Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage
The Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage is a specialized tool designed to measure the consistency of rimfire ammunition. Manufactured by Hornady, this gauge promises to bring a new level of precision to rimfire shooting by allowing users to sort ammunition based on rim thickness. This, in theory, will result in more consistent ignition and improved accuracy.
My quest for tighter groups at the range led me to this product. Rimfire ammunition, notoriously variable, has always been a source of frustration. I was hoping the Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage could help me identify and eliminate the fliers.
Upon unboxing, the gauge feels relatively lightweight and consists of a caliper attachment and several bushings. The build quality seems adequate, although the plastic components don’t necessarily inspire confidence. Initial impressions suggest it’s a simple tool, but the proof will be in its performance.
I considered other methods of sorting rimfire ammo, including visual inspection and weighing cartridges. However, the Hornady gauge seemed like a more precise and repeatable method. Ultimately, I chose it for its potential to quickly and consistently measure rim thickness, hoping for a tangible improvement in my shooting results.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like a reasonable investment if it delivered on its promise of improved accuracy through consistent rim thickness sorting. However, I also had some reservations about the perceived flimsiness and the potential for user error to skew the measurements.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage at my local shooting range. I was using a variety of .22LR ammunition, from budget bulk ammo to match-grade target rounds.
The gauge was tested in a controlled environment, inside the covered range area. The lighting was good, and there were no extreme weather conditions. The relative humidity was low.
Using the gauge required some initial familiarization. Attaching it to my digital caliper was straightforward. But learning how to consistently and accurately measure each round took some practice.
After the first few measurements, I noticed inconsistencies. Rotating the cartridge even slightly within the bushing would yield different readings. It was clear that precision in technique was critical.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the gauge has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of major wear and tear, but the plastic bushings do show some minor scuffing.
Durability seems adequate for occasional use. I wouldn’t expect it to withstand heavy, daily use in a professional reloading environment. The plastic components are the primary concern.
Cleaning and maintenance are simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth is usually sufficient. No special solvents or lubricants are needed. Proper storage in a dry environment is essential to prevent corrosion of the metal parts.
Compared to my previous attempts at improving rimfire accuracy, the Hornady gauge has yielded mixed results. While sorting ammunition based on rim thickness did seem to reduce the number of extreme outliers, the overall improvement in group size was not as dramatic as I had hoped. This could be due to other factors affecting rimfire performance, such as powder consistency and bullet seating.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage
Specifications
- The Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage is designed for measuring the thickness of .17 and .22 caliber rimfire ammunition. It includes bushings for .17 caliber, .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR.
- The gauge weighs approximately 0.18 lbs. Its light weight doesn’t impact performance but affects the perceived quality.
- The gauge is compatible with most digital calipers. This allows for precise measurement readings.
- A lanyard is included for safety. This prevents accidental drops of the caliper and gauge assembly.
These specifications are important because they determine the tool’s versatility and precision. The inclusion of multiple bushings ensures compatibility with a wide range of rimfire cartridges. Precise measurements allow for consistent sorting.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage functions by providing a stable platform for measuring rim thickness. It clamps onto a standard digital caliper, and different bushings are used for different rimfire calibers.
The gauge’s strength lies in its potential to identify ammunition with inconsistent rim thickness. Its weakness is the inherent variability in rimfire ammunition itself, which can be affected by other factors besides rim thickness.
The Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage meets expectations in terms of ease of use and compatibility with different calibers, but the impact on accuracy is less than expected.
Design & Ergonomics
The gauge’s design is relatively simple. It consists of a caliper attachment and a set of interchangeable bushings.
The materials used are primarily plastic and aluminum. The overall build quality is adequate, but the plastic feels somewhat cheap. The light weight makes it easy to handle.
The gauge is relatively user-friendly. There is a slight learning curve to ensure consistent measurements.
Durability & Maintenance
The gauge should last for several years with proper care. The plastic bushings are the most likely point of failure.
Maintenance is straightforward. Keeping the gauge clean and dry will prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage comes with a lanyard and a set of bushings for different rimfire calibers. There are no readily available aftermarket accessories or customization options.
The gauge is designed to work with standard digital calipers. Users can choose any caliper that fits the attachment.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive compared to other precision reloading tools.
- Easy to use with a standard digital caliper.
- Includes bushings for multiple rimfire calibers (.17 and .22).
- Potentially improves accuracy by identifying and sorting ammunition with consistent rim thickness.
- Simple design allows for quick and efficient measurement.
Cons
- Accuracy can be problematic due to inconsistencies in the measuring surfaces.
- Plastic construction feels flimsy and may not be durable over the long term.
- Measurements can vary depending on how the cartridge is oriented within the bushing.
Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage?
The Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage is perfect for rimfire enthusiasts seeking to optimize their ammunition for target shooting or small game hunting. Those who are willing to invest time in carefully sorting their ammo might see some improvement in consistency.
Those who are primarily concerned with convenience and cost-effectiveness should skip this product. The gains in accuracy may not justify the effort required.
A high-quality digital caliper with good resolution (0.0001 inch) is a must-have accessory. Consistent technique in using the gauge is also crucial.
Conclusion on Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage
The Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage is a reasonably priced tool that offers the potential to improve rimfire accuracy through ammunition sorting. However, its effectiveness is limited by the inherent variability in rimfire ammunition and the need for meticulous technique.
The price is justified for those who are serious about rimfire accuracy. It offers a tangible method for quantifying and addressing one potential source of variation.
I would recommend it with reservations. It is a worthwhile investment for dedicated rimfire shooters who understand its limitations and are willing to put in the effort to use it correctly. For casual shooters, the benefits may not outweigh the cost and effort.
If you’re chasing that perfect group and you’ve already addressed other factors like rifle accuracy and shooting technique, then give the Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage a try. You might just find that it helps you squeeze out that last bit of accuracy.