As long as anyone at Area 419 have been reloading, they have been using comparators. These are simple items meant to let them measure seating depth and headspace between cases. If you reload alone, always use the same components and calibers, and don’t tinker around, these are a solid option.
Area 419 like to use different components, they like to compare, and Area 419 want to know that the measurements they are taking are a little more than relative. This is why Area 419 are making their ZERO measurement gauges.
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
To make these measurement gauges, they all needed to be the same. Exactly the same. And they had to stay that way. All of these parts are made on their world-class DMG Mori lathes, from American steel, cut with reamers for consistency, and then nitrided to help them last a lifetime.
HEADSPACE GAUGES
Headspace gauges don’t need the be complicated, they just need to be correct, and exceedingly consistent. This led to a traditional datum-style gauge – as Area 419 believe it provides the most true measurement – cut with a reamer to keep their diameter, face, and radius as consistent as possible. Again, this is in an effort to allow you to compare your measurements with someone from North Dakota or Nevada or the Netherlands, knowing that the numbers on your caliper mean something.
Included Sizes: .330, .350, .375, .400, .420, Rimfire
BULLET OGIVE
This one is a little more intricate. While most ogive comparators work on a standard datum measurement, like their headspace gauges, Area 419 thought there was a much more appropriate way to measure the ogive of a bullet. they have designed and are using custom tooling that allows to replicate the lead area of your barrel’s chamber (if it has the standard 1.5* lead). The goal here is to allow you to measure seating depth and jump the only way that it matters, and that’s relative to your chamber. This will reduce the large swings in gauge readings from one projectile class to another, allowing you to see what really matters.
Included Bullet Calibers: 22cal, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, 30cal, 338cal
HEIGHT GAUGE
When building this kit, Area 419 also decided they wanted you to have the option to use it like a tool they use every day in the shop – a height gauge. This heavy steel base, with rubber bottom, will keep your measuring tool in place, clicking the tool in with magnets, and add to the flow of your reloading QC process. NOTE: This base is a separate item, and is not included in the kit unless specifically called out.
NOTE: THESE KITS WERE DESIGNED TO WORK WITH MITUTOYO CALIPERS, BUT DO NOT INCLUDE THEM. OTHER CALIPERS MAY FIT, BUT ARE NOT GUARANTEED.
