Which gauge for 300 BLK?
- Thread starter PO2Hammer
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mcb
Member
https://sheridanengineering.com/product/300-blk-ammunition-gauge/
I really like the slotted version but the unslotted is cheaper.
I really like the slotted version but the unslotted is cheaper.
Varminterror
Member
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What dimension(s) are you wanting to measure?
If saving money is the objective, then I just wouldn’t waste any money on any gauge at all.
If saving money is the objective, then I just wouldn’t waste any money on any gauge at all.
Would like to measure head space on fired rounds and compare that to my sized rounds to see how much I am moving the shoulder back when re sizing.
Trying to decide between the type that fits on the calipers or the cartridge gauge.
Trying to decide between the type that fits on the calipers or the cartridge gauge.
AJC1
Member
The Guage doesn't do that in most cases, a caliper mounted comparator would work or an rcbs precision mic if they make one for that cartridge.
AJC1
Member
https://www.rcbs.com/case-processing/measuring/precision-mic/564.html
No mic offered for 300bo
No mic offered for 300bo
It sounds like you're looking for a headspace comparator more than anything. I have an LE Wilson case gauge for 300BLK, but it won't tell you if you're bumping the shoulder. The directions for it mention using it for fired brass, so it won't do much for sized brass. The Lyman is supposed to be a SAAMI minimum gauge, but again, I don't think it's going to tell you much of what you're looking for. Those are more for checking to see that headspace and trim length are both within SAAMI spec. Only a caliper with a headspace comparator will tell you how far you're bumping.
You can do that with a case gauge and a dial caliper or depth gauge, or you can do that with a caliper and the various tools sold for that.
Although technically we aren't measuring headspace when we do this. We are measuring shoulder position fired vs sized.
What do you have on hand that may work?
My home made gauge for 300 BLK, although I also have a
Sheridan non slotted case gauge.
Attachments
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012743827?pid=479704
This would be the route I would suggest. I think the sale is still on til sometime later tonight. It usually runs about $50 or so from Sportsman's Warehouse if you have one nearby. I think Midway is still doing free shipping on $49+ orders too.
This would be the route I would suggest. I think the sale is still on til sometime later tonight. It usually runs about $50 or so from Sportsman's Warehouse if you have one nearby. I think Midway is still doing free shipping on $49+ orders too.
AJC1
Member
I agree that's what I have. Sinclair also make something very similar
Blue68f100
Member
You can do it old school. I think a 40 cal brass will contact the shoulder area. Use it for a base then take another reading after sizing and compare the 2.
Most case gauges such as L.E.Wilson or Dillon measure only overall length and shoulder position. They are cut generously in the body dimensions. Hence, cases may pass the gauge check but fail the chamber check.
Sheridan has case gauges that are cut to SAAMI specs and can be used as "Chamber" gauges--to a point.
The best chamber gauges are made using the same reamer that made the original chamber.
Walkalong's suggestions are good "work-a-arounds" with minimal measuring gear needed.
I'm not a "bench rest" type shooter or competition rifle shooter so I have not seen the use for case gauges. If the case chamberes in my rifle, its good to go.
But, if doing extra checking on you ammunition makes you feel better about your reloads, go for it. One cannot discount the psychological factor.
Side note, I race sports cars. You'd be amazed at my pre-session routine getting ready to go out onto the track.
Sheridan has case gauges that are cut to SAAMI specs and can be used as "Chamber" gauges--to a point.
The best chamber gauges are made using the same reamer that made the original chamber.
Walkalong's suggestions are good "work-a-arounds" with minimal measuring gear needed.
I'm not a "bench rest" type shooter or competition rifle shooter so I have not seen the use for case gauges. If the case chamberes in my rifle, its good to go.
But, if doing extra checking on you ammunition makes you feel better about your reloads, go for it. One cannot discount the psychological factor.
Side note, I race sports cars. You'd be amazed at my pre-session routine getting ready to go out onto the track.
Yup, USS Reasoner FF 1063.That's an old Frigate
Read that it was sold to the Turks, then was sent to the bottom as a target ship.
Was my home for 4 years.
markr6754
Member
Had a buddy on the USS Badger - DE-1071. Yes, DE to me. As a bubblehead, I could give a FF. A target is a target.
AJC1
Member
I believe that the Sheridan Guage is a minimum chamber Guage. As far as I know zero reloaders deal in Sammi ammunition standards as far as sizing goes. We get a hodge podge using some of this one and some of that one. Trim length and oal are some we use from the ammunition side of the drawing.Most case gauges such as L.E.Wilson or Dillon measure only overall length and shoulder position. They are cut generously in the body dimensions. Hence, cases may pass the gauge check but fail the chamber check.
Sheridan has case gauges that are cut to SAAMI specs and can be used as "Chamber" gauges--to a point.
The best chamber gauges are made using the same reamer that made the original chamber.
Walkalong's suggestions are good "work-a-arounds" with minimal measuring gear needed.
I'm not a "bench rest" type shooter or competition rifle shooter so I have not seen the use for case gauges. If the case chamberes in my rifle, its good to go.
But, if doing extra checking on you ammunition makes you feel better about your reloads, go for it. One cannot discount the psychological factor.
Side note, I race sports cars. You'd be amazed at my pre-session routine getting ready to go out onto the track.
redcon1
member
The slotted Sheridan gauge is the way to go as far as gauges go. That's a nice gauge. I have it for 300 BLK. In the future, any gauge I purchase will be a Sheridan slotted gauge but I already have gauges from other manufacturers for everything else I shoot. The JP enterprises min spec gauge is good too but it isn't slotted and isn't available in 300 BLK. The Hornady comparators are good for measuring cases after firing (or before). The min spec Sheridan gauge is used to make sure your resized rounds are back to SAAMI min spec so you can be confident they will chamber in any rifle of the given caliber and they're especially useful for reloading for semi-auto firearms and/or when using military brass and/or when you're checking a lot of resized cases. Plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk... I think if I had to pick one or the other, if I was loading for a bolt gun, I'd pick the comparator and if I was loading large volumes of ammunition for a semi auto, I'd pick the gauge but, ultimately, I'd buy them both because they're both useful.
AJC1
Member
I believe this to be misleading at best and outright false at worst. There is no reference to which Sammi spec and one is left to believe it's the ammunition spec which is false....
redcon1
member
I'm not sure what you mean. This is what Sheridan has to say about their gauge: AMMUNITION GAUGES are uniquely designed to check loaded ammunition, giving you the ability to check your factory ammunition or reloads against a spec chamber. The gauge is machined to the SAAMI minimum chamber spec for the 300BLK caliber. This allows you to check brass sizing, headspace, bullet seating, and crimping all with one gauge. Stainless Steel construction. These gauges are designed primarily for use where the brass is always full length resized. Please see our FAQ for details.
AJC1
Member
That writeup clearly states chamber spec, which removes any ambiguity. That clearly means your brass or sizing is not in Sammi spec.
redcon1
member
It says: The gauge is machined to the SAAMI minimum chamber spec for the 300BLK caliber. That seems pretty unequivocal. The JP enterprises gauge is similarly cut to min spec. This is what JP enterprises has to say about their min spec gauge:
JP Semi-Auto Case Gauges
If it fits, it shoots.
Our case gauge has been the go-to tool for gas gun shooters and reloaders for nearly twenty years. That's because we recognized that gas-operated rifles need a "special diet" when it comes to ammo. Unlike a bolt gun, your AR won't reliably function with a cartridge just because it fits a standard gauge. Plenty of frustrating and badly timed malfunctions trace right back to this problem.
This is the only case gauge on the market specifically calibrated to meet the needs of the semi-auto rifle shooter. If a cartridge would not fit a minimum-depth SAAMI chamber, this gauge will catch them. Anything that fits this case gauge, you can consider factory-equivalent ammo.
In this second generation model, we've switched from aluminum to 416 stainless steel for greater wear resistance and longevity. In doing so, we've also significantly improved our tolerances. Side by side, these new gauges catch problem cases even the previous generation wouldn't.
Shoot with confidence that your ammo will never fail you. We won't let it.
So if your ammunition will fit a minimum SAAMI spec gauge, you can be confident that they will fit a minimum saami spec chamber. That's why I buy these gauges-for that peace of mind. Am I missing something?
JP Semi-Auto Case Gauges
If it fits, it shoots.
Our case gauge has been the go-to tool for gas gun shooters and reloaders for nearly twenty years. That's because we recognized that gas-operated rifles need a "special diet" when it comes to ammo. Unlike a bolt gun, your AR won't reliably function with a cartridge just because it fits a standard gauge. Plenty of frustrating and badly timed malfunctions trace right back to this problem.
This is the only case gauge on the market specifically calibrated to meet the needs of the semi-auto rifle shooter. If a cartridge would not fit a minimum-depth SAAMI chamber, this gauge will catch them. Anything that fits this case gauge, you can consider factory-equivalent ammo.
In this second generation model, we've switched from aluminum to 416 stainless steel for greater wear resistance and longevity. In doing so, we've also significantly improved our tolerances. Side by side, these new gauges catch problem cases even the previous generation wouldn't.
Shoot with confidence that your ammo will never fail you. We won't let it.
So if your ammunition will fit a minimum SAAMI spec gauge, you can be confident that they will fit a minimum saami spec chamber. That's why I buy these gauges-for that peace of mind. Am I missing something?
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