AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit: Precision Tools for Reloading Accuracy

Understanding the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit

If you're serious about reloading, you know that consistency is everything. I've been reloading for years, and one of the biggest challenges has always been getting uniform bullet seating depths. It's not just about having pretty-looking ammo - it's about safety and precision.

The AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit solves this problem by providing a way to measure from the bullet's ogive rather than its tip. Why does this matter? Because bullet tips can vary slightly in shape and length, while the ogive (the curved portion of the bullet) provides a consistent reference point.

The kit comes with 14 caliber-specific inserts covering calibers from .17 all the way up to .45. This comprehensive range means you're covered whether you're loading tiny varmint rounds or big-bore thumpers.

What struck me when I first opened the package was the quality of the storage solution. The tin box with custom-cut foam inserts keeps everything organized and protected. No more digging through drawers looking for that one insert you need!

The Importance of Measuring from the Ogive

Let's talk about why measuring from the ogive is so important. One customer review put it perfectly: "Measuring to ogive to assure seating consistency is the only way to really get the accuracy you're chasing. Soft point bullets and tipped bullets vary in length by enough to throw you off if you only use OAL."

When bullets are manufactured, the tips can vary slightly from one bullet to the next. This is especially true for soft point bullets, polymer-tipped bullets, and even hollow points. These variations might be tiny—maybe just a few thousandths of an inch—but that's enough to affect accuracy.

By measuring from the ogive, you're getting a consistent reference point. The ogive is the part of the bullet that will first engage the rifling in your barrel, so it's what really matters for accuracy and pressure considerations.

Here's a quick breakdown of why this matters:

• Consistent bullet jump to rifling (the distance the bullet travels before engaging the rifling)
• More uniform chamber pressures
• Improved accuracy potential
• Better lot-to-lot consistency when using the same bullet design

Design and Build Quality

The AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator is precisely machined from 6061 aluminum, which provides a good balance of durability and weight. The inserts are color-coded by caliber range (small, medium, and large calibers), making it easy to quickly grab the right one.

The dual brass thumbscrews are a nice touch. They allow you to securely attach the comparator to your calipers without marring the caliper's measuring surfaces. I appreciate this attention to detail since good calipers aren't cheap!

One thing I noticed during testing is that the inserts fit snugly into the base. This is crucial for accurate measurements—any play or wobble here would compromise your readings. The ceramic-like hard anodic finish should hold up well over time, even with frequent use.

Several reviewers mentioned being impressed with the quality, especially considering the price point. One customer noted: "For the price, it would be difficult to beat this bullet length comparator set."

What's Included in the Kit

How to Use the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit

Using the comparator is pretty straightforward. Here's how I do it:

1. Select the appropriate insert for your bullet caliber
2. Insert it into the comparator body
3. Attach the assembly to your calipers using the thumbscrews
4. Zero your calipers
5. Place the cartridge base against the fixed jaw of your calipers
6. Position the bullet ogive into the insert
7. Read the measurement

This gives you the base-to-ogive length, which is much more consistent than measuring overall length (OAL) from the base to the tip. I typically take 3-5 measurements of each round and average them for the most accurate results.

One tip I've learned: make sure the insert is fully seated in the comparator body. Any gap here will throw off your measurements. Also, keep the cartridge perfectly aligned with the calipers for consistent readings.

Real-World Performance and Testing

I decided to put the AltitudeCraft Comparator through its paces by testing it with various cartridges I regularly load: .223 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester.

For each caliber, I measured factory ammunition first to establish a baseline. Then I measured my handloads that were already loaded to what I thought were consistent depths.

What I found was eye-opening. In the .223 loads using soft-point bullets, there was up to 0.009" variation when measuring just the traditional overall length. But when measuring to the ogive using the comparator, the variations were much smaller—usually within 0.002".

The 6.5 Creedmoor loads showed similar results. Looking at just the tip-to-base measurements, there appeared to be significant variations. But the base-to-ogive measurements revealed that the actual seating depths relative to the ogive were much more consistent.

Comparison with Other Brands

I already own a Hornady comparator set, so I was able to directly compare the two. The measurements were very close—within 0.001" in most cases. That's impressive considering the price difference between the two products.

One advantage of the AltitudeCraft set is that all the inserts are clearly labeled with their caliber size, unlike some other brands where you need a reference chart. As one reviewer mentioned: "I like that, unlike the Hornady, the bushing size is written on the side of the bushings."

The storage case is also significantly better than the blister packs that come with some other brands. As another customer noted: "The design is dead nuts simple and it comes in a nice metal storage box with foam cut-outs to keep things in place."

Applications Beyond Basic Reloading

While the primary purpose of the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator is for standard reloading, there are several advanced applications that serious shooters will appreciate:

Finding the Optimal Bullet Jump

One advanced technique is using the comparator to determine the optimal bullet jump for your specific rifle. The "jump" is the distance the bullet travels before engaging the rifling.

By using the comparator along with a modified case that allows you to determine where your lands are, you can systematically test different seating depths to find what your rifle prefers. Some rifles shoot best with bullets seated close to the lands, while others prefer a jump of 0.020" or more.

Checking Factory Ammunition

The comparator isn't just for reloaders. If you shoot factory ammunition, it's a great way to check consistency between different lots or brands. I've found surprising variations in supposedly identical factory loads!

Diagnosing Feeding Issues

If you're having feeding problems with your firearm, the comparator can help diagnose whether inconsistent ogive positioning is the culprit. This is particularly useful for semi-automatic rifles where feeding reliability is critical.

Customer Experiences and Reviews

The AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with most customers giving it 5 stars. Here are some common themes from customer feedback:

Praise for Quality and Value

Many reviewers commented on the excellent quality relative to the price:

"These work great and they are inexpensive compared to other options."

"For an import, materials and machining are both quite good. At under 50 dollars, it's an excellent value."

Storage Solution

The metal case with foam inserts received specific praise:

"This set is really nice because of that box that keeps everything organized in one place. It's such a great idea rather than Hornady's cheap blister pack."

Minor Criticisms

A few customers mentioned that the markings could be improved:

"The markings on the silver colored bushings can be hard to read as there is little contrast."

"I would very much like to see an extra thumb screw provided in the kit."

However, these minor issues didn't seem to significantly impact overall satisfaction with the product.

Is the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit Right for You?

Based on my testing and the customer reviews, here's who would benefit most from this kit:

Perfect for:

• Precision reloaders looking to maximize accuracy
• Multi-caliber shooters who need a comprehensive set
• Budget-conscious reloaders who don't want to sacrifice quality
• Those new to precision reloading who want an all-in-one solution

Maybe not ideal for:

• Ultra-precision benchrest competitors who might prefer stainless steel tools
• Those who reload only one or two calibers (might be more economical to buy individual inserts)

For most reloaders, this kit offers an excellent balance of quality, convenience, and value. The comprehensive set of inserts means you're covered for virtually any common caliber, and the quality construction should provide years of reliable service.

Final Thoughts: A Worthwhile Investment for Serious Reloaders

After spending time with the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit, I'm impressed by what it offers, especially at its price point. The ability to consistently measure from the bullet ogive makes a real difference in load development and accuracy.

The kit is well-made, thoughtfully designed, and comes with everything you need in a neat, organized package. The comprehensive set of caliber inserts means you won't need to purchase additional pieces unless you're working with truly exotic calibers.

While there are more expensive options on the market, the AltitudeCraft kit delivers where it counts—providing consistent, reliable measurements that help you produce more accurate ammunition. For anyone serious about reloading, this is a tool that will quickly prove its worth at the range.

Whether you're a competitive shooter looking to squeeze the last bit of accuracy from your handloads, a hunter who wants consistent ammunition for ethical harvests, or just someone who enjoys the precision aspect of reloading, the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit is a valuable addition to your reloading bench.