Do you need a headspace comparator for a bolt gun used just for hunting?

[Nova]

Hi,

I have always reloaded with mostly RCBS FL sizing dies for my bolt hunting rifles. I always set up the sizing die the away the instructions state. I'm guessing I'm bumping way more than needed. I have never had a problem for rifles that I'm shooting within 300 yards. My question is, should I have always been checking headspace? If I bump too far does that impact accuracy or just shorten case length?

I'm currently reloading a 7 PRC for Elk hunting. Will be my first time Elk hunting. I'm thinking I should be checking headspace especially if it can impact accuracy. There may be a chance that I will need to shoot farther than I typically do for whitetail so I want as much accuracy as I can get within reason.

Also, If I need headspace comparator, what would you recommend? This is only for hunting rifles not competition rifles.

Thanks.

 

[Lowedown]

I run the Hornady Headspace comparator set, along with the bullet length comparator. The major advantages I see is my brass is consistently lasting and I have far fewer split necks. I load for accuracy in hunting rifles as well, and consistently work loads to sub half moa or better. I really like the bullet comparator for setting COAL as there are small variances in bullet lengths. therefore you could set your seating depths up to around .006" different each time if you just go from nose.
For first COAL I measure about 50 bullets for length and sort them. I then use the "average" pile to set my die for length off the bullet tip. Using only that pile I know they are all the same. Then once the length is dialed in I check it with the comparator and write down that number. From then on I don't need to measure bullets again, I just use the comparator and it's number for setting the die in the future. This is for when I am after a "book length COAL" which tends to be a strong starting point.
The headspace gage has shown me that there are definitely variances in chambers. Some of my rifles need the die set for a pretty solid cam over just to get the .0015-.002" shoulder bumps, while others only need touch pressure to achieve it. I found that some cases were getting sized an excessive .015" of shoulder bump before using the comparator!
Happy loading and enjoy the process.

 

[wapitibob]

You don't need any of it but it goes a lot quicker if you do.

 

[dgfavor]

I like using the digital headspace gauge from Innovative Technologies over the comparator/handheld micrometer - I just feel I get more precise, consistent measurements with it stationary on the bench and a consistent downward pressure case to case as well as more individualized "my chamber/my brass" fit. Who knows...?
I use it set my COAL also.

Digital Headspace Gauge​ "This new reloading toolmeasures your EXACTchamber clearance for any caliber from .22 Hornet tothe 378 Weatherby Magnum." ▶ Digital Headspace Gauge Video Replacement Gauge ​ $124.99 ​ Or call our Tech support: 321-972-1329

[td]

Our patented Digital Headspace Gauge shows the exact clearance (at the shoulder) that YOUR handloads will have in YOUR particular chamber. Remember, a fired case is like a perfect casting of your chamber (except for break-open actions). Simply calibrate this gauge to your rifle by inserting one of your fired cases, and press the "zero" button. Then insert one of your handloads, and the gauge will display your chamber clearance. This is the most accurate way to adjust your die height - without guessing.
It is common to find handloaders pushing the shoulder back way too far. The shoulder of your handloads should be set back no more than -.002" for a perfect fit. Reloaders that run their shellholder into the resizing die are often pushing the shoulder up to .016" too far in some rifle chambers. Those shooters that just resize the neck also need to know "how far" to bump the shoulder for a reliable chamber fit.
This gauge improves accuracy by making your handloads fit better than any factory ammo, and it also reduces case run-out. It provides longer case life by helping to reduce case stretching, and that eliminates the possibility of case head separation. This gauge can also measure bullet "jump" to the rifling. It doesn't require special tools or a collection of bushings to operate it, and the gauge provides uniform downward spring pressure to provide the most consistent readings. You can now determine the most accurate height setting for your resizing and seating dies to make perfect fitting handloads. This gauge also compares OAL and case length at the rate of about one case per second.
Resizing dies are designed to make handloads fit inside the SMALLEST chamber of a particular caliber. To make things worse, rifle chambers are always made to accommodate the LARGEST factory ammo made anywhere. Machinists call this "tolerance stacking". This means that your handloads usually have quite a loose fit in your chamber. The next time you put the crosshairs on a long range target, you have to ask yourself "If my handloads are small enough to fit any rifle in this caliber, and large enough to not get ripped apart when fired . . . . is that really close enough?"
One of the main reasons I reload is to make the best handloads possible. Take your handloading to the next level. The Digital Headspace Gauge comes complete (as shown above). If you have questions about this popular reloading tool, just let me know.​

---

Yesterdays product hopefully for pronghorn duty:

 

[Eleven]

Compare your fired brass to your fully sized brass. Outside neck width, base to neck, outside diameter just above the head. That will tell you how much the brass is worked each time you resize it.