Head space gauge?

[grubbylabs]

After reading another thread about some problems a fellow re-loader is having, I think it is time that I look into a head space gauge. I have had really good luck with Hornady stuff so I am thinking I will stick with them on this one.

Has any one here used the Hornady kit and what all comes with it and what else do I need? I want to do 223,308,and 300 win?

 

[jr_roosa]

I find it essential for rifle reloading. You need calipers, which you probably already have, and the red doodad that clamps onto your calipers. You will then need inserts for each of the cases you want to measure, and if you look on the website there is a chart of which inserts go with 308 223 etc.

While you are at it get the bullet comparator inserts for measuring seating depth instead of oal. You'll find that the inconsistencies in the nose of the bullets are pretty big but comparator measurements are much more consistent and repeatable.

J.

 

[grubbylabs]

I think that is some pretty wise advise and I will also be looking into those as well, but for now I can only do one part at a time.

 

[Walkalong]

There are many ways to do this, from cheap to expensive.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6270171#post6270171
.

 

[rcmodel]

Yep!

I've got by quite nicely with nothing more expensive then a birthday candle or a magic-marker for about 50 years.

Your guns chamber, and where or if the marker or candle soot rubs off the shoulder when you close the bolt on a sized case is the best headspace gage in the world.

rc

 

[gamestalker]

I've been very sucessful in getting it done right using my chamber as the gauge. I'm sure gauges are probably a bit quicker in finding the head space needed, but RC said it all!

GS

 

[grubbylabs]

Do not under any circumstances take away my need to buy another tool! I like tools almost as much as I like guns!

 

[Walkalong]

So, you just want to know which one, huh.

I use Wilson case gauges for .223 and .30-06 which will be used in autos. For lever guns and bolt actions I just use my little home made gauges, BUT, there is a wonderful selection of neat tools for measuring where the shoulder is, so don't fret none.

 

[rsrocket1]

I bought the bullet comparator gauge set and then added the comparator body set without the red caliper clamping do-hicky because you can't do it the other way around (get the complete headspace kit and only the bullet comparators). Now I have both bullet comparator and headspace gauge for any caliber I need or probably ever intend to shoot.

Could you do it with nothing more than a magic marker and your own bolt gun? Sure, but it's cheap enough and a fun little toy to play with!