Overall Length Gauge Straight - Precision OAL Gauge for Reloading, Compatible with Bolt-Action and Single-Shot Firearms, Aluminum Replacement for C1000

Simple device , a little learning curve

The "AltitudeCraft C1000 Overall Length Gauge Straight " is a clone of the Hornady C10000 OAL gauge, with the key difference being that the push rod is polymer instead of aluminum. I used this to determine the optimal bullet seating depth on my surplus 1948 Yugo Mauser. You can buy the Hornady modified shell case that is required, but my 8mm version was not available, so I drilled and threaded the back of an empty case to match the thread on the AltitudeCraft C1000. I found the thread with a thread checker and it was 5/16-36. This was way cheaper as the modified cases are $15-$20 each. The procedure for measuring is best described on Youtube (Search "How To Use the Hornady OAL Gauge To Load More Consistent Ammo"), but the general idea is that you want to find out at what length the bullet just touches the lands on the inside of the barrel to minimize bullet jump and maximize long range shooting accuracy. The AltitudeCraft C1000 was a full 25% cheaper than the Hornady, and when making your own modified cases for about $2 or less for a case, this is not a bad tool for the gun nut in your family. I would order again if needed.

Great product

Although a clone, it's a very good tool for anyone reloading. I received an all (including the rod) metal gauge. I reload a lot of different calibers and the AltitudeCraft length gauge has filled all the requirements. The gauge requires a modified case of the caliber to be measured. The modified case can be purchased, but I found it easy to make my own. Although books can provide a starting point for the calibers OAL, the AltitudeCraft length gauge can provide the exact OAL for most situations. Wouldn't reload without it.

If you're going for extreme accuracy, I'd want the center rod to be actual metal, but this is plastic. It's not horrible by any stretch and it's easy to make a modified case (if you have the right tools, like a small lathe) but keep in mind plastic is - well - plastic. It can deform just enough to throw off a reading by a thousandth or so. Maybe I'm just nitpicky, but I'd prefer it to be aluminum just like the body is.Definitely a nice unit though, and if you're not going for extreme accuracy (but decent accuracy by measuring the bullet jump to the grooves) then this will serve you well. Especially considering how rarely you'll probably use it.Keep in mind this will fit something like an AR or a bolt action just fine, but something like a lever action will have the bolt still in the way. If you don't have straight access to the chamber with nothing in the way, this won't work.

I've always wanted to try reloading. I enjoy shooing, but the price makes it difficult to enjoy often. A buddy of mine is really into reloading and eventually sold me a kit, so I'm giving it a shot. He said I needed one of these, so when I saw this listing I decided to give it a try.He looked this gauge over and said it's a good design. He said the build quality seems high, and the measurements look correct.Overall I'm happy with this. I don't really understand what it is or does, but someone who knows these things said it's good to go.

This Overall Length Gauge from the AltitudeCraft Store is a sort-of clone of a popular tool. The sort-of caveat is that the center rod is not metal, but plastic. The plastic can serve you well, but will probably require more care in use to get precision measurements. This tool is for those who reload ammo and are looking for precision. You will need a special case for every caliber you reload. You can buy them for most calibers, or make them if you have the skill and tools. This is not appropriate for all guns. Do some research. With the internet and especially YouTube you can fond out exactly the best way to use this tool.

When I received this I thought it was a usable out of the box implement, but that is not the case. You must have a case, as well as a fastener of some type, to attach a modified case to this device. The red thing in the image is aluminum, but there are some pieces that are made out of plastic and unsure if that would cause durability issues. For someone more familiar with this device or with clearer directions, it may be a very handy tool.