chamber checkers, case gauges.

flyrobb

flyrobb

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Are some better than others or they pretty much all the same? Lyman advertises theirs (the one pictured) is made to MINIMUM SAMMI specs.

Realizing your guns chamber is the real test is there a value to having one or are they a waste of money?

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bolt rifles are harder.....

Working the ammo through the action is a pain. Revolvers are easy to use as plunk testers. I have 3 semis and I just use the barrels. The rifling is not represented in gauges and can be a factor. If you've already got the COALs worked out, they are ok. What bugs me is that the array of go/no go and other variations takes some education to use effectively.
 
Gauges are a good tool, pita to take the gun apart to check ammo. They are limited though. They do NOT tell you if the oal is correct, you need the bbl for that. What they do is tell you if the case is sized right & the bullet seated & crimped correctly.
 
A gauge is a good quick test but not as good as a plunk test. I can load a 100 rounds of 9m and all 100 work in the gauge but there will be many that won't plunk in my Springfield RO Champion. I load and shoot my 9s almost everyday and get tired of taking the RO apart to check rounds. Just bought a bulge buster and think that is going to be the fix. If not the RO will go off to the mother ship. Don
 
I use the plunk test AND a gage.

The plunk test won't detect case rim irregularities. The gage will. Only takes a second longer. Plunk, gage, done.
 
I like the case gauges. Once you find a barrel with a short throat and adjust for it you shouldn't have to barrel test till you change bullets.
I have L.E. Wilson and Dillon case gauges. Both are nicely made but the Dillon's are stainless and easier to care for.
 
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I use the Wilson gauges for 5.56 and 308 to be sure the dies are set correctly for the shoulder.

Other than that I see no use for them for handguns.

It take all of what 30 seconds to field strip a semi auto?;)
 
Rule3 said:
It take all of what 30 seconds to field strip a semi auto?;)
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But which one? The tightest chamber? The shortest throat? With the short throated CZ 75B traded off, if it fits the case gauge it will fit any of my semi-auto's in that caliber. Besides, the safe is on the other side of the house. To long a walk.:D
 
Magload said:
A gauge is a good quick test but not as good as a plunk test. I can load a 100 rounds of 9m and all 100 work in the gauge but there will be many that won't plunk in my Springfield RO Champion. I load and shoot my 9s almost everyday and get tired of taking the RO apart to check rounds. Just bought a bulge buster and think that is going to be the fix. If not the RO will go off to the mother ship. Don
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My springfield loaded in 9mm has a very tight chamber. I have to gauge all the ammo running thru that if i want it to be 100%. A bulge buster may be in order for mixed range brass.
I use my bbl to setup the dies; proper sizing & oal, then case gauge finished rds to make sure a piece of bad brass doesn't bite me.
 
flyrobb said:
Why would the gauge detect something the chamber wouldn't?:confused:
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It doesnt, in fact falls short because it wont tell you oal. A guage is a lot easier to have on your bench when checking ammo. Mixed range brass can be problematic in some guns, see my previous post.
 
Rule3 said:
I use the Wilson gauges for 5.56 and 308 to be sure the dies are set correctly for the shoulder.

Other than that I see no use for them for handguns.

It take all of what 30 seconds to field strip a semi auto?;)
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Well not a match fit 1911 & then you have to put it back together.
 
fredj338 said:
Well not a match fit 1911 & then you have to put it back together.
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I have two of those, it is still not an issue for me. Not like you need to do it every time you load something? OK lets say it takes 60 seconds then for the 1911;)

Better yet check when you clean the gun, I know what bullets at what COL fit what gun. Regardless I find no need for a a gauge for handguns. A certain 9mm lead bullet will fit a gauge but not my CZ barrel.

Less time than filling your Dillon Primer tubes:D
 
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Why not? Less than $20 for 9mm gage. I have six 9mm pistols. If it fits in the gage I know its good to go in any of them. The Wilson gage checks both length and diameter.
I had a problem (still do) with 9mm cases bulging a little near the base, the gage is a quick and easy way to check. Some looked bad to the eye but fit ok and some looked good but wouldn't fit. I can see where they might not be too helpful for bottleneck cartridges but the OP seemed to asking about pistol reloads. (looks like 45 ACP)
 
jag22 said:
Why not? Less than $20 for 9mm gage. I have six 9mm pistols. If it fits in the gage I know its good to go in any of them. The Wilson gage checks both length and diameter.
I had a problem (still do) with 9mm cases bulging a little near the base, the gage is a quick and easy way to check. Some looked bad to the eye but fit ok and some looked good but wouldn't fit. I can see where they might not be too helpful for bottleneck cartridges but the OP seemed to asking about pistol reloads. (looks like 45 ACP)
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This is the reason I use a gauge, but due to the amount I load, I use a 100 round gauge, speeds up the process. I use the "Supermatch" model which is SAAMI minimum specs. Ones that don't pass get "plunk" tested and used for practice ammo. If it doesn't "plunk", I break down the round, reuse the powder and bullet and scrap the brass.
 

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I use them only for sizing die setup on bottleneck cartridges intended for semi auto use.
Bolt gun you can feel with the bolt +COAL; pistols - plunk+ COAL works for me.

I guess if you're a super accuracy guy like long range rifle or bench rest, then every gage you can lay your hands on comes into play. I'm not that good or that patient.
 
Case Gauge

I find that the case gauge for the 5.56 military brass is a must. I have a Lyman but I also have Wilson gauges. Military cases are tough to size, pistol cases, not so much. Revolvers have a built in gauge, the cylinder. If I am running a batch of revolver ammo, I just take out the cylinder with ejector star and use it as gauge. I measure everything, actually saves a lot of time compared to a re-do.
 
I have pretty much figured out the COL's that work in my guns (.45 & 9) for the bullets I am currently using so it sounds like a case gauge to check the case sizing, seating and crimping would be worth it for that purpose.
 
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