Question about which tool to buy

[Timon]

So I am upgrading some of my equipment. I have already upgraded some, but now am stumped. I wish to get a Concentricity tool, and a neck turning lathe from 21st Century. At this moment I can only buy one. I do already have a Hornady Concentricity tool, but I really like the 21st Century a lot more. Their gage is much more accurate. So my question is this; If it were up to you would you purchase the new Neck turning lathe, or the Concentricity tool first? Perhaps a ridiculous post, but I’m just looking for thoughts.

 

[rardoin]

Given the choice between a turning set-up and a concentricity gage I would, without question, suggest the turning set-up. Before any of that I would have custom sizing and seating dies made off of fired brass and a decent press. If I did not have to turn necks (ie- not a tight necked chamber) I would leave the lathe out until I felt my groups were could be improved with neck turning. I've spent a lot of money on the above tools.... Guess what is collecting dust . They have their place but so many other factors are more important IMO.

 

[jr600yd]

What he said ^^^^^^. My Neco Concentricity gauge has been sitting on the shelf for about ten years now.

 

[Poor Shot 65]

IMO a concentricity gauge isnt worth buying. You will use it once or twice and then it will sit on your shelf. If you have money to burn buy it; otherwise find something else to spend it on.

Adam

 

[chromatica]

The 21st Century Neck turning lathe is a precision machine and a joy to use. It allows the turning mandrel to "float" so that even if your necks are not totally aligned to the case, you will get a consistent neck wall thickness. I use it to turn down the necks of my ADG 260 Rem brass and the results are superb. I borrow a Hornady concentricity tool from time to time to spot check my process, but I would vote for the 21st Century lathe.

 

[Timon]

Given the choice between a turning set-up and a concentricity gage I would, without question, suggest the turning set-up. Before any of that I would have custom sizing and seating dies made off of fired brass and a decent press. If I did not have to turn necks (ie- not a tight necked chamber) I would leave the lathe out until I felt my groups were could be improved with neck turning. I've spent a lot of money on the above tools.... Guess what is collecting dust . They have their place but so many other factors are more important IMO.

Thank you for your reply. I have just purchased an arbor press with pressure gage and Wilson seating dies with micrometers to assist in the seating operation. In addition I obtained a Wilson case trimmer, to keep the trims where I want them consistently. My groups have been very consistently tight, but I am now trying to shave off hundredths and thousands of an inch anyway I can. I’m retired you know, it’s my hobby, searching for something to tighten those groups up. I only compete against myself for best group, but I’m stiff competition, you know. Keeps me off the street at night, as my wife says. Thanks again for the reply though, great info.

 

[Timon]

Thanks folks. I was on the fence, but leaning toward the neck turning lathe. Given the valuable input I have received, I shall place the order for the neck turning lathe. Thanks again folks.

 

[Ned Ludd]

That's a good choice. Given the expense of even simple reloading equipment, it is better IMO to buy a new tool that will address a specific issue or concern in the reloading process. In this case, if concentricity (runout) isn't an obvious issue or problem, the concentricity gauge will do a great job of collecting dust on a shelf, and the money you spent on it would largely be wasted.

 

[Chiquita]

Thank you for your reply. I have just purchased an arbor press with pressure gage

Which press do you have? I may have a solution for your concentricity gauge need.

 

[David Christian]

I might throw a giraud trimmer into the mix as your next purchase. Sell the Wilson trimmer and skip the neck turner. You will be right at the same total cost, yet have a more useful tool...