Lee Case Length Gauge wear

ncrypt · February 3, 2014, 07:01 PM

I was slowly starting to notice my 308 cases getting shorter and shorter over the past several months. When I took a look at the Case length gauge, I decided to turn it out slightly in the cutter, only to find the neck of the case would turn the gauge back into the cutter causing short cases again. I also had issues with it cutting due to the slight space between the cutter and the gauge.

So I ordered a new one and did some measurements to find out that the gauge had worn .010 after about 1200 cases. I was pretty shocked that the gauge had worn that much, but it is metal on metal so it's expected I guess.

Anywho, I thought I would share this with you guys and see if others have found theirs to wear as quickly.

note: I use it in a drill so there is some excessive spin for sure

flashhole · February 5, 2014, 10:07 AM

Hmmmmmmm - now you have me thinking. I've never noticed wear on the pin but haven't really looked for it either. I presently use the case length gauge tool for 5 different rifle cartridges and like you I use them in conjunction with a drill press. Over the years I've shortened two of them to provide a desired length. Guess I'll have to check them for wear.

hdbiker · February 5, 2014, 03:37 PM

I adjusted my trimmer pilot a couple times with a hammer,
then just bought a new one. They do wear, so will the anvil. hdbiker

ncrypt · February 9, 2014, 08:19 AM

Yeah, I figured most wouldn't pay a lot of attention to that guide pin wearing. Hell I kind of thought it would last forever. lol Glad I got a few folks to think about it.

Metal god · February 9, 2014, 10:34 AM

Had the same problem but different cause .I thought the tip was wearing but I found that the blades of the cutter was cutting into the base of the pin . That would let it seat a little deeper each time .

I had to stop using thsoe for all my cases . I de-bur and uniform flash holes and needed something that would trim the cases perfect every time . The Lyman universal case trimmer works great for this and worth every penny .http://www.midwayusa.com/product/795...ProductFinding

ncrypt · February 9, 2014, 05:08 PM

Thanks for the link. I have been looking around at all the alternative case trimmers.

February 3, 2014, 07:01 PM	#1
ncrypt Member Join Date: December 3, 2013 Posts: 72	Lee Case Length Gauge wear I was slowly starting to notice my 308 cases getting shorter and shorter over the past several months. When I took a look at the Case length gauge, I decided to turn it out slightly in the cutter, only to find the neck of the case would turn the gauge back into the cutter causing short cases again. I also had issues with it cutting due to the slight space between the cutter and the gauge. So I ordered a new one and did some measurements to find out that the gauge had worn .010 after about 1200 cases. I was pretty shocked that the gauge had worn that much, but it is metal on metal so it's expected I guess. Anywho, I thought I would share this with you guys and see if others have found theirs to wear as quickly. note: I use it in a drill so there is some excessive spin for sure

February 5, 2014, 10:07 AM	#2
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	Hmmmmmmm - now you have me thinking. I've never noticed wear on the pin but haven't really looked for it either. I presently use the case length gauge tool for 5 different rifle cartridges and like you I use them in conjunction with a drill press. Over the years I've shortened two of them to provide a desired length. Guess I'll have to check them for wear. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

February 5, 2014, 03:37 PM	#3
hdbiker Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 297	case trimmer I adjusted my trimmer pilot a couple times with a hammer, then just bought a new one. They do wear, so will the anvil. hdbiker

February 9, 2014, 10:34 AM	#5
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Had the same problem but different cause .I thought the tip was wearing but I found that the blades of the cutter was cutting into the base of the pin . That would let it seat a little deeper each time . I had to stop using thsoe for all my cases . I de-bur and uniform flash holes and needed something that would trim the cases perfect every time . The Lyman universal case trimmer works great for this and worth every penny .http://www.midwayusa.com/product/795...ProductFinding __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

February 9, 2014, 08:19 AM	#4
ncrypt Member Join Date: December 3, 2013 Posts: 72	Yeah, I figured most wouldn't pay a lot of attention to that guide pin wearing. Hell I kind of thought it would last forever. lol Glad I got a few folks to think about it.

February 9, 2014, 05:08 PM	#6
ncrypt Member Join Date: December 3, 2013 Posts: 72	Thanks for the link. I have been looking around at all the alternative case trimmers.