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.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.
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.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.
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.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.
I agree that's what I have. Sinclair also make something very similarhttps://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.
All I have is a caliper.
On a tight budget, but I can afford one tool.
Yup, USS Reasoner FF 1063.That's an old Frigate
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.
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.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.
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....The min spec Sheridan gauge is used to make sure your resized rounds are back to SAAMI min spec
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.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....
That writeup clearly states chamber spec, which removes any ambiguity. That clearly means your brass or sizing is not in Sammi spec.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.