DIY a Redding type instant indicator?

[marchboom]

I like the concept of the Redding Instant Indicator. What I don't like is the price. I have too many calibers that this device would work well on but buying a separate device for every different caliber is insane. I currently use the Hornady case length gauge to determine case length but I was wondering if anyone has made a DIY gauge similar to the Redding device? Maybe using a die that registers on the case datum line. Or that uses a "Go" gauge as a reference.

Just thought I would throw it out. Never know what other reloaders have come up with.


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[RegionRat]

This isn't identical in form, but can do some of the same things while being flexible. Just FYI

https://www.larrywillis.com/instructions2.html

 

[snoopy001]

I like the concept of the Redding Instant Indicator. What I don't like is the price. I have too many calibers that this device would work well on but buying a separate device for every different caliber is insane. I currently use the Hornady case length gauge to determine case length but I was wondering if anyone has made a DIY gauge similar to the Redding device? Maybe using a die that registers on the case datum line. Or that uses a "Go" gauge as a reference. Just thought I would throw it out. Never know what other reloaders have come up with.​

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This is the proper tool for accurate bullet seating depth,all others are toys and
money waste at all .Measurement from the Shoulder to the ogive gives much more consistency as from base to ogive .The accuracy one seating depth comparator works from .223 up to .300 caliber ,the Redding instant indicator is allready middle age concept .

 

[Redneck09]

Epoxied a dial indicator into a Lee quick trim die and that works for measuring overall length quickly after sizing on a turret press.

for seating depth I use a socket (the same socket every time) on my callipers I have one the same diameter as the seating stem and one the diameter of a comparator. For bump just measure my case gauge with the case in it. None of these work as fast as the dedicated gear but I am a cheap redneck I guess.

 

[cem]

You don't need to buy a new Instant Indicator for every cartridge.

What you need to change is a standard and appropriate bushings - bushings are pretty much the same within bore sizes. Headspace gages, go and no-go, are nice standards and factory brass or a chamber cast can be used for relative measurements. Remember all the measurements are relative and it's up to you whether your bushing hits the case at the datum line or a little farther in or farther out. Takes a stack of bushings to make a gage for the .220 Swift work for the .218 Bee so a shorter or longer Redding factory gage holder is appropriate. If you really want to a threaded 7/8-14 die body threaded rod with center hole can be drilled out to work.

All that's necessary to add to a gage for the bore size and nearly the same length is the standard, the bushings will be the same. Bushings from a bushing style die will work for most if not all applications. One indicator as shipped will work for example for everything on a .308 headspace - 243 to 358 - when used with appropriate bushings. Might be able to find a .260 gage on sale when the .308 is full price or even out of stock