Max Case Gauge

[Gunowner99]

I am getting caught up on this one item. I see the template ones that measure shell length however I also see the ones that are a go/no-go for a loaded cartridge. It seems that would be the way, however, all I see is the Lyman ones for like $18 plus shipping. It seems the easiest vs. caliper the dia and oal of let's say a 9mm.

Do I even need one? I would say yes for safetys sake it's only $20 or so, but are there alternatives. Again, safety first.

[wanneroo]

I use the Lyman gauges for 9mm, 45 ACP and 308/7.62 Nato. I also have one for 300 Blackout made by Sheridan.

I check every round in them at the end of reloading and have reliable ammunition with no problems. Just keep them clean with some MPro7 and remember they are mild steel so they will rust so after use I oil them lightly and store them in a box with desiccant.

They are fast and easy to use and a no brainer tool to have.

[Gunowner99]

Yeah, I'm pretty sold on it. Stupid question ha ha!

[GeneCC]

Midway sells L.E. Wilson gages for most popular calibers. They're worth they money. They're really nice if you have any doubts. Beats finding out the "hard way" when rounds don't chamber or other problems.

[Remington788]

I use Dillon gauges.


For me it seems to check three things:
Overall length, you can see easily if it does not fit.
Width, if you have a bulged case or something like it, the cartridge won't fit in the gauge, or into your barrel
Primer seating, you run your thumb over the back, you will feel if the primer isn't seated right.

[Gunowner99]

I use Dillon gauges.


For me it seems to check three things:
Overall length, you can see easily if it does not fit.
Width, if you have a bulged case or something like it, the cartridge won't fit in the gauge, or into your barrel
Primer seating, you run your thumb over the back, you will feel if the primer isn't seated right.

The lyman would do the same I assume?

[JoshIronshaft]

I use a Dillon case gauge for 223 because of the shoulder and just calipers for 9mm.

[GeneCC]

I use Dillon gauges.


For me it seems to check three things:
Overall length, you can see easily if it does not fit.
Width, if you have a bulged case or something like it, the cartridge won't fit in the gauge, or into your barrel
Primer seating, you run your thumb over the back, you will feel if the primer isn't seated right.

This is true of many such gages....

Get yourself a flat surface, table top, piece of flat metal, plastic, whatever. A good straightedge will help.

Insert the sized and cleaned (wipe off the sizing lube) case into the gage....

1. Sit the case and gage on a flat surface case base down.
a. If the headspace is off the gage will not touch the table. You'll see a gap.
b. If the primer is protruding you'll be able to make the gage and case "wobble". You can also check in step #2b.

2. Invert the gage and case so that the mouth of the case is sitting on the flat surface.
a. The base of the case should not protrude. Run a straight edge along the flat side of the gage. The straightedge will halt on the rim of the case.
b. If a primer protrudes the straightedge will halt on the primer.

[GeneCC]

Midway has a nice selection of case gages and premade cases for headspace measurement

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?dimens...ensionid=12796

Wideners has a nice selection of Lyman case gages...

https://www.wideners.com/itemview.cfm?dir=210|213|746

[Brick]

For me it seems to check three things:
Overall length, you can see easily if it does not fit.
Width, if you have a bulged case or something like it, the cartridge won't fit in the gauge, or into your barrel
Primer seating, you run your thumb over the back, you will feel if the primer isn't seated right.

Nice if you're reloading for more than one gun in the same caliber. For semi-autos I'd rather dismount the barrel and drop the loaded round in. If it settles even with the hood it's good. If it sits above the hood not good. Case length should be checked after resizing anyhow, and my fingertips can detect a high primer very easily.