Setting calipers as case length guage

[PegLegPeat]

I am new to reloading so forgive me for a stupid question. If max case length for a .223 is 1.760, I will set my calipers to 1.759 and lock them in that position and then run my brass through them 1 or 2 at a time as if it were a length gauge. Any that will not fit easily through I will trim. It goes a lot faster than adjusting the calipers and actually measuring each peice. I have been watching a lot of videos and doing a fair bit of reading, but have not seen anyone using this method. Is there some reason my method is flawed?

Thanks in advance
-Peat

 

[Twiki357]

I don’t reload rifle very often so can’t really address your specific question. However, I do that to check OAL on reloading semi-auto rounds. Never had a problem with it. I just use a binder clip to keep the slide from moving.

 

[PegLegPeat]

My calipers, Hornady, are the type that have a thumb screw on the top for securing at a specific measurement.


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[SARuger]

This is how I check all of my case lengths as well, works perfectly.

 

[cfullgraf]

Yup, works fine.

 

[Blue68f100]

It will work that way. But you may find some magazines will not take a 2.260" OAL due to construction. What you end up doing is find the ones that are long and reset your dies to compensate for the ogive of bullet. So your OAL may only be 2.250-2.255".

 

[Reloadron]

That will work. I generally run the brass through a sizing die and then just trim it all to 1.750". Some shed more brass than others but it gives me a nice uniform lot.

Ron

 

[Nature Boy]

I do what Ron does. I size them then trim all through my WFT. Having the cases all one length eliminates one variation in the process. As I am learning, the more variation you can eliminate, the more consistent the down range results. I know that's probably stating the obvious (not oblivious)

 

[Axis II]

I size and everything goes through the trimmer because it takes too much time to check each one with the calipers when I can just put each on through the trimmer instead of possibly going from calipers to trimmer. if it trims it trims if it doesn't than good.

 

[Walkalong]

It's just as fast, to me anyway, to use the calipers to measure each case length. For high volume stuff like .223, I do like Ron and Nature Boy do, trim them all. I use a WFT under power it's very fast. Nearly as fast as checking them all.

 

[Rule3]

As mentioned it would be better to set the calipers to the trim length 1.750. Trim all your brass and then check them for length.

The length of the case(brass) has nothing to do with the Cartridge Overall Length.(COL)

 

[jmorris]

They sell the go/no go gauges that work the same as your method.





I use a case fed progressive with a Dillon trimmer on it, size/deprime and trim (if needed), over 1000/hr.

 

[noylj]

OP is NOT talking about COL, just case length.
Yes, you can do that.

 

[ants]

Sure, PegLegPeat. That's an excellent use of the tool. LOTS of us do that.


Note: You measure and trim after sizing. Don't forget!

 

[tcoz]

I've always set my calipers to .002 under max length and trim any that don't fit. Perfect case length gauge.

 

[PegLegPeat]

Thanks for the confirmation guys.I am trimming with a Lyman E-Zee trim and it is fairly slow for me, so trimming all my brass would add a lot of time.

-Peat


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[FROGO207]

If you are only length checking one caliber brass you could make a specific sized length tool to your specifications. Just use some bar stock or thick sheet metal and cut the notch short and file to fit. I have an older case gauge and it does not have anything made after the late 70's marked on it.