After reading a lot about using pin gages in a collet to set neck I.D., I decided to give it a try. I'm using a Forster bullet puller to hold a Vermont Gage pin gage. I don't have a very accurate way of checking if the pin is dead center. My question is, would there be a problem by using a Lee die nut (with the o-ring) to secure the puller in the press? It would be just finger tight and be allowed to move laterally to accommodate the case. OR, should I use a different collet that holds the gage dead center?
Questions about using pin gages for neck expanding
- Thread starter marchboom
- Start date
FWIW I use either a Sinclair holder with an O-ring for my mandrels or a Hornady bullet puller with gage pins on a free floating ring. I also know plenty of guys in my group who use an o-ring on the bullet puller.
I use the Hornady puller with my pins, and just leave it loose in the press. I have never had a run out issue doing this.
@marchboom, you should be just fine as long as you keep it a bit loose. I use the Hornady lock n load die bushings which have a rubber o-ring. It will self center if left to free float.
Ccrider
Gold $$ Contributor
I use the same set up on a Coax press. It self centers. Using the pin gauges brought my Es down significantly. However, it did not make my groups smaller at 100/200.
Murray Brook
Silver $$ Contributor
Using pin gages with the Hornady bullet puller is a great idea . I have a Sinclair die and gage. Looking at the above picture would it not be better if the pin was tapered.
If you look closely, the edge has been fined off of all of my pins with sandpaper and steel wool and the cases have also been chamfered with a giraud. I’ve loaded over 15,000 rounds over the last 3 years with this set up and it works just great!
Neck tension (interference fit, brass hardness, inside neck surface consistency) is all about generating a lower ES. Have you played around with different sized pins, seating depth of bullets to tighten up your groups?
Making the suggestion to the other folks reading this thread.
where did you guys get your pins, they look long ???
Ccrider
Gold $$ Contributor
Yes. I got lower Es but not tighter groups. Low Es does not mean better groups at 100/200.
BW
Silver $$ Contributor
That's what I use only because it's what I already had on hand. I use it with an o ring and get good results.
Mine are from Vermont Gage via Amazon. They are 2" long.
Joe,
OK, are the custom pin gauge dies that are featured in the video available to purchase? If so, who do you contact to acquire one of these gauge pin holding dies?
Bob
WHERE THERE ??
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.