Redding Instant Indicator

[Phil3]

Has anyone used the Redding Instant Indicator? See link below.

http://www.redding-reloading.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37%3Ainstant-indicator-headspace-and-bullet-comparator

I have calipers, a Sinclair device for clamping on to calipers and measuring shoulder setback, bullet ogive, etc, so not seeing a real need for this tool, unless I am missing something. Maybe I have a case of tool-obsession!

- Phil

 

[Fred Bohl]

Phil,

Over my now 59 years of shooting and 52 years of reloading I have developed an obsession with consistency as the path toward the elusive "one hole group" at the point of aim. In the tools I select the consistency/repeatability of the results has become paramount as I've steadily improved my methods and equipment. The Redding Instant Indicator has proved to be the best for simple and repeatable results of certain measurements and/or comparisons.

Your examples of shoulder setback and seating depth are among those that I feel are extremely important - so much so that I keep Redding Instant Indicators set up for seating depth and shoulder setback for each cartridge I load and check every round that I load. These are also useful to set the bump and seating dies initially and if changes are necessary.

Note that I do not pretend to be able prove that my emphasis on seating depth or shoulder setback checking is mandatory. They are among a number of things I do because I can and then do not have worry about so that it boosts my confidence when sooting.

 

[Preacher]

I use them for 3 different calibers a lot.. seems easier than using the clamp on's...

 

[bozo699]

Fred,
I have only one instant indicator for .300wm and I love it, plan on buying more for other cal as I can.Nice post you wrote very well put. Thanks
Wayne.

Phil,

Over my now 59 years of shooting and 52 years of reloading I have developed an obsession with consistency as the path toward the elusive "one hole group" at the point of aim. In the tools I select the consistency/repeatability of the of results has become paramount as I've steadily improved my methods and equipment. The Redding Instant Indicator has proved to be the best for simple and repeatable results of certain measurements and/or comparisons.

Your examples of shoulder setback and seating depth are among those that I feel are extremely important - so much so that I keep Redding Instant Indicators set up for seating depth and shoulder setback for each cartridge I load and check every round that I load. These are also useful to set the bump and seating dies initially and if changes are necessary.

Note that I do not pretend to be able prove that my emphasis on seating depth or shoulder setback checking is mandatory. They are among a number of things I do because I can and then do not have worry about so that it boosts my confidence when sooting.

 

[Phil3]

Phil,

Over my now 59 years of shooting and 52 years of reloading I have developed an obsession with consistency as the path toward the elusive "one hole group" at the point of aim. In the tools I select the consistency/repeatability of the of results has become paramount as I've steadily improved my methods and equipment. The Redding Instant Indicator has proved to be the best for simple and repeatable results of certain measurements and/or comparisons.

Your examples of shoulder setback and seating depth are among those that I feel are extremely important - so much so that I keep Redding Instant Indicators set up for seating depth and shoulder setback for each cartridge I load and check every round that I load. These are also useful to set the bump and seating dies initially and if changes are necessary.

Note that I do not pretend to be able prove that my emphasis on seating depth or shoulder setback checking is mandatory. They are among a number of things I do because I can and then do not have worry about so that it boosts my confidence when sooting.

Fred,

Thanks for the response. I am completely new to reloading, but am preparing myself as much as one can for precision reloading, with ample high quality tools and equipment. The Redding Instant Indicator seemed to be a superior method of determining specific dimensions. When measurements need to be down to .001" and I can not repeat measurements to that level, either my hand and feel are just not mature enough, or the equipment or design of it is just not up to par. I am hoping the Redding Instant Indicator will improve consistent measurements.

- Phil

 

[Fred Bohl]

Phil

I use a Redding T-7 with turrets set up for each of the cartridges that I reload. This allows for a one time setup for each die (using the same shell holder every time).

The dies currently used (Redding except as indicated) are as follows:

1. Sinclair Decapping die
2. Body die (Note 1)
3. Forester Precision Plus™ Bushing Bump Neck Sizing Die (Note 1)
4. Competition bushing neck die (Note 1)
5. Instant Indicator setup to check cartridge headspace length ("bump")
6. Competition seating die
7. Instant Indicator setup to measure seated bullet length

The instant indicators are great comparators with excellent repeatability as long as you leave them setup and use the same shell holder every time.

Others on these forums will have different die preferences and methods (particularly the short range Benchrest folks - score and group that load at the range). However I prefer to pre-load in the shop and my method has evolved over many years of reloading and shooting and to date works best for me.

Note 1: I’m experimenting with several groups of cases to determine the need and frequency for “bumping” the shoulder back and the suitability of the #3 die for this purpose. Historically I’ve used the #4 neck die and then when a cartridge became difficult to chamber due to length I would use the #2 die with a selected shell holder height (Redding Competition Shell Holders) to “bump” the shoulder back.

 

[Phil3]

I wonder how using the Redding Instant Indicator in the Forster Co-Ax press will work. The dies "snap in", and float laterally, but there is some up and down play. I wonder if that will introduce some variation in measurements.

- Phil

 

[tenring]

I keep a Redding Instant Indicator constantly set up in my third press, and I use it only for measuring 6BR and 30 BR shoulder bump. I measure bullet seating with a different method. I run about half of each batch of cases to be reloaded thru it and if they need to be bumped more than .002", it is easy to spot. Since both calibers have 30 degree shoulders, you can use the 6BR plug for the 30BR as well; just have to make a note on where the indicator needle should stop.

 

[Fred Bohl]

Phil,

I don't use a Co-Ax press but a local shooter does that bought a surplus 308 Instant Indicator from me. I called him when I saw your question and he reports no problems using the Instant Indicator in his Co-Ax press.

The only issue I could see would be the lock ring possibly coming loose. But then I replace the Redding set screw lock rings with Sinclair Cross Bolt lock rings to prevent such issues.

 

[6BRinNZ]

Hi Phil,

I use a RIID and love it. I use it to measure shoulder bump and seating depth. I measure everyloaded round for SD, to do this I have setup the RIID in a little RCBS partner press. I seat in my rockchucker press and then measure on the RIID in the partner press. Doing this for each round I have found donut issues, neck tension issues and also improved my seating technique as very light neck tension means slight variations of effort on the rock chucker handle will push the projectile in an extra 1" or so...