Measuring reloads..bbl vs gauge

[opos]

Just testing the waters about something...I've loaded for a long time and have taken to using the bbl from my pistol (out of the gun) as my plunk test "gauge" for finished rounds...I do not have multiples of the calibers so when I load up a round...the barrel I test it with is the one I'll shoot it with..

I do a similar thing with my rifles...all are bolt action and there is no duplication of weapons within a caliber...I just check the sized brass before loading and then fit test the loaded round in the chamber and magazine.

I used to use a gauge for each caliber but found that the gauge was built to minimum fit and on occasion a round that fit the barrel just fine would not fit in the gauge..and since the barrel was where it would be used, that was the best "test" for the particular gun I was loading for...

If I were loading a "generic" load for more than one gun in the caliber I'd probably be using a gauge..

Thoughts?

['ol shooter]

If you use the barrel, you may run into issues if you share ammo between guns, as I do with my own and guests, other than that I see no downside. I did that for years with my 1911 until I got tired of stripping it. Now I use gauges for everything.

[guje55]

I used to do the same as op but it got tired of getting out my guns to check. Then I started only using the gauges and when I run all through the gauge I would find a few that didn't pass the gauge test and would put them aside. Once I have a few or I'm cleaning my guns I would check them with my all of my barrels and most if not all pass the plunk test.


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[sonofeugene]

Seems to me it would be faster and easier to use good gauges. How much is your time worth?

[opos]

Seems to me it would be faster and easier to use good gauges. How much is your time worth?

I'd agree except that at 80...time is something I seldom think about...I don't even buy green bananas any more...lol...I've used gauges off and on for years and find that if I were using different guns of the same caliber the guages are the only way to go...but with only one per caliber and lots of time on my hands..I'm using the bbl these days as I've seen times when the gauges are at the minimum of the spec and will show a case as out of spec when it fits perfectly in my gun...

[9mmepiphany]

I'm just the opposite. I've always used a gauge instead of a barrel, because I have several guns in each caliber...the exception being my revolvers.

Since I use my guns in competition, I appreciate that the gauge checks to minimum spec. That way borderline cartridges get relegated to practice ammo.

The huge time saver for me was when I started using the 100 cartridge gauges...check case size, primer seating depth, and shift into MTM box without handling them again. Makes loading 1k go much faster

[robert101]

I have case gauges and do use them. I also use the chamber as well because that is the one that matters most. I too have found that the chamber is larger than the case gauges I have. I've also noticed that in 45 Automatic many of my Winchester cases have a larger head than the barrel of the case. So, they will not fit all the way into the case guage but do fit my barrels.

[mjmagee67]

I gauge with the Shock Bottle Hundo for 9, 40, & 45. All cases that don't pass the Hundo get a black X on the head.....those are still shot, just not in competition and serious training. I shoot the messing around. So far I can only recall 1 not chambering that did not pass the case gauge.

So my opinion is if you are not shooting compitition case gauging really isn t that big of a deal. Mind you this is coming from a guy that has spent over $300 in case gauges!