K&M Neck turning tools ???

[skeetlee]

Im getting ready to get set up to turn my own necks and i have a couple questions. Im going with K&M tools but i dont know if i need a carbide mandrel or the standard mandrel. Whats the advantage of the carbide? Also what tool will i need to check the neck thickness properly? I was hoping i could find a 90 degree micrometer for around 50 bucks? any ideas?

Also one more thing i dont understand. On my box of 6ppc brass i get from brunos is has the numbers .083 on the box. what does this refer to? I know it has to do with how much brass was removed but how do you come up with this number. Some guys use a .084 or a .085 but i still just dont know what that numbers is referring to??? ??? Please advise. thanks Lee

 

[CoverDog]

The carbide mandrel has cutters at the end, and when you move your brass up the mandrel, if you have any doughnuts inside it will remove them.

I am using a tubing micrometer, although I think a ball mic might be better. But you need a small ball to fit inside some cases.

Tubing mic: Grizzley #G9778

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Digital-Tubing-Micrometer-0-1-/G9778

You will also want to p/u a mic stand. Harbor Freight, about $9.00

 

[xr650rRider]

The K&M tool has a place for a dial indicator. Buy one that reads out to .0001" and its better than trying to use a cheap tubing/ball micrometer. Make sure you buy the proper expander as well, as it will expand the neck to the proper size for the mandrel

 

[itfliesitdies]

Definitely get the expander. If you do, you dont neccessarily need the carbide mandrel because the doughnut will be forced to the outside and you can trim it off if you cut slightly into the shoulder.

 

[mikecr]

Sorry, I doubt you'll put together anything worth a flip for $50...
Sinclair has very good neck mics with useful stands.
mine:


While your there(Sinclair) you might notice they have a very good turning system, which includes a very good expander die system. This is useful for more than just turning.

 

[jesker]

I would get the carbide mandrel because the expander mandrel gets it to the right size but where the donut is it constricts back. I did not get the carbide mandrel but I am going to get one.

 

[JRS]

I concur with mikecr on this one. His particular setup works great. There is also the option of purchasing a good Mitutoyo ball micrometer from Sinclair. I have been using mine for for many years. Learn how to properly use it and stay away from the harbor freight and grizzly junk.

Rich

 

[andre3k]

I have this case neck micrometer combined with a HF mic stand.
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00036MMT01C

Works fine for me and my necks come out perfect. My measuring set is probably right at $50 because midsouth had the neck mics on sale a while back.

 

[JRS]

And just how much accuracy do you really think $29.00 is going to give you? When it comes to measuring devices, you get what you pay for.

 

[andre3k]

And just how much accuracy do you really think $29.00 is going to give you? When it comes to measuring devices, you get what you pay for.

Tested it against digital tube mic and its within .0002. good enough for me. And a few of 250-20x's that I've shot with that brass don't hurt either.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I guess $29.00 gave andre3k prettygood accuracy. ;D

 

[JRS]

One would use better made measuring instruments for the same reason we use better made barrels, actions, brass, etc, etc, etc. Accuracy.

 

[skeetlee]

JRS is correct. no need to skimp out on cheep tooling, if and i say if your going to try to compete at the highest levels in this sport of rifle shooting. Now dont get me wrong, i love a good deal just like everyone else, but i just dont want to be guessing about anything. I want to know it right for sure. One less thing!! I am going to look into that mic though. sometimes you do find diamonds in the rough. But if you have already said its .0002 off thats probly not going to work for me at least, but we will see. thanks for the info fellas. As always its much apprecited! Lee

 

[andre3k]

Also what tool will i need to check the neck thickness properly? I was hoping i could find a 90 degree micrometer for around 50 bucks? any ideas?

JRS is correct. no need to skimp out on cheep tooling, if and i say if your going to try to compete at the highest levels in this sport of rifle shooting.

:-\

 

[mikecr]

It's amazing....