After years of owning/using headspace gauges (called COMPARATOR Gauges by some) to aid in setting my desired headspace when resizing and checking cases, I've found that the front edge where the specified diameter hole (and THAT is the important spec!) meets the front face of the gauge (the area that meets the tapered shoulder of the case {at the SAAMI spec diameter point} when you use them) has become worn to some degree thereby becoming inaccurate when making measurements such as dimensions that become "headspace" when brass cases are reloaded. The problem seems to be that when that edge which SHOULD BE a nice 90 degree square edge becomes worn, it make the resulting measurements inaccurate, so I took them out to my lathe and turned the front face of the gauge off by about .012" to make it all square (90 degrees) again. Shortening the gauge really makes no difference in the reloading process as the caliper gets re-zeroed each time anyway making the length of the gauge have no bearing upon the measurements made.
What I am wondering is if there are headspace gauges available that are made of some MORE DURABLE material than the current (brand "H") ones I've used for a long time. In MY OPINION, these things should NOT be made of aluminum, but should be made of a more durable material that doesn't wear as easily as aluminum does at the 90 degree edges. Maybe tool steel or stainless steel that don't break the bank?
Has anyone else noticed this sort of reduced accuracy or know of a more durable set of headspace gauges?
Thanks!
What I am wondering is if there are headspace gauges available that are made of some MORE DURABLE material than the current (brand "H") ones I've used for a long time. In MY OPINION, these things should NOT be made of aluminum, but should be made of a more durable material that doesn't wear as easily as aluminum does at the 90 degree edges. Maybe tool steel or stainless steel that don't break the bank?
Has anyone else noticed this sort of reduced accuracy or know of a more durable set of headspace gauges?
Thanks!
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