overthinking and need to see what equipment i really need first. Then move forward.
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