Headspace Gauges

Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge Tool

This affordable headspace gauge from Hornady Lock-N-Load Products (formerly Stoney Point) allows the handloader to measure changes to the headspace of cartridges with a dial/digital caliper. Different headspace bushing sizes (depending on cartridge family) insert into the Hornady Lock-N-Load Comparator Body, which attaches to a caliper. The handloader can then measure the changes between fired and sized brass. This enables the handloader to adjust his sizing dies for a proper cartridge fit in his chamber. When a handloader oversizes his cases it can cause excessive headspace problems, one of which will shorten the life of the brass.

Sinclair Headspace Bump Gauge Insert

Sinclair Bump Gauge Inserts are used to measure the amount of shoulder bump when setting up full length sizing dies. These Bump Gauges install in either the Hornady (formerly Stoney point) or Sinclair  comparator bodies and are machined to fit particular shoulder angles of cartridges. Rather than measuring to the datum line, these gages indicate off of the shoulder of the case to get a better, more easily assessable measurement of how much you are actually sizing your cases. We usually recommend between .001" to .002" bump for bolt action rifles and between .003" and .005" for AR-15 type rifles. Also a useful tool for keeping your brass and loaded ammunition separated if you have multiple rifles chambered for the same cartridge and checking loaded ammunition.

Wilson Cartridge Case Gauges

The most important use of a cartridge case gauge is for setting up 7⁄8"-14 press type full length resizing dies. A common error in reloading is to oversize your brass. Headspace of fired cases can quickly and accurately be measured using this tool and a caliper.
 

Regular Style: This one piece gage will check overall length to indicate a need for trimming and datum to head length to assure correct headspace to prevent over sizing.
 

Adjustable Style: For belted mags. While the belt provides support for proper headspace, the life of the case will drastically shorten unless resizing is held to a minimum at the shoulder.

Pistol Max Gauges: Used to check all critical dimensions of the pistol case - mouth diameter, base diameter, rim thickness and diameter, case overall length and bullet diameter.

L.E. Wilson Case Gauge Micrometer

Redding Instant Indicator

This precision made tool allows a hand loader to quickly compare headspace and bullet seating depth within .001". The “Instant Indicator” lets you accurately check the headspace from the case shoulder to the base in a couple of seconds. This information is critical for setting up your full length sizing die to allow the precise amount of shoulder bump. The use of a dial indicator with this tool makes each measurement easy to read and also accurate. Using the Redding sizing bushing supplied, you can read seating depth for your cartridges.

The Instant Indicator enables you to compare bullets to each other by checking the bullet base to give dimension. This is a great feature for those wanting to sort bullets prior to meplat trimming. Available with or without Dial Indicator.

Redding Instant Indicator Range Adapter

The "Range Adapter" makes this instrument more versatile and may now be used at the range or in the field without requiring the use of a reloading press.