Hi,
I'm new to reloading and I'm in the process of setting up my bullet seating depth. As I tell you my problem/solution, I'm going to get some of the part names wrong, so be warned.
I purchased and RCBS precision mic in .223 caliber and attempted to use the little proxy cartridge/bullet to measure the OAL of my Rem. 700 chamber. I was not able to get an accurate reading because the fake cartridge extraction rim would catch on the spring-loaded extractor in the bolt and would push the fake cartridge base in too far. Plus, the tip of the fake bullet stuck in the chamber and I had to push it out from the muzzle end with a cleaning rod.
So I took an empty prepped case and split the neck with a pair of dikes, just enough to allow a bullet to enter with some friction. I also drilled out the primer pocket so I could get a small punch in to push the bullet out between measurements. Then I ground off the extraction rim on the case so it would not interfere with the extractor on the bolt.
Once I did all that, I was able to use this case and bullet to measure the OAL using the mic that came with the RCBS kit. I measured ten times and the average was very close to my individual readings. I plan to test loads with headspaces of 10, 20, and 30 thousands.
Does my solution sound reasonable? Is there something I should do different to make use of the RCBS proxy cartridge/bullet?
I'm new to reloading and I'm in the process of setting up my bullet seating depth. As I tell you my problem/solution, I'm going to get some of the part names wrong, so be warned.
I purchased and RCBS precision mic in .223 caliber and attempted to use the little proxy cartridge/bullet to measure the OAL of my Rem. 700 chamber. I was not able to get an accurate reading because the fake cartridge extraction rim would catch on the spring-loaded extractor in the bolt and would push the fake cartridge base in too far. Plus, the tip of the fake bullet stuck in the chamber and I had to push it out from the muzzle end with a cleaning rod.
So I took an empty prepped case and split the neck with a pair of dikes, just enough to allow a bullet to enter with some friction. I also drilled out the primer pocket so I could get a small punch in to push the bullet out between measurements. Then I ground off the extraction rim on the case so it would not interfere with the extractor on the bolt.
Once I did all that, I was able to use this case and bullet to measure the OAL using the mic that came with the RCBS kit. I measured ten times and the average was very close to my individual readings. I plan to test loads with headspaces of 10, 20, and 30 thousands.
Does my solution sound reasonable? Is there something I should do different to make use of the RCBS proxy cartridge/bullet?
