Checking your FL die

C

Codeman

Member
What tools do most of you use to check how much your resizing when you FL size? I have a small base redding on the way and I want to see how much sizing is taking place. The redding instant indicator looks like a nice piece but is a little pricey. What about the wilson cartidge case guage.
 
Most people I know shooting benchrest are using a guage made by the smith that chambered their barrel, based on the reamer that was used to cut the chamber. I have one for each of the chambers cut from different reamers. Typically the gunsmith will use a piece of the barrel stub left over from after cutting the barrel to length.

If you have a standard factory barrel, the Sinclair tool, formerly Stoney Point, works very well. RCBS also makes a "mic" set of screw together pieces with divisions marked on each piece, which allows you to take a reading off a fired case and determine a reference number. With either tool, Sinclair or RCBS, you can then set up your dies to match the reading. Randy J.
 
Chamber guage

Using a guage made by the smith that chambered their barrel, based on the reamer that was used to cut the chamber.

Yes.... Here are some pics of two types and in use...

cale
 

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caroby said:
Using a guage made by the smith that chambered their barrel, based on the reamer that was used to cut the chamber.

Yes.... Here are some pics of two types and in use...

cale
Click to expand...


What is the technical name for somthing like that? Meaning, if Im having a barrel made, what do I ask him to make me. A shoulder gauge?:confused:
 
Dan

The universal name for that item here on Benchrest.com is 'thingy". Say that, and every body in Benchrest will probably know what you are talking about. I sort of assumed it was standard practice for a Benchrest Gunsmith to furnish one of those with the barrel, (for a small fee), especially if you are going to be a repeat customer.

In my opinion, it is the ONLY way to ascertain exactly how much you are bumping your shoulders.

As for the other dimensions, such as how much the body is actually getting "squished", just use a micrometer.........jackie
 
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The old Stoney Point tool (now Hornady) works great and is fairly priced. They make several inserts to cover most cartridges in the event you're loading for more than just a ppc or if you're loading for factory rifles as well.
 
Around here they are called "gizzies". Some folks on the boards call them "chamber gages".
Hold your fingers about 1"-1 1/4" apart when talking about it, most 'smiths get the idea.
 
But what about the Wilson?

OK I have a "thingy" for my 6x47 Lapua. But what about the Wilson case guage that I'm trying to use for my other rifles where the gunsmith was not so efficient.
 
jackie schmidt said:
The universal name for that item here on Benchrest.com is 'thingy". Say that, and every body in Benchrest will probably know what you are talking about. I sort of assumed it was standard practice for a Benchrest Gunsmith to furnish one of those with the barrel, (for a small fee), especially if you are going to be a repeat customer.

In my opinion, it is the ONLY way to ascertain exactly how much you are bumping your shoulders.

As for the other dimensions, such as how much the body is actually getting "squished", just use a micrometer.........jackie
Click to expand...

Jackie..... Thats somthing my wife would say going to home dept.
If I said that to a guy... Well, my face would turn red as a fire engine, and I would catch fire from embarisment :D
 
goodgrouper said:
The old Stoney Point tool (now Hornady) works great and is fairly priced. They make several inserts to cover most cartridges in the event you're loading for more than just a ppc or if you're loading for factory rifles as well.
Click to expand...


Thank you just reminded me to get one of those right now.
 
Expander plugs

When using an expander plug in a regular die and tight necks(i.e. 2605 neck
in a 262 chamber) ..The expander can open the neck in the donut area
making it sticky in a bump guage and giving false measurements. The sized
case must turn freely in the guage.
 
The official name around some folks at our club is "critter". The good reason to own your very own reamer is that one critter can be used with all your barrels.

Rod
 
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