RCBS Case master. Now what? (new video)

[Steve Ladino]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

Like any kind of tool by using it we learn how to get the most out of it. Lots of the stuff we use to reload with , bought used sometimes, falls into this category especially.

 

[Grimstod]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

When I was at work on my lunch brake I was looking at the redding case neck thickness gauge and I noticed that the spindle was very similar to the redding flash hole uniforming tool I had. Then I was like hay I know what that would fit.

What do you guys think? I don't have any brass on hand that deprimed so I will have to test it out later to see how it compares to the regular part of the RCBS gauge.

 

[amlevin]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

What do you guys think?

I think that if you put the bare redding insert on the RCBS Case Master and check the runout on the surface, and there is none, then you are on to something.

Only possible flaw is if the "insert" is loose in the case you could get false readings. If the insert is a "Class IV, Snug fit" there's from .0001-.0014" of clearance in a .308 case neck as an example. This could show up in your readings if the case moves at all.

The only way to be totally precise is to measure neck wall thicknesses with a tube mic and measure at numerous positions around it's circumference.

But will it show up on the target?

 

[Joe R]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

Grimstod said:
What do you guys think?

Here's what I think about this endeavor: divide and conquer. What I mean is that a concentricity gauge is such an important tool that repeatability, accuracy and speed all matter. My experience with the Sinclair and Neco gauges quickly turned me off because they were slow and error prone (by the user) because they required the development of skill to use them properly. The RCBS Case Master looks like that. I like to shoot and I hand load because I have to, not because I like to. Anything that makes reloading more accurate, more reliable, faster or easier captures my dollars.

I use the CTK concentricity gauge and I find very useful, it's one tool I wouldn't want to do without. Here's link to see it in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O71oLgRqJa4 of course it is not cheap and I had to wait 8 weeks to get one. I understand that money is tight but if your budget allows go for it. Then you can find a way to straighten the bullet as a separate step. Once you have good tools that make the job more accurate, more reliable, faster or easier then you don't dread checking each round.

A disclaimer: I am user of the CTK gauge. I'm not related in any way to the company or people that manufacture or sell this tool. I'm just a happy user.

Kindest regards,

Joe

P.S. I also use a tube mic to verify that I am turning necks to the desired thickness and consistency. Gotta luv tools to play this game.

 

[Brians356]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

The only way to be totally precise is to measure neck wall thicknesses with a tube mic and measure at numerous positions around it's circumference.

And, all those measurements need to all be the same distance from the end of the neck, as unturned brass necks have some taper. Some sort of stop is needed on the tubing mic (made one for mine.)

 

[Brians356]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

I don't have any brass on hand that deprimed

How is that possible? I have scads of unprimed cases squirreled away - culls, damaged rims, reject brands, fired factory ammo, ... You must actually throw stuff away. I'm wary of non-hoarders. Probably I just don't understand 'em.

 

[Grimstod]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

lol Just about everything I have is loaded or needs depriming. I am no hoarder. :

 

[Brians356]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

lol Just about everything I have is loaded or needs depriming. I am no hoarder. :

Depriming shouldn't be a speed bump - or do all your unloaded cases have live primers in them?

 

[bigedp51]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

Grimstod

Your Redding flash hole uniforming tool mod should work, the only problem is the expander ball diameter and the diameter of the Redding case neck pilot. I like my Redding Case Neck Concentricity Gage because one twist of the case shows you any variations in neck thickness. Meaning its good enough and faster than taking spot readings with a ball micrometer for the average off the shelf factory rifle

Below is what bothered me about Remington .223 ammunition that are local police were using as practice ammunition.

The Remington .223 case below has .004 neck thickness variations and some had as much as .007-.008 thickness variations.

Below just under .010 neck thickness.

Below the same case rotated 180 degrees and .014 neck thickness.

The type cases above even after neck turning have the worst neck runout readings after full length resizing and do not get much better after firing.

My Lake City cases on average only vary .001 in neck thickness and are between .011 and .012 in neck thickness. Now "BEFORE" doing anything to the cases I give the fired cases a quick spin on the Redding gauge and sort the ammo. If the cases have minimum neck thickness variations they are worthy of further case prep, and the rejects go into the AR15 carbine blasting ammo pile.

It really surprised me that Remington produced such low quality cases, and the only thing I could think of is their cheaper grade .223 ammunition sold to the police have cases that are seconds or rejects from their standard ammo.

Bottom line, a quick spin on the Redding gauge tells you a lot about the quality of the cases.

 

[Grimstod]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

Great tips and photos. Thanks. Wow that is a lot of variation at .004! I may try to add ball baring weals to this thing, but we will see. Its all aluminum, so easy to work with. One thing I def have to do is make a device that someone posted earlier to hold down the two v block that you rotate the case on.

 

[Grimstod]

Re: RCBS Case master. Now what?

Ok Here is a video of it. I talked with a machinist and he has some great ideas for the future. Will just have to see.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/7KbOCN7rEvU[/youtube]