Headspace

[Col]

Hi guys, I have been loading about 2 years,mainly pistol rounds for my under/levers,but I have now progressed to reloading for my .308. I use a rockerchucker single stage press and Lee dies After F/L sizing and trimming if
necessary I seat the bullet to the recommended OAL. I follow the instructions
that were supplied with the dies,and get it done.My only concern is what I read here.How much of an issue is case seperation. I must admit it puts doubts in my mind as I shoot. I know you can buy a case guage,but why would I need to if I follow the correct procedure setting up my press

 

[Walkalong]

If you just follow directions and screw the die down to contact the shell holder, you will be OK 99% of the time, but you are relying on all the equipment being within tolerance and hoping the tolerances don't all stack up against you. Many people never buy case gauges, but they are cheap insurance.

A comparator is another way to check how much you push the shoulder back on your brass. There are various cheap ways to do this.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=504759

 

[JimKirk]

A cheap and very telling method of getting your ammo to fit your chamber... the smut/marker method. By smutting or marking the brass ... the tell tell signs will tell about the fit.

Jimmy K

 

[dardascastbullets]

Hi COL,

In order to set up your full length die to impart the correct amount of setback, you need to have a case gauge to measure how much headspace you are imparting on the brass. The case must be sized to the firearm's chamber. The case gauge will determine the correct adjustment on the full length die. Without it and using the die maker's instructions you run the great risk of creating a lot of headspace. This will of course cause your cases to fail prematurely. I would highly recommend the RCBS Case Gauge only because I have used several. They are great tools.

I trust that this will help you.