Derraco Up-Right Comparator Dial Stand with Dial Indicator
The Derraco Up-Right comparator dial stand is a vertical measuring stand specially designed for precision reloading work. This professionally crafted stand combines CNC-machined aluminum with stainless steel components and comes with a dial indicator for accurate measurements of cases, bullets, and other reloading components. For reloaders who want to capture consistent, repeatable measurements without continuously holding a caliper, this system offers the ideal solution.
Precision Construction with Durable Materials
The Derraco Up-Right is built to the highest standards. The arm and bottom plate are CNC-machined from 6061 aluminum alloy and feature a hard-anodized coating for optimal durability and wear resistance. The comparator bushing adapter is precision-machined from 420 stainless steel, ensuring strength and long service life, even with daily intensive use.
The V-notch plate and bushing are specifically designed for fast and accurate measurements. This V-groove ensures bullets and cases are always placed in the same position, which is essential for consistent measurements. For reloaders working with rimmed cases, such as .303 British or 7.62 Russian, a washer plate is included that perfectly accommodates the larger rim diameter of these case types.
Compatibility and Flexibility
The Up-Right tool is designed to work seamlessly with the Derraco Headspace and Bullet Comparator Set (sold separately). By combining Derraco's color-coded comparator bushings with this stand, you create a complete measuring system for virtually any caliber from .17 to .45.
The standard Up-Right tool includes an adapter for conventional bullets. For ultra-long projectiles such as the popular .338 ELD, a separate ELD adapter is required, available separately. This modular system allows you to adapt the stand to your specific needs without purchasing a completely new setup.
Dial Indicator Specifications
The included dial indicator uses an M2.5 probe thread (metric). This is an important specification to know if you plan to use your own dial indicator. Always check whether your indicator's probe thread is metric or imperial before attempting to mount it. Most European dial indicators use metric threads, while American models often have imperial sizing.
Precision Measuring Without Compromise
When reloading precision ammunition, consistent measurements are essential. The Up-Right comparator stand eliminates the variables that arise from manual measuring. By placing cases or bullets in the V-notch plate and measuring with the dial indicator, you get repeatable results that aren't influenced by how you hold or position a caliper. This is especially valuable when measuring case length variations, bullet sorting based on ogive to base length, or checking seated bullet depth consistency.
Derraco Engineering Quality
Derraco Engineering from Australia is known for their innovative approach to reloading tools. The company takes time to design and produce products properly, without taking shortcuts. Every component of the Up-Right stand is made with high-grade CNC machining, ensuring precise, consistent, and beautifully finished parts. The combination of 6061 aluminum for lightweight strength and 420 stainless steel for critical contact points results in a measuring stand that will last decades.
Applications in Reloading Practice
The Up-Right comparator stand can be used for numerous measuring tasks. Sort bullets by ogive variations to select the most uniform examples for your match loads. The dial indicator immediately shows small differences that aren't visible to the naked eye. Measure case length consistency after trimming or check headspace bump after full-length resizing by using the appropriate Derraco headspace bushing.
Verify neck thickness uniformity after neck turning by rotating cases under the indicator. Check seated bullet depth consistency across multiple rounds to guarantee every bullet has exactly the same jump to lands. For competition shooters in disciplines like F-Class or benchrest, where every thousandth of an inch counts, these types of measurements aren't optional but essential.
Rimmed Cases: No Problem
The included washer plate is a thoughtful detail that makes the Up-Right suitable for a broader range of calibers. Rimmed cartridges like .303 British, 7.62x54R Russian, or old classics like .45-70 Government have a larger rim than the case body. The washer plate compensates for this, keeping the case stable and centered during measurement. This makes the Up-Right a versatile tool suitable not only for modern bottleneck cartridges but also for historic and classic calibers.
Benefits for the Precision Reloader
Using a dedicated dial stand offers multiple advantages over manual measuring with a caliper. First, measurements are consistent because the measuring setup is fixed and every bullet or case is positioned exactly the same way. Second, sorting components goes much faster because you develop a rhythm: place, read, record, next. Third, your hands are free to handle components and take notes while the stand takes care of the measurement.
The dial indicator also offers a visual advantage: variations are immediately visible on the dial face, allowing you to see at a glance whether a component falls within spec or not. This is faster than digital readouts you must interpret or calipers you must look at each time to read the value.
Complete Measuring Solution
For the ultimate reloading setup, combine the Derraco Up-Right stand with the complete Derraco Headspace and Bullet Comparator Set. This set contains 14 bullet comparator bushings (.17 to .45 cal) and 5 headspace bushings (.330 to .420), all color-coded for quick identification. Together with the Up-Right stand, you have a professional measuring solution suitable for virtually any caliber you can imagine.
The modular design means you can start with the basic setup and later expand with the ELD adapter for ultra-long projectiles, or additional Derraco bushings for specific calibers. This makes it a future-proof investment that grows with your reloading activities.
Investment in Consistency
For reloaders serious about producing match-grade ammunition, investing in good measuring equipment is just as important as investing in quality components. You can use the best brass, bullets, and powder, but without accurate measurements, you don't know if you're achieving consistency. The Derraco Up-Right comparator dial stand offers a reliable, stable base for all your measurements.
The robust construction of CNC-machined aluminum and stainless steel, combined with Derraco's reputation for quality and precision, makes this tool a valuable addition to any reloading bench where consistency is central. Whether you're loading for benchrest competition, long-range precision shooting, or simply striving for the best possible accuracy, the Up-Right stand helps you achieve that level.
