Dillon Reloading Tools: Bullet Comparator Kit Overview (Updated May 2024)

1. Introduction to Bullet Comparator Kits

For serious reloaders and precision shooters, the difference between a good shot and a great shot often comes down to the smallest measurements. Historically, Dillon reloading tools have been a staple in many reloaders' workshops, offering reliability and precision. But today, we're diving into a specific tool that's essential for any serious reloader: the bullet comparator kit.

If you've been measuring your ammunition using just calipers and the overall length (OAL), you're missing a critical dimension that affects accuracy. As any experienced reloader knows, not all bullets of the same caliber have identical shapes or lengths. This is where a bullet comparator becomes invaluable.

Most reloaders are familiar with Dillon Precision's reputation for quality reloading equipment. Their bullet comparator kits have been trusted by competitive shooters for years. However, today I want to introduce you to the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit, which offers comparable quality at a more accessible price point.

The AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit stands out with its comprehensive set of 14 inserts covering calibers from .17 to .45. This universal fit system allows you to measure virtually any common caliber you might reload, making it an excellent all-in-one solution for serious reloaders who work with multiple calibers.

When I first started reloading, I was measuring cartridge overall length (COAL) like many beginners. But I quickly learned that this method has significant limitations. Bullet tips vary in shape and can be easily damaged, leading to inconsistent measurements. A good comparator kit changed everything for my precision loads, and that's why I believe every serious reloader should consider adding one to their toolkit.

2. The Precision Problem in Reloading

Ask any experienced reloader about their biggest challenges, and consistency will inevitably come up. Whether you're loading for competition, hunting, or just range practice, inconsistent ammunition can wreak havoc on your accuracy and, ultimately, your confidence.

Here's the problem: traditional measurements using calipers to measure from the case base to the bullet tip (COAL) have inherent flaws. Consider these common scenarios:

• Two bullets with identical overall lengths can have different ogive positions due to variances in tip shapes
• Soft-point bullets can have slight deformations in their tips, making tip-to-base measurements unreliable
• Bullets from the same box can have manufacturing variations that affect accuracy when seated to the same COAL
• Even minimal variations in seating depth (as little as 0.005") can significantly impact accuracy and pressure

As one 5-star reviewer noted: "Soft point bullets and tipped bullets vary in length by enough to throw you off if you only use OAL." This observation highlights why serious reloaders have moved beyond basic measurements.

According to research by precision shooting experts, the bullet's position relative to the rifling (often called "jump to lands") can affect accuracy by up to 50% in some rifle systems. This isn't something you can effectively control using traditional COAL measurements.

The solution to this precision problem is to measure from the base of the case to the bullet's ogive – the part of the bullet that actually engages with the rifling. This is exactly what a quality bullet comparator kit like the AltitudeCraft model allows you to do with remarkable precision.

3. AltitudeCraft vs. Dillon Comparator Kits

When considering reloading tools, Dillon Precision has long been the gold standard. Their bullet comparator kits are well-regarded among serious reloaders, but they come with a premium price tag. Let's see how the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit stacks up against Dillon's offering.

One Amazon reviewer put it simply: "Name brand quality without name brand cost. Accurate and easy to use." This sentiment was echoed by another who stated, "For the price, it would be difficult to beat this bullet length comparator set."

The AltitudeCraft kit shines in its comprehensiveness. While many Dillon kits require purchasing additional inserts separately, the AltitudeCraft comes with everything most reloaders will ever need, from the smallest .17 caliber all the way up to large .45 caliber rounds.

The storage solution is another standout feature. As one reviewer noted: "This set is great because it includes a nice metal storage box with foam cut-outs to keep things in place." Anyone who has fumbled with loose comparator inserts will appreciate the organization this provides.

While Dillon reloading tools maintain their excellent reputation, the value proposition of the AltitudeCraft kit is compelling for both novice and experienced reloaders who want comprehensive capability without paying premium prices.

4. Key Features of the AltitudeCraft Kit

The AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit is designed with both versatility and precision in mind. Let's break down the notable features that make this kit stand out from competitors like Dillon reloading tools.

Comprehensive Caliber Coverage

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this kit is its range of included inserts. The 14 precision-machined inserts cover bullet diameters:

• .172 (for 17 Remington, 17 Hornet)
• .204 (for 204 Ruger)
• .224 (for 223 Rem, 5.56 NATO, 22-250)
• .243 (for 243 Win, 6mm)
• .257 (for 25-06, 257 Roberts)
• .264 (for 6.5 Creedmoor, 260 Rem)
• .277 (for 270 Win, 270 WSM)
• .284 (for 7mm Rem Mag, 280 Ackley)
• .308 (for 308 Win, 30-06, 300 Win Mag)
• .338 (for 338 Lapua, 338 Win Mag)
• .358 (for 35 Whelen, 350 Legend)
• .375 (for 375 H&H, 375 Ruger)
• .416 (for 416 Rigby, 416 Rem Mag)
• .458 (for 45-70 Govt, 458 Win Mag)

This impressive range means you're covered for everything from varmint rounds to dangerous game calibers. One reviewer specifically appreciated this breadth: "They covered all calibers. Use them all the time."

Superior Construction

The AltitudeCraft comparator and inserts are crafted from 6061 aluminum with a ceramic-like hard anodic finish. This construction offers several advantages:

• Lightweight yet durable enough for workshop use
• Resistant to wear even with frequent use
• Color-coded for easy identification
• Clearly marked sizes (unlike some competitors that require reference charts)

The dual-screw design of the comparator body is particularly noteworthy. While Dillon and other competitors often use a single set screw, the double brass thumb screws on the AltitudeCraft model provide more secure attachment to your calipers and prevent shifting during measurements.

Thoughtful Storage Solution

One of the most appreciated features is the included tin storage box with custom-cut foam inserts. This seemingly simple addition addresses a common complaint among reloaders who use Dillon or Hornady comparators – keeping track of the small inserts.

As one reviewer who switched from Hornady to AltitudeCraft noted: "I had to get a new set of comparators because I keep losing my Hornady inserts. This set is really nice because of that box that keeps everything organized in one place."

The storage tin is more than just convenient – it protects your investment and ensures you'll always have the right insert ready when switching between calibers.

5. Benefits for Different Shooter Types

The precision offered by the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit benefits various shooter profiles in different ways. Let's explore how this tool can elevate your specific shooting discipline.

For Competition Shooters

Competitive shooters, especially those in precision rifle competitions or benchrest shooting, will find this comparator kit essential. When you're trying to stack bullets into sub-MOA groups at long distances, consistency is everything.

The ability to precisely measure and control bullet jump to the rifling can be the difference between winning and losing. Competition shooters often develop loads where the bullet jump is optimized to within 0.002" – something impossible to achieve without a quality comparator.

As one competitive user noted: "Measuring to ogive to assure seating consistency is the only way to really get the accuracy you're chasing."

For Hunters

Hunters benefit from the consistency and reliability that proper ogive measurement provides. When you've spent thousands on a hunting trip and have one shot at a trophy animal, you want absolute confidence in your ammunition.

The AltitudeCraft kit's inclusion of larger caliber inserts (.338, .375, .416, .458) makes it particularly valuable for dangerous game hunters who need reliable performance from heavy calibers where pressure concerns are paramount.

For Precision Reloaders

Those who simply enjoy the craft of reloading and the satisfaction of creating precision ammunition will appreciate the level of control this comparator kit provides. It allows you to:

• Create more consistent ammunition batches
• Test different seating depths systematically
• Verify factory ammunition consistency
• Replicate your best-performing loads with precision

6. How to Use a Bullet Comparator

Even the finest Dillon reloading tools or AltitudeCraft comparators are only valuable if you know how to use them properly. Let me walk you through the process of using a bullet comparator kit effectively.

Basic Setup

1. Select the appropriate insert for your bullet caliber. For example, use the .308 insert for 308 Winchester, 30-06, or 300 Win Mag.
2. Attach the comparator body to your calipers. Slide it onto the fixed jaw of your digital or dial calipers.
3. Secure it with the thumb screws. The AltitudeCraft's dual screws provide extra stability.
4. Insert the appropriate caliber bushing into the comparator body. Ensure it's fully seated.
5. Zero your calipers with the comparator attached.

Measuring Loaded Ammunition

To measure a loaded round:

1. Place the base of the cartridge against the fixed jaw of your calipers.
2. Slide the bullet into the comparator insert until it stops at the ogive.
3. Read the measurement displayed on your calipers.
4. Record this measurement for future reference.

This measurement represents the distance from the case base to the bullet ogive – a much more consistent and meaningful measure than overall length.

Finding Optimal Seating Depth

For advanced users looking to optimize their loads:

1. Use a modified case or OAL gauge to find the distance to the lands in your rifle barrel.
2. Seat a bullet to touch the lands and measure with your comparator.
3. Decide on your desired bullet jump (typically 0.010" to 0.050" depending on the rifle and purpose).
4. Subtract your desired jump from the lands measurement to determine your ideal seating depth.
5. Set up your seating die to match this measurement.
6. Verify your loaded rounds with the comparator.

One reviewer who followed this process reported: "This allows for consistent measurement of all common caliber loaded rounds to ensure consistent seating depth. Using a known-good or dummy cartridge as a control, verifying seating depth is quite easy."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not fully seating the insert in the comparator body
• Failing to zero the calipers after attaching the comparator
• Inconsistent pressure when measuring rounds
• Not accounting for the different datum points between bullet designs
• Using a worn insert that no longer has precise dimensions

While not quite as intuitive as some Dillon reloading tools, the AltitudeCraft comparator becomes second nature with practice, and the included instructions provide clear guidance even for beginners.

7. User Reviews and Feedback

The real test of any reloading tool comes from those who use it regularly. Let's examine what actual users are saying about the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit compared to traditional options like Dillon reloading tools.

The feedback on precision is particularly noteworthy. Multiple users have compared the AltitudeCraft's accuracy favorably against more expensive brands like Hornady and Dillon. One reviewer who conducted specific tests reported: "I checked the inside diameter of a few bushings to see how accurately they are made. They all fall between about 0.007" and 0.009" under nominal bullet diameter. This is pretty much spot on."

The storage solution is consistently mentioned as a major advantage. As one reviewer put it: "The AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator I purchased... has nice thumbwheel screws that tighten up nicely. All the parts are labeled very clearly, and it comes with instructions written in fluent English."

Not all feedback is perfect – a few users noted that the markings on the lighter-colored inserts can be difficult to read in certain lighting, and one reviewer received a kit with a quality control issue. However, that same reviewer updated their review to praise the company's customer service: "AltitudeCraft has responded with EXCELLENT customer support. Very eager to fix the issue, sent replacement at no cost."

Overall, the sentiment among users is that the AltitudeCraft kit offers comparable quality to premium brands like Dillon reloading tools, but at a significantly lower price point.

8. Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

After thoroughly examining the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit and comparing it to established names like Dillon reloading tools, I've reached some definitive conclusions about its value proposition.

Who Should Buy This Kit?

This comparator kit is an excellent choice for:

• Multi-caliber reloaders who need versatility across different bullet diameters
• Budget-conscious precision shooters who want quality without premium pricing
• Beginners looking for a comprehensive solution that will grow with their skills
• Experienced reloaders who appreciate the storage solution and caliber range
• Hunters loading for multiple rifles from varmint to big game

The value becomes clear when you consider that comparable kits from premium brands might cost twice as much, especially when factoring in additional inserts you'd need to purchase separately for the same caliber coverage.

Potential Limitations

To provide a balanced assessment, I should note potential limitations:

• The aluminum construction, while durable, may show wear faster than stainless steel options (like Sinclair) with extremely heavy use
• The markings, being printed rather than engraved, could potentially wear off over many years of use
• For extremely long VLD or monolithic bullets in larger calibers, the inserts may not be deep enough to fully capture the ogive

However, these limitations are minor for the vast majority of users, and as one reviewer put it: "Probably not accurate enough for benchrest, but more than accurate enough for just about everything else."

The Final Word

While Dillon reloading tools remain excellent choices backed by decades of reputation, the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit represents exceptional value in today's market. It delivers 90% of the performance of premium brands at roughly half the cost, with added convenience features like the storage tin and comprehensive caliber coverage.

For all but the most demanding professional applications, this kit will serve admirably as an essential tool for more precise and consistent ammunition. The overwhelmingly positive user feedback confirms that this isn't just an inexpensive alternative – it's a genuinely good product that happens to be affordably priced.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

While Dillon reloading tools have long been the industry standard, the AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit proves that quality precision tools don't have to break the bank. With its comprehensive caliber coverage, durable construction, and thoughtful storage solution, it represents an excellent value for reloaders at all experience levels.

Whether you're a competitive shooter striving for that extra edge, a hunter preparing for the season, or simply someone who enjoys the craft of reloading, this comparator kit will help you create more consistent, accurate ammunition. And isn't that what reloading is all about?