Determining accurate headspace is crucial for safe and reliable reloading. Improper headspace can lead to dangerous pressure spikes, resulting in damage to your firearm or serious injury. The Hornady Headspace Comparator is a popular tool among reloaders for precisely measuring headspace, and understanding how to use its accompanying chart is key to safe and effective reloading. This guide will break down how to use the Hornady Headspace Comparator chart, ensuring you understand the process completely.
Understanding Headspace
Before diving into the chart, let's clarify what headspace is. Headspace is the distance between the face of the bolt (or breechface) and the head of the cartridge case when the cartridge is fully seated in the chamber. Too much headspace (excessive headspace) allows the cartridge to move excessively backward before ignition, potentially leading to catastrophic failure. Too little headspace (insufficient headspace) can cause the cartridge to be difficult or impossible to chamber and can also lead to dangerous pressure buildup.
The Hornady Headspace Comparator: A Closer Look
The Hornady Headspace Comparator is a precision tool designed to measure headspace with accuracy. It consists of a comparator body, a series of gauge rings (each corresponding to a specific headspace measurement), and an indicator pin. By inserting the gauge ring that matches your firearm's caliber and comparing it against the cartridge head, you can easily determine if your headspace is within the safe range.
Deciphering the Hornady Headspace Comparator Chart
The chart itself isn't a standalone document; it's implicitly contained within the gauge rings themselves. Each ring is precisely machined to represent a specific headspace measurement, typically expressed in thousandths of an inch. The process involves:
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Selecting the Correct Gauge Ring: Identify the gauge ring that corresponds to your specific cartridge caliber. Hornady provides different rings for different calibers; using the wrong ring will give an inaccurate reading. Make absolutely sure you use the correct gauge ring for your cartridge.
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Inserting the Gauge Ring: Place the selected gauge ring onto the comparator body.
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Inserting the Cartridge: Insert a fired cartridge case (not a new, unfired case) into the comparator. Ensure it's fully seated.
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Observing the Indicator Pin: The indicator pin will extend a certain distance. This distance indicates the headspace of the fired cartridge.
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Comparing to the Chart (Implicit): The key here is that the chart is in the gauge ring. If the indicator pin is flush with the gauge ring, your headspace is at the precise measurement represented by that ring. If the pin is protruding beyond the ring's surface, your headspace is excessive. If the pin doesn't extend far enough to reach the surface, your headspace is insufficient.
Important Considerations:
- Use Fired Cases: Always use fired cartridge cases for this measurement. New, unfired cases will not provide an accurate reading.
- Consistency: Use the same comparator and gauge ring for all measurements to ensure consistency.
- Multiple Measurements: Take multiple measurements from different fired cases to get a reliable average.
Safety First: When to Seek Professional Help
If you are uncomfortable using the Hornady Headspace Comparator or are unsure about the results, always seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith. Incorrect headspace can have serious consequences. Regularly checking headspace is a critical aspect of safe reloading practices. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Conclusion: Accurate Headspace is Paramount
The Hornady Headspace Comparator, when used correctly, provides a reliable and accurate method for measuring headspace. Understanding how to use the implicit "chart" (the gauge rings themselves) is crucial for safe reloading practices. Remember to prioritize safety, follow the instructions carefully, and seek professional help when necessary. Accurate headspace measurements are paramount to safe and reliable reloading.
