I have seen many tutorials where these are used and I know Jim used the Hornady Headspace Lock and Load Kit in his reloading class videos. I also see that the Hornady kit is 2 part - the headspace and the Comparator. I can get both for about $88 - $95.
Or
I can get this kit from Amazon with includes an OAL guage for $72.
or this kit, same brand, for just $50.
Anyone use AltitudeCraft and would vouch for them?
I use Short Action Customs a significant step above Hornady (I have those as well)
I saw those… definitely not in my price range. This month, this hobby is breaking the bank: New chassis from Jim, new reloading gear (new to reloading), and getting my reloading work station set up… have to find some savings somewhere. Hoping the AltitudeCraft is decent and SAAMI spec, but I can’t find anywhere that says it is.
I just asked AI seems fine for entry level. Here is what it said.
When comparing **AltitudeCraft** to **Short Action Customs (SAC)**, you are looking at two entirely different tiers of reloading equipment.
AltitudeCraft focuses on delivering a **complete, budget-friendly kit** for the standard user. Short Action Customs manufactures **premium, heavy-duty competition gear** designed for maximum rigidity, zero tolerance, and ultimate longevity.
Here is a detailed breakdown of how the AltitudeCraft Comparator Kit compares to the Short Action Customs Modular Comparator:
### Key Differences to Keep in Mind
* **Material Rigidity:** AltitudeCraft uses anodized aluminum. While tough, over thousands of measurements, steel case mouths or sharp shoulder angles can technically micro-wear aluminum. SAC uses **17-4 Stainless Steel**, meaning the datum line will absolutely never change, even after tracking tens of thousands of rounds.
* **The Ecosystem Cost:** The AltitudeCraft kit gives you everything you need immediately. With Short Action Customs, you must buy the specialized **Modular Headspace Body** first, and then purchase each individual, cartridge-specific **17-4 insert** separately. This makes a SAC setup significantly more expensive if you load for multiple calibers.
* **Measurement Style:** AltitudeCraft uses generic diameter-based bushings. SAC inserts are custom-tailored to replicate exact chamber profiles up to heavy magnums, providing an incredibly secure fit over the shoulder.
### Recommendation
* **Choose AltitudeCraft** if you want an affordable, highly upgraded tool to manage multiple calibers out of one box. Its dual-screw mount offers stability that beats standard tools at a fraction of the cost.
* **Choose Short Action Customs** if you are chasing single-digit Standard Deviations (SD) for long-range competition, demand premium stainless steel tooling, and don’t mind spending more to piece a modular system together cartridge-by-cartridge.
I started out with budget gear and eventually upgraded Hornady Comparator to SAC, Lee dies to Eric Cortina dies and RCBS micrometer seating die. Entry Lee press to a Mec Marksman. It cost a lot but im happy and more confident in my rounds.
Its a black hole this reloading hobby.
Thank for the reply, Al. I’m trying to do as much “Buy once, Cry once” as I can. This seems like a good area to save a few dollars.
I am using the altitudecraft and they have been great so far. I do multiple different calibers and am not seeing any issues. Getting very consistent loads
Np happy to give my opinion lol
you can definitely get good ammo with less expensive gear
Personally the Hornady set is as low as I would trust quality wise. These sets are at the very heart of the most important steps.