Concentricity Gauge

[mac86951]

Ok,
I know this has been a topic, and I'll do my searching, but I'd like to request opinions on a do-it-all concentricity gauge.

I don't benchrest, but that doesn't mean I won't later. For now I want to check the whole thing, case, neck, bullet to see
how my current process is working.

I'll buy the best gauge that is reliable and good value, as long as it can do the above.


-Mac

 

[DanConzo]

Take a look at the Accuracy One Concentricity Gauge. Search it-you'll find it.

 

[Shynloco]

Mac,
I think you'll find that likes for Concentricity gauges are like asking someone which rifle they like the best...you'll get everything under the sun for answers. Having said that and shoot Benchrest style for pure fun and not for competition (except Rimfire) I own both Hornady and a Sinclair Concentrcity gauges. Both do the trick very well...but if I want to feel good about my loads, I use the Hornady. If I want the honest to goodness accuracy of the readings, I use the Sinclair which is far more critical and may not leave you with that "feel good" after effect the Hornady does.

Alex

 

[mac86951]

Mac,
I think you'll find that likes for Concentricity gauges are like asking someone which rifle they like the best...you'll get everything under the sun for answers. Having said that and shoot Benchrest style for pure fun and not for competition (except Rimfire) I own both Hornady and a Sinclair Concentrcity gauges. Both do the trick very well...but if I want to feel good about my loads, I use the Hornady. If I want the honest to goodness accuracy of the readings, I use the Sinclair which is far more critical and may not leave you with that "feel good" after effect the Hornady does.

Alex

Thanks Alex,
I like getting the opinions off of this site. After the first 20 or so, I'll see who has similar opinions on items and gauge that. Sometimes you'll get a bunch of differences and then most posts will say "if only I got the 'X' tool" or "I'd love to try the 'Y' tool." Then I know to check those out too.

I've been looking at the Hornady and the NECO, and I appreciate your feedback on the Hornady system, seems like that might be the better ticket for me at the moment, but I'll wait for my 20 posts.

-Mac

 

[bozo699]

Mac,
Alex is correct about many different answers, I own a hornaday and would have thrown it in the garbage the day I bought it but I happen to like the garbage man so it sits on the shelf, to remind me of my wasted $99 if you want to do it all all I would say the Neco is the best or the 21st century they have the best indicators for the intended purpose, however the 21st cant do everything but if the best bang for the buck is the Sinclair but again it can't do it all but it does all I need, I own several of those and two Neco's I use the Sinclair the most though.
Wayne.

 

[Joe O]

http://www.hollandguns.com/

I would choose between the Holland(above),and Sinclair.Haven't used either,but the Holland has been recommended to me by a trusted Shooter.

 

[bozo699]

http://www.hollandguns.com/

I would choose between the Holland(above),and Sinclair.Haven't used either,but the Holland has been recommended to me by a trusted Shooter.

Joe,
I hadn't seen the Holland before, it is basically just a fancy version of the sinclair, not much more then the Sinclair if any so I would consider it if I didn't already own what I have, looks like a nice one, I some of Darrell's videos on gunsmithing and he looks to be top notch, thanks for sharing the link.
Wayne.

 

[mander]

I looked at the different gauges and purchased the Sinclair Concentrcity gauge. It is easy to use and does what I need it to do. Now there may be better ones out there but I am happy with the Sinclair.

 

[necchi]

RCBS Case Master Gauge.
http://www.google.com/search?q=RCBS+Case+master

It does allot of different things, and because of that folks say it doesn't do any of it with perfection.
I'm also not a BenchRest shooter, but this tool helped me identify exactly where in my technique I was going wrong and where to make corrections.

I got this tool after a local shop ran a few seminars and allowed me to bring some of my loaded ammo in to run across their gauge.

Critique;
The arms of the tool that hold the case for the concentricity check sit on a rail so they can be moved/adjusted for various cases, the arms are held in place with a simple knurled lock nut, the lock nut can/will "lift" the arms off the base a few thousands and can lend to false readings.
The fix is imply being aware of this and use downward finger pressure while rolling the case and/or making a simple modification by adding a small 1/4x1/4" rod across those arms, drilling a center hole for it's own lock nut to hold the arms down.
http://www.larrywillis.com/RCBS%20casemaster.html

All in all, I'm very content with this affordable tool and glad I spent the money to get it.

 

[bozo699]

Neco is what I use.. since then there have been others brought out that look good. V blocks are a good thing, bearings could have their own movement, witch you would prefer not to be reading. The gem gauges are sweet!

Tom

Tom,
The Gem gauges are the correct gauge for the job, the dial indicating gauges that almost all concentricity gauges use isn't designed to read runout, they will after a fashion but that is what the Gem is built for, I am having Paul refit a Sinclair with a gem for me right now, the ball bearings on the sinclair are solid and don't move there really no different then a v block but the knureled wheels on the 21st century may have this unwanted movement your talking of, I don't know I don't have one yet, and probably will just stick with what I know works
Wayne.
P.S I agree with your last statement but when you roll it and you get no or little movement out of the needle it makes you feel better when your at the bench

 

[waltk]

I have the following: Sinclair, Neco, 21 Century, and the Accuracy One.
Without a doubt the Accuracy One is the best but the most expensive.
The many features are outstanding. First, the one handed operation is fantastic.
No more having to hold the cartridge down and spin it at the same time.
Just place the cartridge in position and bring the arm down and turn.
The ease of adjustment is extremely easy also. With the magnetic bases it's a snap.
The adjustment screw to raise or lower the indicator tip to your desired
position is a huge improvement over all other gauges.
There are still more features, I could go on.
But, it is Very Expensive.

 

[LRPV]

I first bought the Hornady. I returned it as quickly as I could. I could make it read almost whatever I wanted just by using more pressure on the case. Then I bought the Sinclair and I really liked it but I was having some issues with some brass and I wanted to be able to check the inside of the case mouths so I bought the 21st century and sold the Sinclair. I wish I had kept the Sinclair for its ease of adjustment and really it does what I needed it to. The 21st Century is OK. I don't like the rolling wheels that it uses, short cases are more apt to tip while rolling them so you have to pay attention to what you are doing. Someday I'll buy the Accuracy one and be done with it, I've never seen it or used it in person but I have confidence that it is a top notch tool.
Jason

 

[bozo699]

I have the following: Sinclair, Neco, 21 Century, and the Accuracy One.
Without a doubt the Accuracy One is the best but the most expensive.
The many features are outstanding. First, the one handed operation is fantastic.
No more having to hold the cartridge down and spin it at the same time.
Just place the cartridge in position and bring the arm down and turn.
The ease of adjustment is extremely easy also. With the magnetic bases it's a snap.
The adjustment screw to raise or lower the indicator tip to your desired
position is a huge improvement over all other gauges.
There are still more features, I could go on.
But, it is Very Expensive.

Do you have a picture or a site you could share on the Accuracy one?
Wayne.

 

[waltk]

What it reads on the gauge: www.accuracyone.com
814 684-5322. Great gauge, but very expensive.
And, actually there was a report on this gauge on this website.
That's how I got the info.

 

[bozo699]

What it reads on the gauge: www.accuracyone.com
814 684-5322. Great gauge, but very expensive.
And, actually there was a report on this gauge on this website.
That's how I got the info.

What it reads on the gauge: www.accuracyone.com
814 684-5322. Great gauge, but very expensive.
And, actually there was a report on this gauge on this website.
That's how I got the info.

Thank you, I found there site just before your post but nothing about the concentricity tool but I will call them for a price and availability, I am a little concerned with the bearings giving some false readings, they would have to have some slop but maybe it isn't a issue but the tool looks very nice, thank you.
Wayne.

 

[waltk]

Wayne

The bearings appear to be pretty good. At least they all turn
all the time unlike some other gauges.
The gauge was about $280.00 ( without indicactor, buy that at ENCO) plus
shipping and 3% for credit card.
The info and pictures can viewed at: www.bullettipping.com

Walt

 

[mac86951]

Let me add... IMO, it is the least important tool I own, but then again my worst stuff ain't horrid.

Tom

Interesting reply. I've been loading with standard RCBS dies (hand-me downs) for 222, 223 and 30-06, and like you I'm to the point where its time to start fiddling with what I've got. I really am getting a concentricity gauge just to see how my current loading practice is working. Then with the 30-06 neck turning is in the future, if not for triple D and 223 too.

-Mac

 

[mac86951]

Wayne

The bearings appear to be pretty good. At least they all turn
all the time unlike some other gauges.
The gauge was about $280.00 ( without indicactor, buy that at ENCO) plus
shipping and 3% for credit card.
The info and pictures can viewed at: www.bullettipping.com

Walt

Thanks for the link I too was missing the concentricity set-up.

I think from the posts so far, I'll try out the Holland set-up.

Thank you everyone!

-Mac

 

[Lazydays]

Neco is what I use.. since then there have been others brought out that look good. V blocks are a good thing, bearings could have their own movement, witch you would prefer not to be reading. The gem gauges are sweet!

Tom

Tom,
The Gem gauges are the correct gauge for the job, the dial indicating gauges that almost all concentricity gauges use isn't designed to read runout, they will after a fashion but that is what the Gem is built for, I am having Paul refit a Sinclair with a gem for me right now, the ball bearings on the sinclair are solid and don't move there really no different then a v block but the knureled wheels on the 21st century may have this unwanted movement your talking of, I don't know I don't have one yet, and probably will just stick with what I know works
Wayne.
P.S I agree with your last statement but when you roll it and you get no or little movement out of the needle it makes you feel better when your at the bench

I've been tru a half dozen gauges over the years, and finally latched onto a Neco. Not perfect, but close to perfect. I started out with a GEM indicator, and later switched over to a pair of Last Words. Then even later I put a .0005" Interrapid on it, and have never looked back. I made several case gauges over the years, and some were pretty crude, but still worked. (to a certain extent) Did one flat plate with several holes drilled and reamed to hold tooling balls (shouldered) in various locations for different case lengths. The post was made from a cut down shoulder bolt that held an indicator like the GEM or the Interrapid. Nothing moves on this plate, and it is extremely accurate. But won't do everything
gary

 

[Lazydays]

What it reads on the gauge: www.accuracyone.com
814 684-5322. Great gauge, but very expensive.
And, actually there was a report on this gauge on this website.
That's how I got the info.

What it reads on the gauge: www.accuracyone.com
814 684-5322. Great gauge, but very expensive.
And, actually there was a report on this gauge on this website.
That's how I got the info.

Thank you, I found there site just before your post but nothing about the concentricity tool but I will call them for a price and availability, I am a little concerned with the bearings giving some false readings, they would have to have some slop but maybe it isn't a issue but the tool looks very nice, thank you.
Wayne.

I built one that used ball bearings for the case to rotate on. Used four Barden ball bearings (their ABEC 9 super precision) Chased three or four tenths movement in it for about a year, and sold it. But the real issue with it was too much contact on the O.D. of the case. I just never could resolve this issue. The tooling balls have no movement and minimal area contact. Nothing is perfect
gary