Tools: Headspace, Bullet Ogive, OAL, Etc.

[Phil3]

I have seen a variety of tools for measuring multiple aspects of cases and loaded rounds, but from my novice perspective, I wonder if I am missing something. Right now, I use calipers with Sinclair clamp-on tool and caliber specific insert. I have an insert that fits the bullet ogive and one for the shoulder. With the calipers and various fitments of the aforementioned tools, I can measure:

Case Length
Case Base to Shoulder Length
Loaded Cartridge Overall Length (base to bullet tip)
Loaded Cartridge Length (base to bullet ogive)
Bullet Length (base to tip)
Bullet Length (base to ogive)

It seems to me that a tool like the Larry Willis Innovative Technologies, Digital Headspace Gauge, can perhaps all of these things, but I struggle to see how it is much faster, and it certainly is more expensive, until one has to accumulate many different caliber inserts for my simplified approach. Still, I wonder if I am missing something that the Digital Headspace Gauge, the Redding Instant Indicator, or the new Forster Datum Dial Ammunition Measurement System and no doubt others.

Phil

 

[284driver]

You have the appropriate measuring hardware. Innovative technologies headspace gauge is not really any faster. I have it and like it. I measure o.a.l.to ogive with Sinclair hex shaped bullet comparators. Same principle as the hornady/stoney point. Just a different approach to the same destination.

 

[6BRinNZ]

The redding instant indicator isn't the greatest for measuring bullets. Interestingly it has a Redding neck sizing bushing inside it for measurements to the ogive...

I use the RII to measure base to ogive of all loaded rounds...when I bullet sort, I take the bush out and use it with the sinclair bullet sorting stand to get the bearing surface of a boat tail bullet. It is a relative measurement not the actual...

I like the RII to measure base to ogive of loaded rounds as its quite fast to measure each bullet immediately after I have seated it....the seater and RII are in partner presses clamped next to each other - it comes out of the seater and goes straight into the RII for a pass or fail on seating depth.

Upshot is - I don't think you are missing much...with reloading there is always a better/faster more accurate way of doing the same thing....never ending...

 

[gilream]

Phil...I think you have everything that you need for accurate measurements.

I've used the inexpensive Sinclair hex nut comparator for years for setting up the seating die and measuring OAL to the bullet ojive. The caliper mounted system works well too from my experience. With the Sinclair nut I set it up beside a small notebook opened to the right amount of pages that allow me to lay the round on the paper and slide the cartridge directly into the proper hole in the nut. Sort of like setting up a "jig", this allows more consistent measuring with the caliper, for me anyway. The caliper mounted head space measurement gauges are wonderful.

I purchased the Redding Instant Indicator recently for .223 Remington and absolutely love it for measuring bullet seating to the ojive and for measuring shoulder bump. This tool is the absolute best thing I've ever purchased for these tasks. It makes the process very quick, easy and the measurements are very repeatable. This tool is a real luxury item however. It's not cheap, it requires a second press and each one is caliber specific unlike Larry Willis' Digital Headspace Gauge (Innovative Technologies) which can be set up for almost all calibers. I've heard very good reviews for this tool as well.

 

[Phil3]

I guess I am a bit (OK, a lot) of a tool nut, and really liked the Redding Instant Indicator as well. I contacted Redding asking about fitment in my Forster Co-Ax press and was told it will not fit. Oh well, that saves me some money for the II and additional press.

I have one of the Sinclair hex comparator. A Benchrest shooter gave it to me. I seem to struggle with consistency on the dial calipers, but think it just me. Or maybe the calipers themselves which are just not as solid as a Mitutoyo set I once handled. I am talking about trying to stay at least .001" consistent, and most of the time I can, but sometimes, I can't. Part of it is that the bottom of the cases aren't flat, so depending on where I turn the case, the reading changes.

Phil

 

[gsg5pk]

I love RCBS Precision MIC

Hope the will make for 338 LM