How To Videos
How to Use a Bullet Comparator Tool
When it comes to precision reloading, consistency is king. One of the most overlooked—but incredibly valuable—tools on the reloader’s bench is the bullet comparator.
A comparator allows you to measure a cartridge from the base to a consistent point on the bullet’s ogive, instead of the tip. Why does this matter? Because bullet tips are not always uniform. Tiny variations in tip length can cause differences of several thousandths of an inch when measuring overall length (OAL). While that may sound insignificant, in the world of accuracy it makes all the difference.
By measuring off the ogive with a comparator, you get true, repeatable measurements. This ensures that every round you load is seated at the same distance from the rifling—giving you better consistency, tighter groups, and more confidence behind the trigger.
In this video, we use the Hornady Bullet Comparator as an example, but keep in mind there are other brands on the market that work on the same principle. Whether you’re fine-tuning hunting ammo or chasing one-hole groups at the range, a comparator tool is a must-have if accuracy is your goal. The inline
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An AOL (Overall Length) gauge is a reloading tool used to measure the distance from a cartridge’s base to where the bullet contacts the rifling in your rifle’s chamber. This lets you set the correct seating depth for your bullets. Using an AOL gauge improves accuracy by ensuring consistent bullet alignment, boosts safety by preventing dangerous pressure spikes, and gives consistency across batches of ammo. It also lets you fine-tune loads to your specific rifle for the best performance. The inline
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Annealing brass is the process of heating cartridge cases to restore flexibility in the neck and shoulder area after repeated firings. Each firing and resizing cycle makes brass harder and more brittle, which can cause neck splits, inconsistent tension, and shorter case life. By annealing, you extend the lifespan of your brass, maintain consistent bullet seating pressure, and improve accuracy and reliability in your reloads. In short, it keeps your brass safe, uniform, and shooting longer.
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Chamfering and deburring are key steps in case prep when reloading. After trimming, the case mouth has sharp edges and burrs that can damage bullets or cause poor seating. Chamfering cuts a small angle inside the case mouth to guide the bullet smoothly, while deburring removes sharp edges on the outside. Together, they ensure consistent seating, prevent shaving, and improve overall accuracy and reliability.
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Primer pocket cleaners and uniformers are tools that help keep your brass consistent and reliable. A primer pocket cleaner removes carbon and residue left behind after firing, ensuring new primers seat properly. A primer pocket uniformer cuts the pocket to a consistent depth and diameter, giving every primer the same fit. Together, they improve ignition consistency, reliability, and accuracy while also extending the usable life of your brass.
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Tumbling brass is the process of cleaning spent cartridge cases in a tumbler with media or stainless pins. It removes dirt, carbon, and oxidation, leaving cases smooth and polished. Clean brass not only looks better but also feeds and chambers more reliably, protects reloading dies from wear, and makes it easier to spot defects. In short, tumbling keeps your brass safe, consistent, and ready for accurate reloads.
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