Measuring overall cartridge length.

[CROWMAN]

What I had in mind was a digital or dial reading which would measure the cartridge from base to top for the purpose of obtaining length to sort cases for trimming etc.

I am aware that the vast majority of re-loaders are quite happy to use a caliper gauge, it is something that I think would speed the re-loading process up, as using other devices such as charge master machines, prep stations etc.

[Parabuteo]

What I had in mind was a digital or dial reading which would measure the cartridge from base to top for the purpose of obtaining length to sort cases for trimming etc.

I am aware that the vast majority of re-loaders are quite happy to use a caliper gauge, it is something that I think would speed the re-loading process up, as using other devices such as charge master machines, prep stations etc.

A vernier will do that, but to be honest if one needs trimming they probably all will. I use STM tumbling which, combined with a Forster 3 in 1 trimmer means the case mouths can be slightly battered after cleaning, so I always trim (tidy up) on each reload. Its a de-burr with brass being removed if it has flowed a bit.

Even with 100 at a time it does not take long. For what I do I would never measure every case, however if you are F/FTR/BR based then yes, but again why not just use a decent digital vernier? You are not actually measuring COAL, but case length (Head to mouth) which is probably where the confusion on my part came from.

[CROWMAN]

Does any one use a case length gauge tool such as the Lyman one, or other makes of them.
If any one does? how useful do you find them?

Thanks for any/all replies.

[tacfoley]

Does any one use a case length gauge tool such as the Lyman one, or other makes of them.
If any one does? how useful do you find them?

Thanks for any/all replies.

I've used a Lee case trimmer for every rifle calibre that I reload. You can do it by hand [a pain]], or you can chuck it in a cordless screwdriver - slow is good. I've used mine on many thousands of cases over the last thirty-something years I've been using them.

With the Lee set-up, if the case needs a trim then you use it until the cutter stops cutting. Then de-burr.

tac

[CROWMAN]

Thanks for all replies.

[223AI]

Another vote for the lee case length gauge, bought a Forster trimmer, don't use it as I still use th lee gauges!!

[Parabuteo]

Another vote for the lee case length gauge, bought a Forster trimmer, don't use it as I still use th lee gauges!!

Forster is excellent Scott IF you splash out for the 3 in 1 mate, but otherwise it is just a trimmer