Hi, I would like to how many people consider this item a must or an optional item ?

A dial caliper is more useful....

quote:

Originally posted by Bobletroutcul:
Hi, I would like to how many people consider this item a must or an optional item ?

you MUST have a method of separating the cases that are too long.....too short isn't a problem unless it's insanely too short and that can be seen with a naked eye!

IMO a dial (or digital) caliper is a great reloading tool

I started reloading with nothing but a piece of steel with a notch ground into it as a case gauge for my .270....it was a "go gauge" only and it got me by.....and yes it was homemade and served well.

I started with "custom built" (some refer to these as home made ) case gauges as did Vapodog and they served me well. One can get by with these simple gauges or a good caliper.

I will not load for a gas gun without a micrometer case gauge such as the RCBS and have them for most of the bolt guns that I shoot a lot. Using the micrometer case gauge to measure once fired brass allows you to set your sizing die to push shoulder back just enough to be safe in gas guns and helps extend brass life by sizing only as necessary.

Regards,
hm

Hey Bob, I use the very affordable, inexpensive, downright cheap Lee Case Length Gauge/Trimmers and they work great. I prefer them over a Lathe Style Case Trimmer, because of the consistent cut length. Since I use mine everytime I shoot, I don't think of mine as Optional - but some folks rarely Trim Cases.

After shooting, I clean the Cases if needed, run them through the P-FLR process and into the Tumbler to remove the Lube. Then I sit down with the Lee Gauge/Trimmer and run them all through that process, Deburr, Champfer, Polish the Case Mouth with 0000SteelWool on a 22Brush, clean the Primer Pockets and set them in the Loading Block. If I have a bunch, they go in Zip Lock Bags or Buckets,

I generally do the actual Reloading the next day.

Best of luck to you.

For trim length I use dial calipers. For head space/shoulder bump die adjustment I use the Wilson case gage. Really helps when adjusting your dies.

Still, in basics, the trim length is not critical, so one of those case measureing metal blocks will do at a pinch. A gunsmith (small g) made me one .223 one side and .308 the other. They were miles too long according to the book.

When I fronted him, he said "never mind the book, I measured my chamber reamers and cut them a bit shorter." Seems there is quite some leeway there.

I use the Lee trimmers. I chuck the cutter and caselength gage in my elactric drill motor, turn it on and hold the cases up to it. I can trim 50 cases in less than 10 min. By turning the cutter one need not stop the motor to change cases.
Lyle

I would much rather have a good digital Caliper