LENGTH GAUGE Reviews & Ratings

HORNADY LOCK-N-LOAD OVERALL LENGTH GAUGES

The Hornady Lock-N-Load OAL Gauge (formerly Stoney Point) is an extremely easy to use tool. It only takes a couple of minutes to find the overall length for a particular bullet. The tool is threaded on one end to accept specially modified cartridge cases. Once threaded onto the tool, a bullet is inserted into the cartridge. The tool is then inserted into the chamber of your rifle. The push rod on the tool is used to push the bullet up against the rifling. The rod is then locked in place and the tool can be removed from the rifle. You then measure across the base of the cartridge and the top of the bullet with your dial calipers (use of a bullet comparator at this time is highly recommended) to obtain the OAL. If you want to check another type of bullet, insert the new bullet into the tool and repeat steps.

There are two different models of OAL Gauge tools available. Straight is designed specifically for bolt-action rifles and single shot rifles. The Curved model is designed for autoloaders and lever actions. Both models utilize the same modified cases. Either tool will work on the AR-15 type rifles. This tool is excellent for periodically checking the throat erosion of a rifle barrel. Great for checking out used rifles. There are over 60 different modified cases available to use with this tool.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Material: Machined Aluminum
Length: 12"
Finish: Anodized Red
Straigth: For bolt and single shot actions.
Curved: For auto, pump, and lever actions.

See all of our AR15s and AR15 parts here.

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2 Stars

Reviews Summary

The LENGTH GAUGE is widely appreciated for its efficiency and simplicity in measuring seating depth, enhancing accuracy for reloaders. While most users recognize its utility, some have experienced design flaws, particularly with the curved model. Quality concerns regarding fragility and parts functionality are noted, yet many users praise its overall performance and value.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Ease of Use

65%

Many reviewers appreciate the LENGTH GAUGE's straightforward design, noting that it significantly simplifies the task of measuring seating depth in reloading. Users find it beneficial for quick and precise measurements, enhancing their overall shooting accuracy.

Product Quality

50%

Despite some criticisms regarding specific design aspects and fragility, the tool's general quality is positively acknowledged by most reviewers. Many express satisfaction with its performance and cooking precision for reloading, although some mention issues with components not functioning as expected.

Design Issues

40%

Some reviews highlight design shortcomings, particularly related to the curved OAL gauge, which can lead to inaccurate measurements. Feedback indicates that users who require precision should opt for the straight version, as the curved model poses alignment challenges.

Customer Satisfaction and Value

60%

Reviewers consistently mention the LENGTH GAUGE as a valuable addition to their reloading tools, enhancing their reloading efficiency and precision. Many express satisfaction with their purchase and the value it provides, outweighing the minor issues reported.

Fragility and Durability Concerns

30%

Several users report concerns with the fragility of the LENGTH GAUGE, suggesting that it may not withstand drops or rough handling. Recommendations for improved durability highlight a desire for sturdier components and construction.

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Horrible

The curved OAL Gauge is horrible. The central rod does not allow the correct placement of the caliper. I will never buy a Hornady product again. Very big disappointment. I'm feeling cheated.

Get the straight one instead

I bought this for an AR-15 and figured it would be the ideal for any future guns since the description says it'll work on autoloaders. Unfortunately the design falls short. Thankfully Brownells has a great return policy and I got a straight one that works much better. The "push rod" of the curved model is a tightly wound spring that is bigger than the trench cut in the oal gauge body so that the push rod protrudes past the machined relief that a caliper's jaw is meant to rest against. This prevents the caliper jaw from laying flat and pushes the round too far away from the bullet comparator set that you want to get with this tool for best measurements. That bullet ogive comparator set is designed with the required offset for the straight OAL tool to line the case & bullet up perfectly with the comparator bullet hole but the additional forced offset of the curved tool means the case is not lined up square with the comparator bullet hole and instead presents the bullet a few degrees off of straight so that a precise measurement is impossible. Bottom line: Get the straight version unless you have a rifle that will not allow it to work like a lever gun or just hate precise measurements. I tried adding some photos but the server would not let me on this item for some reason even though I've done it elsewhere.