wilson case gauge

pontiac · November 13, 2005, 01:33 PM

I have a wilson case gauge for my 7mm rem mag, how do you properly use this gauge?

ClarkEMyers · November 14, 2005, 12:36 AM

The assumption is that the headspace on the belt works but the chamber may be long to what would be a datum line in a non-belted cartridge - hence measure an overall length to a headspace on the shoulder approach

DIRECTIONS

Note correct position of insert in gage body. The cone is inside and the lettered end out. Loosen the small screws, which have fibre pads underneath, and push insert out of gage body. A soft instrument like a wood dowel will not damage the gaging surface of the insert. Remove all grease from insert and gage body. Check to see fibre pads are still in place, then push insert into gage body until outer end is about 1/8 inch inside. Tighten screws very lightly. .

Drop one of your fired cases into the gage. The head should protrude. Next, push the case into the gage, causing the insert to slip, until the head of the case is even with the high part, or high parts, of the gage. A narrow, straight instrument, like a Brown & Sharpe #306 steel scale will do for this and will be fine for subsequent gaging. If your Wilson case gage is the stepped type, hold the gage with the lower step toward you and with the scale edge resting on the right edge of the upper step, use a slow, rocking motion to force the case and the insert down until the head of the case is even with the upper step. Be sure the scale is resting on the case head and not on the primer. Tighten screws. Check to see insert did not move when screws were tightened.

If your Wilson case gage is the new, grooved type, hold the gage with one end of the groove toward you and with the scale at 90 degrees to the groove, use the same rocking motion to force the case head and insert down so head of case is even with upper surfaces. Tighten screws. With this adjustment completed you now have a case gage adjusted to your particular rifle.

Now adjust your full-length die to produce a cone-to-head length that will allow the case head to stop about halfway between upper and lower gaging surfaces. It should not be necessary to shorten the cone-to-head length to where the case head will register with the lower gage surface. A slight reduction in cone-to-head length, which will permit closing the bolt without undue effort, is all that is required.

It is suggested, after the gage is adjusted to your rifle, you drop in a new factory cartridge and note the location of the head. This will show how the brass will be unnecessarily overworked if brought back to new dimensions for each reloading, and why the case will separate after a few firings.

With the gage adjusted for your own cases you can check over-all length by standing it, with a cartridge case inside, on a flat surface, head end down. If the case mouth checks above the upper step, or upper surface, of the gage the case is over length and should be trimmed back to the lower gaging surface. The over-all length of the gage body represents maximum case length. Don't allow your cases to become longer than the gage.

November 13, 2005, 01:33 PM	#1
pontiac Member Join Date: November 11, 2005 Posts: 20	wilson case gauge I have a wilson case gauge for my 7mm rem mag, how do you properly use this gauge?

November 14, 2005, 12:36 AM	#2
ClarkEMyers Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2004 Location: PacWest Posts: 455	Per directions - some, not all, chambers are longer than need be The assumption is that the headspace on the belt works but the chamber may be long to what would be a datum line in a non-belted cartridge - hence measure an overall length to a headspace on the shoulder approach DIRECTIONS Note correct position of insert in gage body. The cone is inside and the lettered end out. Loosen the small screws, which have fibre pads underneath, and push insert out of gage body. A soft instrument like a wood dowel will not damage the gaging surface of the insert. Remove all grease from insert and gage body. Check to see fibre pads are still in place, then push insert into gage body until outer end is about 1/8 inch inside. Tighten screws very lightly. . Drop one of your fired cases into the gage. The head should protrude. Next, push the case into the gage, causing the insert to slip, until the head of the case is even with the high part, or high parts, of the gage. A narrow, straight instrument, like a Brown & Sharpe #306 steel scale will do for this and will be fine for subsequent gaging. If your Wilson case gage is the stepped type, hold the gage with the lower step toward you and with the scale edge resting on the right edge of the upper step, use a slow, rocking motion to force the case and the insert down until the head of the case is even with the upper step. Be sure the scale is resting on the case head and not on the primer. Tighten screws. Check to see insert did not move when screws were tightened. If your Wilson case gage is the new, grooved type, hold the gage with one end of the groove toward you and with the scale at 90 degrees to the groove, use the same rocking motion to force the case head and insert down so head of case is even with upper surfaces. Tighten screws. With this adjustment completed you now have a case gage adjusted to your particular rifle. Now adjust your full-length die to produce a cone-to-head length that will allow the case head to stop about halfway between upper and lower gaging surfaces. It should not be necessary to shorten the cone-to-head length to where the case head will register with the lower gage surface. A slight reduction in cone-to-head length, which will permit closing the bolt without undue effort, is all that is required. It is suggested, after the gage is adjusted to your rifle, you drop in a new factory cartridge and note the location of the head. This will show how the brass will be unnecessarily overworked if brought back to new dimensions for each reloading, and why the case will separate after a few firings. With the gage adjusted for your own cases you can check over-all length by standing it, with a cartridge case inside, on a flat surface, head end down. If the case mouth checks above the upper step, or upper surface, of the gage the case is over length and should be trimmed back to the lower gaging surface. The over-all length of the gage body represents maximum case length. Don't allow your cases to become longer than the gage.