I need a lesson

cdoc42 · January 6, 2023, 12:06 PM

I started this new thread, an extension of the one where Unclenick suggested the purchase of "Go" and "No-go" primer pocket gauges.

My order just arrived but has no directions other than to go to their website but the tutorial doesn't work. I tried measuring some .270 pockets but I'm left confused.

There are 4 gauges: 0.1724, 0.175, 0.175, and 0.208. (I measured with a digital micrometer)

The first 3 fit into the primer pockets but the gauges are obviously too small; the pockets are much larger than the gauges. The last one fits into some of the cases but not others. I am under the impression this is a "No-Go" gauge, telling me if fits, the pocket is too large.

What am I missing?

Where do the first 3 come into play?

lugerstew · January 6, 2023, 12:53 PM

I am not sure which go, no go gauges you bought, but the ones I got work very well, very simple, one for small primer pockets and another for large primer pockets, one end of the gauge goes in the pocket, the other end does not if everything is in spec. If the no go gauge goes in the pocket, it's time to chuck that brass in the trash.
Here is the set I have.

https://ballistictools.com/store/sma...-pocket-gauges

ligonierbill · January 6, 2023, 12:59 PM

Your 3 small gauges are meant for small rifle primers. I don't know every brand's dimensions, but SR vary from 0.1750 (CCI 450, Win SR) to 0.1757 (Fed 200). Large rifle vary from 0.2100 (Rem 9 1/2) to 0.2120 (Fed 210). Of course, you want an "interference fit" to hold the primer.

cdoc42 · January 6, 2023, 03:08 PM

I bought "Burstfire" Go- and No-go gauges. One set is small Go/Nogo and the other is large. I just finished a "chat" with Burstfire and they will send me a large NoGo because it is nowhere near the desired specs at a measurement of .1760"

They have one side threaded to fit a handle, so there are 4 to a set rather than 2 that just turn over. This learning something new every day is almost as aggravating as having trouble urinating......

Metal god · January 7, 2023, 01:09 PM

Yeah they are not to “measure” they are GO/NOGO’s . Mine are two sided for a total of 4 . One side should fit - gtg the other side should not - NOT gtg . I have one for each small or large primers .

cdoc42 · January 8, 2023, 10:06 AM

Correct, Metal god. My reference to "measurement" was the size of the pocket-insertion tool as described by the manufacturer. They supply 4 because one end is threaded to be used with a handle if desired, so 2 are for small and 2 are for large primers. One of them used for NoGo large primers had to be replaced as it was much too small and the rep I talked to is sending one my way.

**Unclenick** · January 8, 2023, 12:17 PM

If you look at the SAAMI standards, small primer pocket diameters are 0.1730" to 0.1745", and large primer pocket diameters are 0.2085" to 0.2100". The Ballistics GO and NO-GO gauges are just half a thousandth under and over each of those limits. So, 0.1725" GO and 0.1750" NO-GO for small primer pockets and 0.2080" GO and 0.2105" NO-GO for large primer pockets.

It sounds like your large gauge got into the wrong bin and had a large primer pocket GO and a small primer pocket NO-GO ground onto it. I'm glad they are correcting their mistake.

cdoc42 · January 10, 2023, 07:14 AM

Update: I received the correct size No-Go yesterday. I'm amazed that it traveled from California in 2 days compared to other merchandise that I tracked from Illinois sat less than 50 miles away for 4 days before it got to me!

January 6, 2023, 12:06 PM	#1
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,687	I need a lesson I started this new thread, an extension of the one where Unclenick suggested the purchase of "Go" and "No-go" primer pocket gauges. My order just arrived but has no directions other than to go to their website but the tutorial doesn't work. I tried measuring some .270 pockets but I'm left confused. There are 4 gauges: 0.1724, 0.175, 0.175, and 0.208. (I measured with a digital micrometer) The first 3 fit into the primer pockets but the gauges are obviously too small; the pockets are much larger than the gauges. The last one fits into some of the cases but not others. I am under the impression this is a "No-Go" gauge, telling me if fits, the pocket is too large. What am I missing? Where do the first 3 come into play?

January 7, 2023, 01:09 PM	#5
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Yeah they are not to “measure” they are GO/NOGO’s . Mine are two sided for a total of 4 . One side should fit - gtg the other side should not - NOT gtg . I have one for each small or large primers . __________________ 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 .

January 8, 2023, 12:17 PM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	If you look at the SAAMI standards, small primer pocket diameters are 0.1730" to 0.1745", and large primer pocket diameters are 0.2085" to 0.2100". The Ballistics GO and NO-GO gauges are just half a thousandth under and over each of those limits. So, 0.1725" GO and 0.1750" NO-GO for small primer pockets and 0.2080" GO and 0.2105" NO-GO for large primer pockets. It sounds like your large gauge got into the wrong bin and had a large primer pocket GO and a small primer pocket NO-GO ground onto it. I'm glad they are correcting their mistake. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 6, 2023, 12:53 PM	#2
lugerstew Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2019 Location: Colorado Posts: 260	I am not sure which go, no go gauges you bought, but the ones I got work very well, very simple, one for small primer pockets and another for large primer pockets, one end of the gauge goes in the pocket, the other end does not if everything is in spec. If the no go gauge goes in the pocket, it's time to chuck that brass in the trash. Here is the set I have. https://ballistictools.com/store/sma...-pocket-gauges

January 6, 2023, 12:59 PM	#3
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,456	Your 3 small gauges are meant for small rifle primers. I don't know every brand's dimensions, but SR vary from 0.1750 (CCI 450, Win SR) to 0.1757 (Fed 200). Large rifle vary from 0.2100 (Rem 9 1/2) to 0.2120 (Fed 210). Of course, you want an "interference fit" to hold the primer.

January 6, 2023, 03:08 PM	#4
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,687	I bought "Burstfire" Go- and No-go gauges. One set is small Go/Nogo and the other is large. I just finished a "chat" with Burstfire and they will send me a large NoGo because it is nowhere near the desired specs at a measurement of .1760" They have one side threaded to fit a handle, so there are 4 to a set rather than 2 that just turn over. This learning something new every day is almost as aggravating as having trouble urinating......

January 8, 2023, 10:06 AM	#6
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,687	Correct, Metal god. My reference to "measurement" was the size of the pocket-insertion tool as described by the manufacturer. They supply 4 because one end is threaded to be used with a handle if desired, so 2 are for small and 2 are for large primers. One of them used for NoGo large primers had to be replaced as it was much too small and the rep I talked to is sending one my way.

January 10, 2023, 07:14 AM	#8
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,687	Update: I received the correct size No-Go yesterday. I'm amazed that it traveled from California in 2 days compared to other merchandise that I tracked from Illinois sat less than 50 miles away for 4 days before it got to me!