Hornady OAL guage value
- Thread starter rimfiremac
- Start date
I can't even imagine what useful measurement such a procedure would have... Sounds like this would measure the oal, or the case head, both if which can be measured externally with calipers. What am I missing?
The thread the tool cases use are oddball. Something like 5/16-38. Not impossible to get though. I've read of guys in the states using once fired cases made into 'tool' cases without issues. Hornady will make similar cases for you if you send in a once fired case and 15 bucks.
The stoney Point O.A.L./Hornady O.A.L. guage with the converted catridges have been/are a very valuable tool indeed! once you get used to it, your will never go back to smoking the bullets, etc.
Simply the most accurate method available.
I have seen as much as .030" varience in bullet length measured from the nose to base.
Making any system that uses the bullet tip for reference, absolutely useless.
I have also found that some bullet manufacturers have a real mix of ogive measurements.
The worst was Speer, by far!
Hornady has been spotty in ogive consistancy, but good enough that I regularily shoot them still.
Nosler,Sierra,Berger have a much better system that keeps bullets made from a single bullet swedging press, grouped together in a box. This Gives a shooter/reloader more control of thier variables.
One thing I have done for all my new barrels/rifles, is take a measurement with the O.A.L. guage system, and mark the bullet with the measurement. then I put "that particular bullet" with the corresponding dies for that rifle. This way, at any point of the barrels life, I can run the same bullet into the "cleaned" barrel and get an idea of how much throat erosion I have experienced in that barrel.
Compare the "original measurement" and the new measurement. thats your approximate erosion indicator.
Its a good way to get an idea/guide of throat erosion.
This way I have tracked throat erosion through a barrels life. interesting stuff, EH!?
Hope this idea can help someone!
Simply the most accurate method available.
I have seen as much as .030" varience in bullet length measured from the nose to base.
Making any system that uses the bullet tip for reference, absolutely useless.
I have also found that some bullet manufacturers have a real mix of ogive measurements.
The worst was Speer, by far!
Hornady has been spotty in ogive consistancy, but good enough that I regularily shoot them still.
Nosler,Sierra,Berger have a much better system that keeps bullets made from a single bullet swedging press, grouped together in a box. This Gives a shooter/reloader more control of thier variables.
One thing I have done for all my new barrels/rifles, is take a measurement with the O.A.L. guage system, and mark the bullet with the measurement. then I put "that particular bullet" with the corresponding dies for that rifle. This way, at any point of the barrels life, I can run the same bullet into the "cleaned" barrel and get an idea of how much throat erosion I have experienced in that barrel.
Compare the "original measurement" and the new measurement. thats your approximate erosion indicator.
Its a good way to get an idea/guide of throat erosion.
This way I have tracked throat erosion through a barrels life. interesting stuff, EH!?
Hope this idea can help someone!
Last edited:
MikeTheRock
Regular
- Location
- Calgary, AB
If you have the inclination, all you need to make your own modified cases is a 5/16 x 36 tpi tap and a 9/16 drill bit. The tap is a bit hard to find (thanks for nothing Hornady), but I located one for only $16. Any local machine shop supplier should be able to order one. Then you can use a once fired case to take your measurements. If you are doing several calibers the tap is the way to go as I found the modified cases are hard to find anywhere but Sinclairs, especially for uncommon calibers.
Also, it can't be stated enought that OAL length is only useful to make sure you are under the max for magazine feeding. Other than that you have to measure from the base to the ogive or there really isn't much point to the whole exercise. Everything from the ogive to the tip is essentially irrelevant as it never engages the rifling and is just along for the ride.
Also, it can't be stated enought that OAL length is only useful to make sure you are under the max for magazine feeding. Other than that you have to measure from the base to the ogive or there really isn't much point to the whole exercise. Everything from the ogive to the tip is essentially irrelevant as it never engages the rifling and is just along for the ride.
