Headspace Gauge Durability/Accuracy

[DShortt]

I hope no one else on this thread thought I was WORRIED. After literally decades of reloading, I sometimes come up with things I see along the way that make me curious, but I never go as far as being worried...not even kinda concerned, but I can't help being curious and find myself wondering what other reloaders have seen. Please don't think I am worried and I'm sorry I made anyone else WORRY!

Didn't realize that was a triggering word. Would you prefer concerned?

I'll go fix that.

 

[danny]

I was thinking exactly the same thing.

I was as well.

Danny

 

[doninreno]

Didn't realize that was a triggering word. Would you prefer concerned?

I'll go fix that.

Actually, I'd prefer "curious"

 

[Webster]

I presume that your references to the neck were meant to read shoulder. As long as the same gauge is used on the fired case (with primer removed) and the sized case, and it lands somewhere around mid shoulder there should be no problem. I believe that the reason that datum circles are defined the way that they are is to facilitate the fabrication of accurate and uniform actual headspace gauges.

I corrected it.

 

[Straightshooter1]

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!

If you're measuring the case after being fired, then after sizing to see how much the shoulder is being bumped. . .it really doesn't matter as you're using this comparator in the same way a comparator is being used for BTO's. It's all relative. It's not like the measurement you're getting is from a precision tool where the measurement is good for universal use by everyone.

 

[doninreno]

I corrected it.

Could you please point out to me where I used the word "NECK" where it should have been (and was in the first post) "shoulder"? I did, however, note in post 18 that the word was used--incorrectly as I might add. Thanks...I'd like to correct it if I did that!

 

[Chiquita]

Short Action Customs headspace gauges are awesome ... they're all I use.

Agree.

 

[Webster]

Could you please point out to me where I used the word "NECK" where it should have been (and was in the first post) "shoulder"? I did, however, note in post 18 that the word was used--incorrectly as I might add. Thanks...I'd like to correct it if I did that!

My post not yours.

 

[searcher]

The gauge that I believe you are referring to is not meant to be what it has been misnamed. It is just a comparator, that is all. As long as the edge you are referring to lands somewhere near the middle of a case'e shoulder, it will work fine. A sharp edge is not required. BTW, I have had one since before Hornady picked up the line. Mine was sold by Stoney Point.

Yes - I think a comparator which has the sharp edge removed would continue to give repeatable readings far longer than one with a sharp edge.

 

[El Matador]

My suggestion would be to make your own bushing out of steel. If your comparator is anything like mine it uses interchangeable bushings. Grab a scrap of steel and crank out a bushing in whatever size you like. I have a case comparator and I've made several bushings to use for measuring bullets or CBTO length.

 

[TTE]

My suggestion would be to make your own bushing out of steel. If your comparator is anything like mine it uses interchangeable bushings. Grab a scrap of steel and crank out a bushing in whatever size you like. I have a case comparator and I've made several bushings to use for measuring bullets or CBTO length.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I agree ... he posted -

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.

Start your lathe up again and make a replacement from some steel!

 

[SeabeeKen]

There are stainless steel versions that shouldnt wear as bad as the aluminum comparators

 

[doninreno]

My suggestion would be to make your own bushing out of steel. If your comparator is anything like mine it uses interchangeable bushings. Grab a scrap of steel and crank out a bushing in whatever size you like. I have a case comparator and I've made several bushings to use for measuring bullets or CBTO length.

Yeah! That has crossed my mind. Great idea.

 

[doninreno]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I agree ... he posted -

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.

Start your lathe up again and make a replacement form some steel!

Yeah! That has crossed my mind. Great idea. I'm pretty sure I have some drops that would be well suited for use in such a project. I think that if/when I make some comparators/headspace gauges (whatever you want to call them), I'll make them so that the Inside Diameters of each match the diameters used on SAAMI spec sheets labelling the shoulder diameter from which measurements are taken for each caliber/round, though a lot of them use the .400" diameter. I guess I won't have to produce a bunch of them, but I'd like to have only one diameter for each size required just to make things simple when going from one reference to another, but I DO use the SAAMI specs as much as possible in order to sorta standardize things. My biggest problem (and one thing I REALLY need to correct) is that I am really bad at keeping good, accurate, consistent notes and that often results in my having to go RE-SHOOT tests sometimes and that makes me pissed off at myself!!

 

[SKWERLZ]

The aluminum datum gauges will wear but it’s really slowly unless you’re being a gorilla.

I make my own from worn out barrels.

 

[Ray Gross]

I have been working on an article about headspace and gages that you may find helpful. It is still a draft, so feel free to let me know if you spot any errors.

 

[doninreno]

I have been working on an article about headspace and gages that you may find helpful. It is still a draft, so feel free to let me know if you spot any errors.

Thanks! I'll have a look at it....should be interesting, but BE AWARE that I was raised by a mom that we all called 'The English Language NAZI and I kinda took after her!! She'd actually yell at us if anyone said something redundant like "an ATM machine" or a VIN number!!

 

[K22]

I have the Whidden single piece case head space gauges that are used with the caliper to set the F/L die. I assume we are talking about that kind of gauge.

It's hard to imagine that a brass case would cause wear on this gauge to make it inaccurate especially when is it used for comparative purposes, i.e., measuring fire case head space versus sized case head space.

I will say that I am a proponent of the Whidden single piece caliber group specific gauges that do not employ inserts like the Hornady gauges. Also, I have noticed an improvement in consistency by permanently mounting the gauge on a dedicated caliper thus eliminating any issues with remounting the same way on the caliber between sizing sessions.

 

[doninreno]

The aluminum datum gauges will wear but it’s really slowly unless you’re being a gorilla.

I make my own from worn out barrels.

I've had these for decades and have used them a LOT...probably thousands of times, so I can see wear and roughness on them. The worn out barrels is a good idea as I have a multitude of them in my shop. I may try that!

 

[Webster]

Yes - I think a comparator which has the sharp edge removed would continue to give repeatable readings far longer than one with a sharp edge.

I agree with your comment no sharp edge needed. Does it matter what the shape of the edge is? It's a before and after sizing measurement with the same gauge. It doesn't matter if the contact on the gauge changes with usuage. I would think a slightly rounded or beveled edge would would see less edge shape change if there is any. Why would you have a lot of wear, it's just a gentle contact?

Never owned a head space gauge in 50 years. My gunsmith sets the head space. Wasted money. They don't make the rifle shoot any better. You don't need a head space gauge to size a case properly?