The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Insert #1-17 (Model 117) is a precision-machined aluminum reloading tool designed to measure cartridge seating depth and bullet consistency directly from the projectile ogive. Because bullet tip manufacturing can introduce overall length variations of up to 0.025 inches (0.635 mm), measuring from the ogive provides a reliable reference point from the curved bearing surface to the base of the cartridge case. This mechanical insert installs directly into a standard Hornady Lock-N-Load Comparator Body (Item #B2000) attached to standard dial, vernier, or digital calipers, and functions with the Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length (O.A.L.) Gauge for precise chamber depth and bullet jump measurements.

Key Features

• Ogive-Based Measurement: Measures seating depth directly from the bullet ogive contact surface to bypass up to 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) of tip variation across projectile batches.
• Sub-Calibre Specific Profile: Precision-machined internal surface sized specifically for .172-inch diameter projectiles to prevent canting or surface marring during caliper measurement.
• Lock-N-Load System Integration: Fully compatible with standard Hornady comparator bodies and the Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length (O.A.L.) Gauge.
• Projectile Sorting Capability: Allows handloaders to measure base-to-ogive consistency on loose projectiles prior to case charging and seating.

Specifications

• Model Number: 117 (Item #117 / C117)
• Calibre Compatibility: .172" (.17 calibre)
• Material: Precision-machined aluminum
• Product Weight: Approximately 0.03 to 0.06 lbs (14 to 27 g)
• Power Requirements: None (purely mechanical)
• Required Accessories: Hornady Lock-N-Load Comparator Body and standard calipers

Who is the Hornady 117 Lock N Load Bullet Comparator Insert For .172 Caliber Reloading for?

• Reloaders loading .17 calibre centerfire ammunition — Precision handloaders assembling cartridges like .17 Hornet, .17 Remington, or .17 Fireball require this reloading bullet comparator insert to match the specific .172-inch bullet diameter when indexing off the ogive rather than inconsistent meplats.
• Varmint shooters and benchrest competitors — Sub-calibre precision shooters require this bullet comparator insert to verify uniform bullet jump and eliminate up to 0.025 inches of tip variation across .172-inch projectiles when setting seating dies.

Less suitable for: Reloading calibres larger than the .172-inch threshold (such as .204, .224, 6mm, or .308 bore sizes), which require dedicated larger-diameter comparator inserts such as #2-20 or #3-22 models.