Wilson Case Gage Mic

[K22]

Just read the Daily Bulletin on this item. Interesting. Anyone here using this to measure shoulder bump?

I measure bump with a Widden Gun Works bump gauge and dial caliper. As noted in the Daily Bulletin, results can vary depending on the operator's consistency in apply pressure to the caliper and positioning of the case in the bump gauge. The one aspect of the Widden gauge that I like is that there are no inserts thus no interfaces, the Widden gauge is one piece solid and cartridge specific. Still it takes some skill to get repeatable measurements.

Since I have Wilson Case gauges for all the calipers that I shoot I was wondering if this Wilson Case Gauge Mic might be easier, quicker, and more precise. Seriously considering getting one.

Would like to hear from any one who has one and their opinion of it. Thanks.

 

[RegionRat]

Yes, I have the Wilson as well as the Whidden, RCBS, and Stoney Pointe (Hornady) gages, as well as the Redding Instant Indicator sets for some calibers.

I like them all so that I have more than one way to roll.

All of them can have their quirks if you get ham handed with them. I don’t think any of them are immune to operator error.

 

[Twicepop]

I use Wilson case gauges and a depth micrometer to set up sizing dies. Lay the depth mic across the flat raised upper surface of the case gauge, measure to the case head and turn the die until you get the desired crush/shoulder set-back. For me it's usually -.001 to -.003/.0035", depending on which gun I'm shooting. I have two sets of dies for 5.56/223, one a five piece set of Forster and Redding dies where the F/L sizer is set at -.001" for use in a bolt gun. The other is a three piece set of RCBS/sb and LEE/fc dies where the F/L sizer is set to -.0035" for using for a semi-auto.

 

[Cap'n]

I agree with Twicepop. I get the most consistent results with a Wilson case gauge and a Starrett depth micrometer. It requires a soft touch or else the depth micrometer can "jack" the micrometer up and lose contact with the upper step of the case gauge. I suspect that this can also happen with the Wilson micrometer top. But this is something you can see and feel. Heavy handed use of a caliper (particularly cheaper ones) can result in deflection of the caliper jaws that you cannot see.

I've recently purchased a Fowler comparator stand and use a Starrett dial indicator to take the measurements using a Wilson Case Gauge. The dial indicator tension takes the operator feel out of the equation (and is easier to read with my old tired eyes). A bit more money but very consistent.

With the Wilson Case Gauge you do also need to keep an eye on case lengths. A long case protruding beyond the bottom of the gauge will definitely screw up your day.

The comparator bump gauges clamped to a caliper can work well but definitely require more "feel" by the operator.

 

[gdbleb]

I bought one after seeing F-Class John's video and considering I already had Wilson case gauges for the calibers I shoot. It is very nicely made as are all Wilson products. You need to develop the feel for 1) separation of the mic head cap from the case gauge (left hand) and 2) when you hit resistance on the mic head (right fingers). You pretty quickly get very repeatable readings. A very little light oil on your fingertips gives you the "slip" on the head when you've bottomed out. Still there are a few cases where I have trouble stopping on contact. Need more practice I guess.