The Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Comparator Kit is an essential tool for reloaders, meticulously designed to extend brass life, improve accuracy, and enhance safety throughout your reloading process. This comprehensive headspace comparator kit, often referred to as a Hornady headspace gauge kit, enables you to precisely measure variations in your brass before and after firing or resizing. It facilitates a direct comparison between fire-formed brass and your resized cases, providing crucial data for optimal reloading results. Understanding how to use the Hornady Headspace Comparator is key to achieving consistent and reliable ammunition.

This Hornady headspace gauge kit includes a robust comparator body and five interchangeable bushings (A, B, C, D, E), which attach seamlessly to your calipers. Utilising the same B-2000 body as the Hornady Bullet Comparator, this system ensures consistent and reliable measurements for your cases. To operate your Hornady Headspace Comparator, simply attach the comparator body to your caliper with the brass thumbscrew. Then, select the appropriate bushing from the included Hornady Headspace Bushing Size Chart. This setup allows you to accurately measure your cases from the case-head to the comparative point on the case shoulder, functioning as an effective Hornady case comparator.

For optimal reloading performance, particularly when performing full-length resizing, your die should be adjusted to set the shoulder back by .001" to .002". This precise adjustment, guided by your headspace comparator readings, provides minimal clearance with your firearm's chamber. This is a critical factor for maintaining proper head space comparator values. Correct headspace minimises case stretching, reduces work hardening, significantly extends case life, improves accuracy, and increases overall shooting safety. This process is vital for any reloader seeking to refine their ammunition for hunting or sporting.

Autoloader shooters will find this Hornady headspace comparator particularly useful for identifying cases with bent rims by rotating the brass. Bent rims can often be a cause of inconsistent shots or "flyers." It also assists in detecting excessive headspace conditions, a potentially hazardous situation if not addressed. Proper headspace ensures reliable firing pin contact with the primer, further enhancing the consistency and safety of your loads for all firearm types.

The five bushings included in the Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Comparator Kit are compatible with most bottleneck cases, ranging from .17 Rem through belted magnums. This includes comprehensive support for Ackley Improved chambers, which typically use the same bushing size as their parent case. For detailed cartridge compatibility, please refer to the comprehensive Hornady Headspace Bushing Size Chart below or consult the product instructions. This Hornady comparator chart is a valuable resource for determining the correct Hornady comparator bushing for your specific reloading needs.

Note: Many Weatherby cases may be checked by measuring cases on the ii radius and on the outside radius. Use the appropriate bushing size(s) to gauge near the centre of the radius.