Hornady Lock-N-Load Comparator Body

It's a super useful tool, but it is only made of small turned aluminum stock for gawds sake. If a China company copied these they'd only cost $10 for the master kit. A CNC matchine can make these in seconds. I won't pay $6 for each additional caliber inserts or $30 for the Shoulder/Chamber comparator as my lathe is almost set up and I will make my own. The product is of great quality and great function, but way overpriced. But where else are you going to get one? EXACTLY. Hornady is Makin a Killin! Seems ANYTHING shooting sports related is a cash cow like OPEC was running the show. I'm a Veteran living on $600/month (every dime saved is significant) and they're pricing people out of the sport/hobby.

A load comparator set allows you to get an accurate measurement of your actual rifle round from the base to the ogive of the bullethead, which is more accurate than just measuring the OAL of the round. Due to inconsistencies in bullet head manufacturing you will find differences. By measuring to the ogive and then reloading your bullets using that measurement and the actual chamber measurements of your rifle, you can get a consistent reload with more stable ogive to lands measurements which will improve your accuracy.To do this you need a few tools.The OAL gauge connects to a modified case and allows you to measure the chamber specs of your rifle. You then use those measurements to accurately figure out your riflers preference for your reloaded rounds. The bullets jump to the rifle lands is a very important calculation for accuracy. Too short and the bullet can cock or angle which causes inaccuracy. Too long and the bullet can contact the the lands when fired which can increase pressure in the case which is not only dangerous, but leads to inaccuracy and also an increase in pressure is also not good if you plan on using your cases multiple times.The whole set up for these measurements cost less than $100. The OAL length gauge, an anvil base, comparator set and inserts, headspace gauge kit, and some modified cases in the caliber you need will get you going. You will also need to connect these to your dial calipers, which if you are reloading your own ammo you should already have dial calipers.Is all this really needed? No. You can use a reload manual and get a decent round. If you are really looking for accuracy you can then make different loads in different lengths, and eventually arrive at the same place. But how many rounds did you have to go through for each load before you found nirvana with your load? 10? 50? 75? And this needs to be done for every bullet weight and profile, for each of your rifles. At around $1 a load, this equipment easily pays for itself in bullet development.

Awesome. Must have for precision loads. The package DOES include the red comparator, I'll attach a photo.

I use this thing ALLOT.here is some pointers,if you do not have the "anvil" and comparator, you have to average your COAL by rotating the cartridge while it is in the calipers. the case head sometimes is not perfectly flat and can give you a .002 difference or so +/-, this can also be due to concentricity of the seated bullet which can cause the same reading. something to be aware of. if your rifle is axially aligned, your error margin in COAL goes up in in allowance.the only little gripe I have is sometimes the attachment pieces want to hold onto my bullets, whether its the shelf of the ID diameter cut or what have you, its a little inconvenience that comes with the price of being super useful.

I wanted to take my shooting to the next level of accuracy so I bought the Hornady comparator tools (base, anvil & inserts) to measure from the case datum line & bullet ogive. These tools are well made, easy to use and very accurate. Precision shooting is all about eliminating variables and these tools do just that by providing a way to measure more accurately. In the past, tools of this nature were very expensive but Hornady has found a way to provide these tools at a great price so more shooters can enjoy the benefits. If you want to play at the next level, these tools are essential.

Very easy to use... Thumbscrew holds on the calipers and fits well. I feel this tool has greatly improved the quality and uniformity of my rifle reloading. Every meplat is different and this takes the tip out of the formula. Measures from about where the ogive is and gives a uniform measurement of the cartridge length. I couldn't tell you the last time I measured from base to tip of a cartridge because I exclusively use this tool. It's a must have for accuracy. The only quirk with it is try to use the same pressure on each cartridge because you can jam the bullet into the tool a few thous and get an inaccurate reading. Sorry I didn't have a photo of me actually using the tool

I bought this to get more accurate measurements for my reloads. This is a must buy, and the matching hornady caliper anvil too (this gives the other arm of you caliper a flat base for the bottom of the case). Getting this has changed my reloading game. While measuring from tip to bullet to bottom of case is good, the distance from the ogive to the tip of bullet can vary from bullet to bullet. So using this gives you the same measurement for every bullet, therefore resulting in a consistent reload.

This is a very good product and I recommend it. Make sure when you purchase this that you get the Anvil because it will make things a lot easier for using. When you put the Anvil and on the caliper make sure you seat it to your headspace gauge or comparator and then tighten. That way it is in perfect alignment after tightening.

Think this is a simple but clever idea idea it’s easy to use and well finished although I would say rather expensive for the amount of material in it .

Very handy bit of kit, essential for precise reloading. Would give 5 stars but they're expensive for what the are. It does come with a comparitor body.

Excellent bit of kit

Good well made product, my groups have shrunk significantly

The bullet comparator is awesome for measuring COL on rifle reloads. It measures the Ogive rather than the bulelt tips which can vary from projectile to projectile. The Ogive is more consistent point of measurement.