Redding Instant Indicator for measuring headspace on lubed case

[truello]

I load on a Dillon 550 and run a "prep" toolhead and "load" toolhead because I have to do trimming, tumbling, chamfering, etc. after sizing. Since I have an empty space in spot 2 (between sizing die and mandrel in spot 3), I was thinking of adding a Redding Instant Indicator so I can see the headspace as it comes out of the sizing die.

I'm concerned about the accuracy of the reading on a lubed case however. Does anyone know if the headspace reading can be trusted on the Instant Indicator if it's a case that still has Imperial Sizing wax on it coming out of the sizing die? I always wipe off the lube before measuring it with my calipers and Wilson depth micrometer.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Why not wipe it off for this measurement as well?

 

[snert]

The die head moves on the Dillon. I think I would be uneasy about that.

The indicator was made for a solid mount in a regular press and to be used on clean brass. Just saying.

 

[6BRA]

Why is there lube where the indicator is touching? If you have lube on shoulders...you could have a spread of .0015...what is your goal? Plus lube will build up on the inside of die in that location and constantly change your bump. Jmo lube is the enemy of controlled bump. Put in right place.

 

[Zero333]

What dusty said.
Wipe the brass.
Best results will be when you decap without anything touching the neck/shoulders, then wipe it clean. Measure... Lube and resize, then wipe the lube and measure again.

 

[Ray123]

I do Not FL size any rifle cartridges in my 2 Dillons or 2 Hornady AP...use a single stage to FL size, and don't have any problem. I Also don't use factory substitute type expensive gagets that may NOT be accurate. I do a thousand cases at a time with a few spot checks for cartridges like 308 & 223 that must fit 3 different 223s and 6 different 308s interchangeably, with respective calibers. Plus a host of other cartridges like 6 mm ARC 500 pcs at a time for 2 different rifles...formed from 6.5 Grindel ...a few spot checks after set up..
no problem, chambering in either rifle.

 

[Della]

I use the Instant Indicator in the last stage to check seating depth. Works great.

Expand, pour, seat, measure. Nice thing about the 550 is if you’re off a few thousand, its easy to back up and add a few.

 

[mikecr]

Nice thing about the 550 is if you’re off a few thousand, its easy to back up and add a few.

And you say that like it's normal..
If my results varied so much, I'd walk away from a reloading bench for good.

 

[6BRA]

^^^ exactly an instant indicator is a great instrument. I try to control bump to .0005..Lube is the typical culprit. And if you don't anneal every firing. Don't waste your money on this tool.

 

[truello]

Thanks for the replies, you've all confirmed by concerns that an instant indicator won't work for this usage.

Lube is still on the case because I would hypothetically be using this in a progressive press right after the sizing die to check bump.

Removing the case and wiping off lube to measure bump is exactly what I already do, except with a Wilson case depth micrometer.

 

[Della]

And you say that like it's normal..
If my results varied so much, I'd walk away from a reloading bench for good.

No, I didn't say it was normal. Typically seating is close to +- .001, though there is an occasional .002.

And I amp anneal every load, use quality bushing dies, don’t compress loads, and still get the occasional imperfect seating. It’s not the Dillon’s fault.