I've got my RCBS deburring-finger print remover tool from decades ago, still sharp. The cases not fitting the gauge are sticking out the end of the length part of the gauge as well, guess I should have been looking at both ends of the gauge. I'm surprised to see it is the match grade stuff that has the widest variances there, I figured they were a little harder to size due to thicker walls but there is better than a 1/16 inch standing proud on them.
I guess having never used one of these gauges I'm not sure how consistant my cases were in the past. My biggest worry was the fact I was getting such a wide variety of sizes out of my sizing die. Even if the gauge isn't the correct dimension it stays the same dimension. I ran the oversize ones several times and they didn't change but then run a Winchester case and it would fall short in the gauge with just one stroke. Does anyone else here use a case gauge?
For now my biggest concern is not doing anything that will harm my pride and joy, it be a bummer getting a face full of hot gas as well! Am I being to picky with the gauge? In the past I followed a few checks out of the book with my calipers and then checked a dummy round in my gun for fit, only issues I ever saw was when I kept playing close to the pressure signs which I will not be doing now.
Aside from the gauge what is going to be the best/safest method to make sure my case headspace is totally safe? Should I pitch the cases that show short headspace or just save them for a bolt gun?
I can't wait till this hobby becomes the relaxing therapy I remember, even as an impatient teenager I remember time disappearing at the bench, and then there was something very special about whacking that coyote with one you rolled yourself. As I was readjusting dies and checking cases again and again this weekend I found myself contemplating that $1 a shot M-80 ball.........
Thanks for the help Lebben
, I got a feeling I'll have a few more questions before I start pulling the trigger on my home rolled! I'm going to get trimming as soon as I dig out from the snow this morning so I'm sure I'll run into something I'm not sure about by evening. Thanks again!