Case gauges? OAL measurement?

[Wayne02]

What type of case gauges do you use, what is your preferred method for measuring case lenght?

What is your favorite method for measuring overall cartridge length?

Thanks

 

[Wayne02]

What type of case gauges do you use, what is your preferred method for measuring case lenght?

What is your favorite method for measuring overall cartridge length?

Thanks

 

[OKFC05]

For pistol cartridges, I use the Midway drop-in cartridge gauges.

Pistol ammo to be used in IDPA or USPSA matches gets 100% checked.

If you are truly anal about cartridge OAL, you need the gauges that measure off the ogive rather than the tip of the bullet. Otherwise, just use dial calipers.

 

[john traveler]

I like the Wilson case length gages and have several for each of the rifle calibers I load.

The body of the gage is a maximum chamber, with steps cut on the head and neck ends of the chamber representing minimum & maximum headspace and minimum & maximum case length. Drop in a case anda touch with your fingertip is enough to tell if the case is within specification.

Dial calipers for overall cartridge length.

 

[Sgt Preston]

Sgt Preston here. I use Dillon case gages to insure that my finished rounds will fit into the chambers of any guns I put them in. I use a pair of Sears Craftsman dial calipers to measure the Overall Length "OAL". I verify the calibration of my calipers by fully closing the calipers & adjusting the dial (if necessary) to read "0" before I begin testing. I measure the OAL from the primer base end of the round to the tip of the nose. Using this procedure I've never had an issue with any rounds or any guns. Keeping it Simple. Sgt Preston USMC LLA

 

[ChuckS1]

Originally posted by OKFC05:
If you are truly anal about cartridge OAL, you need the gauges that measure off the ogive rather than the tip of the bullet. Otherwise, just use dial calipers.

Okay, call me anal...But think this is the only way to get consistent measurements for rifle cartiridges. I tried using calipers, but soft (and even nylon) tips get damaged rattling around in the box, so if you try to measure off the tip you just can't get consistent OAL measurements using a dial caliper. This is solved by measuring off the bullet ogive. I use a Davidson seating depth checker for my .223.

For pistol, I use my digital calipers. Here, "close enough" is generally good enough unless you're on the hairy edge of pressure.

 

[m657]

I've got a few of the drop in kind sold by Dillon.

They work fine for my purpose.

When I'm feeling really OCD, I drop my loads in the cylinder or barrel to confirm.

I sometimes load for a tight match XP100 308FL, and even the case gauge that passes my load will not always fit that particular chamber.

Since getting some Lee Factory crimp dies for Station 5/Dillon 650, I've had virtually zero trouble with pistol rounds not fitting properly.

 

[Guest]

I use a dial caliper for general measuring and find it works just fine for overall length checking. Both before and after reloading the cases.