LEE Case Length Guage & Shell Holder vs. L.E. Wilsons Max Cartridge Gage

gdeal · August 18, 2009, 05:42 PM

I will be handloading .40 S&W on a Lee Turret Press to start out. I have a Lee case length guage coming with the press. Should I get a L.E. Wilson Max Cartridge Gage as well?

**Unclenick** · August 18, 2009, 06:11 PM

The Lee gauge is an integral part of the Lee case trimmer. Unless you have the rest of the trimmer (stud and cutter) it won't do you any good. These parts are inexpensive.

You will find pistol cases seldom need trimming, but in your shoes, having the Lee gauge coming and it being of no use without the other parts, I would spend the six bucks on the stud and cutter (Lee part number 90110) and then if you run into a case that's long, you can trim it.

gdeal · August 18, 2009, 06:27 PM

Quote:

You will find pistol cases seldom need trimming, but in your shoes, having the Lee gauge coming and it being of no use without the other parts, I would spend the six bucks on the stud and cutter (Lee part number 90110) and then if you run into a case that's long, you can trim it.

Why do they sell them seperately like that?

oldreloader · August 18, 2009, 09:04 PM

The cutter and case length guage are sold seperately.That way once you have the cutter all you have to buy for each caliber is the case lenth guage part

Farmland · August 18, 2009, 09:29 PM

I believe what you have is the Lee case gauge pilot. It works with a shell holder, lock nut and cutter. It is a neat portable case trimmer that can work by hand or a drill. I use one to trim my 223's because I can sit on the pouch and enjoy the fresh air.

The strange thing is that I do have a 40 case gauge and shell holder. However I never trim my 40 cases. I remember buying it but for the life of me I don't know why I did.

gdeal · August 19, 2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

I remember buying it but for the life of me I don't know why I did.

cerberus65 · August 19, 2009, 06:21 AM

Get the cutter with the ball handle:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=136199

It's easier on the hand...

**Unclenick** · August 19, 2009, 12:27 PM

Most pistol loads have low enough pressure they don't stretch the case appreciably, and never do with light target loads. Indeed, cases firing light target loads actually shrink over time as the sizing process swages the brass rearward. That's why they seldom need trimming. The hotter magnum loads will stretch, though.

I agree with Farmland that the Lee gauge should be called a "pilot". Unfortunately Lee just calls it a "Case Length Gauge", so confusion ensues. That part comes with a free shell holder for the stud that comes with the cutter, btw. The ball handle cutter is a good idea for hand trimming. It's only a buck more. The plain one is better if you have a drill press with a chuck large enough to accommodate it.

BigJimP · August 19, 2009, 12:37 PM

Call Dillon and order one of these - or at least this is what I was discussing with you the other day ....

http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/con...gun_Case_Gages

The Dillon Website has LE Wilson case gagues as well.....

August 18, 2009, 05:42 PM	#1
gdeal Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 748	LEE Case Length Guage & Shell Holder vs. L.E. Wilsons Max Cartridge Gage I will be handloading .40 S&W on a Lee Turret Press to start out. I have a Lee case length guage coming with the press. Should I get a L.E. Wilson Max Cartridge Gage as well?

August 18, 2009, 06:11 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	The Lee gauge is an integral part of the Lee case trimmer. Unless you have the rest of the trimmer (stud and cutter) it won't do you any good. These parts are inexpensive. You will find pistol cases seldom need trimming, but in your shoes, having the Lee gauge coming and it being of no use without the other parts, I would spend the six bucks on the stud and cutter (Lee part number 90110) and then if you run into a case that's long, you can trim it. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

August 19, 2009, 12:27 PM	#8
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	Most pistol loads have low enough pressure they don't stretch the case appreciably, and never do with light target loads. Indeed, cases firing light target loads actually shrink over time as the sizing process swages the brass rearward. That's why they seldom need trimming. The hotter magnum loads will stretch, though. I agree with Farmland that the Lee gauge should be called a "pilot". Unfortunately Lee just calls it a "Case Length Gauge", so confusion ensues. That part comes with a free shell holder for the stud that comes with the cutter, btw. The ball handle cutter is a good idea for hand trimming. It's only a buck more. The plain one is better if you have a drill press with a chuck large enough to accommodate it. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

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August 18, 2009, 09:04 PM	#4
oldreloader Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Magnolia, Arkansas Posts: 251	The cutter and case length guage are sold seperately.That way once you have the cutter all you have to buy for each caliber is the case lenth guage part

August 18, 2009, 09:29 PM	#5
Farmland Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 869	I believe what you have is the Lee case gauge pilot. It works with a shell holder, lock nut and cutter. It is a neat portable case trimmer that can work by hand or a drill. I use one to trim my 223's because I can sit on the pouch and enjoy the fresh air. The strange thing is that I do have a 40 case gauge and shell holder. However I never trim my 40 cases. I remember buying it but for the life of me I don't know why I did.

August 19, 2009, 06:21 AM	#7
cerberus65 Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Posts: 384	Get the cutter with the ball handle: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=136199 It's easier on the hand...

August 19, 2009, 12:37 PM	#9
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Call Dillon and order one of these - or at least this is what I was discussing with you the other day .... http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/con...gun_Case_Gages The Dillon Website has LE Wilson case gagues as well.....