.223 case gauge conundrum
Quote from Reloader on October 28, 2015, 5:41 amI'm soooo close to reloading my .223 on a Dillon XL 650! This will be my very first time reloading but I'm not sure I've got the case dimensions right. I have the Dillon case gauge and after running a few cases through the FL size die, both the head and the neck fall within the "steps" of the gauge. However, my calipers are showing a length of 1.759". If the case falls within the case gauge steps, shouldn't I expect a case length of 1.75" or less? Why would the calipers show it longer but the gauge show (visually) either spot on just a hair shorter? Do I need to trim back down to 1.75 according to the caliper or can I trust the case gauge?
I'm soooo close to reloading my .223 on a Dillon XL 650! This will be my very first time reloading but I'm not sure I've got the case dimensions right. I have the Dillon case gauge and after running a few cases through the FL size die, both the head and the neck fall within the "steps" of the gauge. However, my calipers are showing a length of 1.759". If the case falls within the case gauge steps, shouldn't I expect a case length of 1.75" or less? Why would the calipers show it longer but the gauge show (visually) either spot on just a hair shorter? Do I need to trim back down to 1.75 according to the caliper or can I trust the case gauge?
Quote from Reloader on October 28, 2015, 5:48 pmJust my opinion, but based on my experience with Dillon case gauges (and with assorted calipers ranging from inexpensive no-name imports to top-quality/high-price brands like Starrett or Brown & Sharp), I'd suspect that the issue may be with your calipers...
Just my opinion, but based on my experience with Dillon case gauges (and with assorted calipers ranging from inexpensive no-name imports to top-quality/high-price brands like Starrett or Brown & Sharp), I'd suspect that the issue may be with your calipers...
Quote from Reloader on October 30, 2015, 5:01 pmMax case length is 1.760" for .223 Remington. If your case measures at 1.759" after sizing, then it won't protrude above the top of the gage.
Max case length is 1.760" for .223 Remington. If your case measures at 1.759" after sizing, then it won't protrude above the top of the gage.
Quote from Reloader on March 21, 2016, 5:45 pmMy understanding is that If the base-to-shoulder distance is correct, the gauge lets you know whether the overall length of the case is too long (over 1.760"), not too short (under 1.750"). 1.759" should be between the top/bottom of the step.
If the mouth is below the end of the gauge and above the lower step, you should be able to trust the gauge.
My understanding is that If the base-to-shoulder distance is correct, the gauge lets you know whether the overall length of the case is too long (over 1.760"), not too short (under 1.750"). 1.759" should be between the top/bottom of the step.
If the mouth is below the end of the gauge and above the lower step, you should be able to trust the gauge.