Everything You Need to Know About the Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage
As someone who’s spent well over a decade putting gear through its paces across everything from dusty workshops to sterile labs and rugged outdoor expeditions, I’m always on the lookout for tools that simplify complex tasks. This is precisely why the Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage caught my eye. It promises a straightforward method for a rather specific, yet critical, measurement for rimfire ammunition enthusiasts. My journey to this particular gauge began with a persistent niggle about consistency in some of my .22 LR loads, particularly those advertised as sub-sonic or target-grade. I wanted to quantify subtle variations I suspected might be impacting accuracy, something beyond the typical headspace or overall length checks.
My initial impression upon unboxing was one of functional utility. The unit feels like a typical Hornady accessory – solid, unpretentious, and designed for practical application. It’s a straightforward attachment that mates with existing calipers, so the core material is less about visual flair and more about precise fit and function. I briefly considered a few generic digital caliper attachments, but the dedicated nature and specific caliber range of the Hornady offering, coupled with the brand’s reputation, made it the more compelling choice. It arrived with a sense of practical relief, a tool designed to address a specific need I had been grappling with.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage to the Test
My testing regimen for this particular gauge was centered around my reloading bench and subsequently, the shooting range. I began by attaching it to my trusty digital calipers, a process that was remarkably simple and quick. The instructions provided were clear, and the system integrated seamlessly with my existing measuring tool. I focused on a variety of .22 LR cartridges, from standard velocity to high-velocity and even some sub-sonic offerings, to see if the gauge could pick up expected variations.
Over several sessions, I measured dozens of rounds, cycling through different brands and types. The gauge performed adequately under consistent lighting and a steady hand. I didn’t encounter any significant issues with dust or temperature variations affecting its performance in my controlled indoor environment. The key was a consistent approach to placing the cartridge within the gauge and applying pressure with the calipers, which, as I discovered, required a bit of finesse.
Over an extended period, which has now spanned several months of periodic use, the Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage has proven itself to be a useful, if not perfect, addition to my toolkit. It has held up well to repeated use, with no visible signs of wear on the measuring surfaces or the attachment mechanism. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a dry cloth, and storage is also straightforward, fitting easily alongside my calipers in their case. Compared to the manual measurements I attempted previously, this gauge offers a more standardized approach, though it doesn’t entirely eliminate the need for careful technique.
Extended Use & Reliability
The real test of any tool is its consistent performance over time, and this Hornady gauge has largely met that expectation. After weeks of use, I found it still attached securely to my calipers, and the bushings remained snug within their housing. I did notice that the measuring surfaces, while effective, aren’t perfectly flat, which can lead to slight variations if a cartridge isn’t perfectly seated. This means that remeasuring the same round after rotating it can yield slightly different results, a point I’ll elaborate on later.
Durability hasn’t been an issue; the unit feels robust enough for bench use. However, it’s not designed for harsh environments, so I’ve been careful to keep it away from excessive moisture or abrasive materials. Maintenance is minimal, mainly requiring a quick wipe-down after use to remove any brass dust or residue. The primary concern, as mentioned, is consistency, which is more about the inherent limitations of measuring small, often imperfectly symmetrical objects than a failure of the gauge itself.
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 to work with standard calipers and includes a set of specific bushings for .17 and .22 caliber rimfire ammunition. This means it accommodates the breadth of common rimfire cartridges, including .17 HM2, .17 HMR, .22 S, .22 L, and .22 LR. The product’s weight is listed as 0.18 lbs, which is negligible once attached to calipers, ensuring no added bulk or inconvenience. The inclusion of a lanyard for additional safety is a thoughtful touch, though its necessity depends on the user’s typical workflow.
These specifications translate directly into its usability. The ability to adapt to various rimfire calibers is a significant advantage for anyone who shoots or reloads more than one type. The lightweight nature ensures it doesn’t detract from the primary function of the calipers. While the lanyard is a minor addition, it promotes safe handling, especially in a workshop environment where tools can easily be misplaced.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this gauge is to measure the thickness of rimfire cartridges. When used correctly, it provides a measurement that can help identify potential inconsistencies between rounds. For its intended purpose, it functions adequately, allowing for a comparative analysis of ammunition. However, the accuracy can be somewhat problematic, as noted in user feedback.
The main strength lies in its ability to offer a dedicated measurement point for rimfire case thickness, which isn’t a standard caliper measurement. Its weakness is the inherent variability in the measurements obtained. As mentioned in user feedback, the measuring surfaces are not perfectly flat, and rotating a round can result in different readings. This means the results are more indicative of relative differences rather than absolute, highly precise measurements.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this gauge is simple and utilitarian, a hallmark of many reloading accessories. It’s a small, robust metal component that attaches to the jaws of your calipers. The attachment mechanism is straightforward, fitting securely without wobble. The included bushings are clearly marked or easily identifiable for their respective calibers, ensuring the correct one is used.
Ergonomically, it’s designed to integrate with calipers, so the comfort of use largely depends on the caliper itself. Once attached, it doesn’t introduce any significant new handling challenges. The tactile feel of the metal is solid, suggesting good build quality. However, the precision of the measuring surfaces themselves is where the design could see improvement for absolute accuracy seekers.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of durability, the Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage appears to be built to last for its intended purpose. It’s constructed from what seems to be a durable metal alloy, capable of withstanding regular bench use. I haven’t observed any signs of premature wear, such as significant scratching or deformation of the measuring faces, even after multiple uses.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep it clean and free from debris. If any residue is stubborn, a lightly dampened cloth followed by immediate drying will suffice. There are no complex parts to worry about breaking or losing, which adds to its practical appeal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The main “accessories” included with this gauge are the various bushings for different rimfire calibers. These are crucial for adapting the gauge to the specific dimensions of .17 and .22 rimfire ammunition. The gauge itself is not designed for customization in terms of materials or features; its function is fixed.
It’s important to note that this gauge is designed to work with your existing calipers. Therefore, the overall “system” relies on the quality and type of calipers you use. There are no other readily available customization options or compatible accessories that significantly alter its functionality beyond its intended use.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage
Pros
- Dedicated tool for rimfire thickness: Offers a specific method to measure cartridge case thickness, which standard calipers alone can’t easily do for rimfires.
- Wide caliber compatibility: Includes bushings for all .17 and .22 caliber rimfire ammo, covering popular rounds like S, L, LR, Mag, and HMR.
- Reasonably priced: Offers a cost-effective solution compared to more specialized or complex metrology equipment.
- Simple attachment to calipers: Integrates easily with common digital or dial calipers, requiring no special tools to attach.
- Durable construction: Appears to be made from solid materials, suggesting good longevity for bench use.
Cons
- Accuracy can be problematic: User feedback and my own experience suggest that measurements can vary due to slightly imperfect measuring surfaces.
- Not perfectly flat measuring surfaces: This is the primary driver for measurement inconsistencies when rotating the cartridge.
- Requires careful technique: Achieving consistent readings necessitates a steady hand and precise positioning of the cartridge.
- Adequate but not totally reliable results: While useful for comparative analysis, it may not be precise enough for critical precision reloading where minute variations matter.
Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-n-Load .17 to .22 Rimfire Thickness Guage?
This gauge is best suited for hobbyist reloaders or shooters of .17 and .22 rimfire ammunition who want to explore potential case variations beyond standard OAL and headspace measurements. If you’re looking for a tool to help you identify subtle differences between batches of ammunition or to aid in sorting cases for potentially more consistent reloads, this unit could be beneficial. It’s ideal for those who already own a good set of calipers and are seeking a low-cost accessory to expand their measurement capabilities within this specific niche.
Those who require absolute precision down to the micron level, such as competitive benchrest shooters or ballisticians working with highly specialized ammunition, might find this gauge to be insufficiently accurate. If your rimfire needs are strictly limited to off-the-shelf factory ammunition and you don’t intend to reload, the utility of this gauge is significantly diminished. For users without calipers, purchasing a good set of digital calipers would be a prerequisite, making the overall investment higher.
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 practical tool that offers a dedicated solution for measuring the thickness of rimfire cartridges, a task not easily accomplished with standard calipers alone. It boasts good build quality and broad compatibility across common rimfire calibers, making it an accessible accessory for the enthusiast reloader. The price point is certainly attractive for a specialized tool from a reputable manufacturer like Hornady.
However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations. While it provides a means to quantify case thickness, the accuracy can be somewhat inconsistent due to the nature of the measuring surfaces. This means that while it’s adequate for identifying relative differences and for general comparative analysis, it may not satisfy users who demand absolute precision. If you understand these caveats and are looking for a reasonably priced way to explore case thickness variations in your .17 or .22 rimfire ammunition, this Hornady gauge is a worthy consideration. For those needing ultra-precise measurements, however, further investment in more specialized equipment would be necessary.