Hornady L&L OAL Gauge Straight

Product Description

The Hornady L&L OAL Gauge Straight provides a precise way to determine bullet seating depth and the distance between the bullet and rifling. By using the actual bullet intended for the load, the gauge helps establish the cartridge length that positions the bullet correctly in relation to the rifle’s lands.

The Straight model suits bolt-action and single-shot firearms, as well as rifles with straight-line access to the chamber. Hornady identifies this model as its preferred option because it provides a precise and user-friendly method for determining seating depth.

Hornady L&L OAL Gauge Straight for Seating Depth

The Hornady L&L OAL Gauge Straight allows the reloader to determine the bullet’s position relative to the rifling. The operator installs the appropriate modified case onto the gauge, places the bullet into the case neck and then inserts the assembly into the rifle chamber.

Next, the push rod moves the bullet forward until it contacts the rifling. The rod then locks in position, allowing the assembly to come out of the chamber for measurement.

This process measures the relationship between the actual bullet and the actual rifle chamber. Therefore, it provides a more useful reference for load development than relying on a generic cartridge length.

Measuring Bullet Jump to the Rifling

The distance between the bullet and rifling, commonly called bullet jump or free travel, can affect how a particular load performs. Consequently, establishing a repeatable seating-depth reference can form an important part of precision load development.

The Hornady L&L OAL Gauge Straight uses the actual bullet rather than a simulated projectile. Hornady states that the specially prepared modified case has a .002″ oversized neck so it can accept the same bullet used for the load. This design allows the gauge to determine dimensions accurately to .001″.

Once the gauge establishes the bullet’s position at the rifling, the reloader can measure the resulting cartridge length with a caliper. A bullet comparator can provide an even more consistent measurement from the bullet ogive rather than the tip.

Hornady L&L OAL Gauge Straight Chamber Access

The Straight model works with bolt-action and single-shot firearms where the chamber provides straight-line access. It also works with other firearm designs where the chamber can accept the straight gauge from the rear.

For autoloading, lever-action and pump-action rifles where straight access is unavailable, Hornady offers the separate Curved O.A.L. Gauge. Therefore, the Straight and Curved models serve different chamber-access requirements.

Hornady L&L OAL Gauge Straight Modified Cases

The gauge requires a Hornady Lock-N-Load Modified Case that matches the chamber being measured. Hornady sells these modified cases separately and provides them for a wide range of popular rifle cartridges.

Each modified case threads onto the gauge and uses a .002″ oversized neck to hold the actual bullet while allowing the bullet to move forward against the rifling.

Because the modified case matches the chamber, the gauge measures the relationship between the actual cartridge components and the individual rifle. Therefore, the modified case is an essential part of the measuring system.

Precision Load Development

The Hornady L&L OAL Gauge Straight can help establish a repeatable starting point when developing loads for a particular rifle. It can also help the reloader monitor changes in throat dimensions as the barrel wears.

Furthermore, using the actual bullet gives the measurement direct relevance to the projectile being loaded. Different bullet shapes can contact the rifling at different points, so measuring each bullet design can provide a more useful reference than assuming one overall length suits every projectile.

For more precision reloading equipment, browse our Reloading Equipment. You can also view related Hornady reloading tools.

For additional manufacturer information, visit Hornady.

Key Features

• Measures bullet seating depth relative to the rifling
• Helps determine bullet jump to the lands
• Uses the actual bullet being loaded
• Accurate to .001″ when used correctly with the appropriate modified case
• Straight design for bolt-action and single-shot firearms
• Suitable for firearms with straight-line chamber access
• Push-rod system allows the bullet to contact the rifling
• Modified cases available for a wide range of rifle cartridges
• Hornady item number C1000
• Machined aluminium construction
• Red anodised finish

Product Specifications

Brand: Hornady
Product: Lock-N-Load Straight O.A.L. Gauge
Model: Straight
Item Number: C1000
Product Type: O.A.L. / seating-depth gauge
Application: Measuring bullet position relative to rifling
Firearm Type: Bolt-action and single-shot firearms
Chamber Access: Straight-line access
Measurement Accuracy: Up to .001″ with the correct modified case
Construction: Machined aluminium
Finish: Red anodised
Modified Case: Required separately
Bullet: Actual loading bullet used during measurement

What’s Included

The Hornady L&L OAL Gauge Straight includes the Straight O.A.L. gauge itself. The firearm-specific modified case does not come with the gauge and must be purchased separately.

Included:

• Hornady Lock-N-Load Straight O.A.L. Gauge
• Gauge body
• Push rod
• Push-rod locking mechanism

Required separately:

• Hornady Lock-N-Load Modified Case matched to the rifle chamber
• Caliper for measuring the resulting cartridge length
• Bullet Comparator and appropriate insert if measuring from the bullet ogive

Important: The Straight gauge and Curved gauge use the same type of modified cases. The correct modified case must match the chamber being measured.