Sizing 223 / 5.56 and using a Hornady Comparator, are these measurements correct?

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So I'm sizing mixed 2X fired cases (original annealing) and using the A-330 bushing setup as shown in the Hornady instructions. Caliper is zeroed to start and I've measured factory cartridges and some of my fired brass to determine a rough baseline. The problem is I shoot a bunch of different 5.56 guns and really don't keep the brass separated plus some are range pickups so I really don't know what gun any of this stuff was shot in.

Factory 5.56 seems to come in between 3.458" and 3.460" verses fired cases measuring anywhere from 3.464" to 3.470". Curious as to what dimensions you guys are reading when using this tool?

Moving forward I do plan to separate cases by brand and prep a bunch for one specific AR15 using a RCBS Gold Medal sizing die set mated to a Co-Ax press. My blasting ammo will be sized and loaded with another set of small base dies and I've got a third die set I could dedicate to loading frangibles on a single stage RCBS press.
 
My opinion is that tool is for precision reloading. Typically, when someone is shooting 5.56 through several guns they're semi auto, and spending any amount of time loading to the level of precision that tool enables for a semi-auto platform is time wasted.
My opinion is you should be loading new or once fired brass from the same rifle you're loading for. Get your baseline measurements at that point.

Typically, factory ammo for semi auto guns is a hair shorter and skinnier than sammi spec. Contributes to reliability feeding in all guns of that chambering...just like the small base dies vs standard.
 
Timfoilhat said:
My opinion is that tool is for precision reloading. Typically, when someone is shooting 5.56 through several guns they're semi auto, and spending any amount of time loading to the level of precision that tool enables for a semi-auto platform is time wasted.
Click to expand...
Precision reloading for one specific rifle. Is the goal. Like mentioned that tool is for that, so we develop a load for that one rifle, shooting that load in another would be like a roll of the dice, it may do well or it may not. Keep the brass fired in each rifle separate if for Precision.
Timfoilhat said:
My opinion is you should be loading new or once fired brass from the same rifle you're loading for. Get your baseline measurements at that point.
Click to expand...
Agreed. One rifle, one load, same brass

Will use this as an example;
I reload for at least 4 different Bolt Action 308's
Different barrels. At least 3 different Match M1A's, standard M1A's, HK-91, FNFAL, then some plain jane Rem700's ..
Your plan on moving forward is your best option

-Snoopz
 
As mentioned, based on what you've described, it seems like you're over thinking it.
Use of a comparator is generally not associated with mixed brass across multiple rifles. But, it's more associated with precision reloading single brands, if not single lots of brass and for one rifle for maximum accuracy. The variables between various brands, firings and chamber dimensions negate the benefit of fine tuning headspace.
For your purposes, it seems like you only need to verify that the loads are in SAAMI spec. For that get a cartridge guage in .223.

www.midwayusa.com

Hornady Cartridge Ga 308 Winchester

Hornady Lock-N-Load Cartridge Gauges allow the user to check their cases and ammo to ensure a correct fit in SAAMI chambers. Cut to SAAMI maximum...
www.midwayusa.com www.midwayusa.com

When you start loading for the one rifle and start selecting brass, you can use the headspace guage to tune for that rifle. But, there are many other factors you will also have to consider before that becomes important.
 
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I’m gonna throw out a plug for the Whidden case gauge. It makes optimizing the headspace of a case for each rifle very easy. It is less flexible than the Hornady headspace comparator, I just like it. There is no shortage of toys and gadgets in this part of the hobby.

One of the old timers posted a tutorial for processing rifle brass for precision shooting, might be a sticky and it’s well worth a read or three.

Enjoy the process!
 
I understand the purpose of the comparator and that its purpose is more focused on precision bolt gun reloading. I am in the process of segregating brass for a single rifle and working up loads specific to its chamber, in this case it is a semi auto. That said the comparator is simply another tool to help me achieve the best results possible.

I've got a Dillon case gauge but it doesn't give me the info I'm after in this situation. That Whidden gauge looks interesting, a little time consuming to use, might have to pick one up anyway - thanks for the tip.
 
The only Hornady tools I use are the chamber checkers/case gages. Never had any luck with those aluminum bushing tools of theirs. If I was processing AR brass, I would clean, resize and measure with caliper set to a max length. Trim, chamfer and deburr the ones over length and you are good to go. Thats how I process BR match brass.
 
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