Whidden Case Gauge a nice tool for the purpose

[jepp2]

I mostly use the Hornady Lock-N-Load headspace comparator for setting my reloading dies for the case head to datum I want. I know, it is just a relative measurement. That is normally good enough for me.

I recently purchased some 6.5 CM loading equipment. Dies, Whidden case gauge and other things were included. Not sure I really knew about the Whidden case gauge. I have some of the shoulder bump gauges for attaching to your calipers for measurement. Since I had a Forster 6.5 CM go gauge, I thought I would see just how ACCURATE this new tool is. Spot on. If you ever want something better than just a relative measurement, this gauge is certainly capable of it. I shouldn't have expected any less from John.

I'll share the pictures so you know what I'm talking about.

 

[Ranger188]

I use them too. Gives me a quick look at how my shoulders are.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Yep thats a good tool

 

[NA Woody]

The Whidden case gauge is a great tool.

Worth every penny!

 

[Straightshooter1]

This Whidden tool is indeed a great tool.

And I might add, so is the RCBS tool that is much like it too.

 

[RegionRat]

Yup, I have had the RCBS version for many years, but when I first got a Whidden, I really liked the markings.

Most of my RCBS MIC gages don’t have the high visibility markings like the one in the photo, so they are harder to read.

 

[BoydAllen]

Yes the Whidden tool is very well made. I got one of the last ones for a PPC. Another option for an absolute reference is to simply buy a GO gauge. If you do that, shopping around makes a difference.

 

[Bamban]

This Whidden tool is indeed a great tool.

And I might add, so is the RCBS tool that is much like it too.

View attachment 1194101

RCBS, the copied concept from the original, Mo Defina's.

 

[Straightshooter1]

Yup, I have had the RCBS version for many years, but when I first got a Whidden, I really liked the markings.

Most of my RCBS MIC gages don’t have the high visibility markings like the one in the photo, so they are harder to read.

Yeah, but a little white paint or white grease pencil solves that issue.

 

[K22]

I use their bump gauges which are caliber specific but require the use of a precise caliper.

When I talked to them they told me that their bump gauges give a more precise bump measurement provided you are using a precise caliper to measure the bump.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Yes the Whidden tool is very well made. I got one of the last ones for a PPC. Another option for an absolute reference is to simply buy a GO gauge. If you do that, shopping around makes a difference.

Boyd, which Go/No Go gauges do you recommend? Thanks!

 

[BoydAllen]

For this purpose, and for that matter chambering a barrel, I would only buy a GO gauge, and I would buy the best deal, rather than a specific brand. For reloading, it would be used as a reference that does not change. Recently, I did a successful experiment for pinpointing the exact bump length, working with a once fired case by putting Scotch tape on the head to create a tight case to work with. As part of that procedure, I made sure that the die was reducing the diameter of the case body so that all of the feel differences would be coming from the fit at the shoulder. For that particular barrel, the perfect bump length at the shoulder is .0015 over minimum headspace, which would equate to the zero mark on my Whidden gauge, or that much longer than a GO gauge.
Added later: To be clear, the zero mark on the gauge was set with a GO gauge. The properly bumped case shows one and a half past zero on the gauge.

 

[Ackman]

Whidden makes beautiful stuff. Here's another way of doing it. These are window gauges, both happen to be .243AI. For finding initial seating depth on a new chamber, checking chamber length, and later using the exact same bullet comparing throat wear to original. Also, it can be used quite accurately as a case gauge. One of these should be part of every rebarrel.

 

[fatelvis]

That window gauge is really cool. It tickles the "reloading geek" portion of my brain! Lol