Got a question... Not all ammo manufacturers use Starline or other off brand brass. Reloaders choose these off brands because of cost. So, if one is attempting to obtain factory ammo to use the brass as a control group against reloaded brass to test maximum pressures, then how would that work with off brand brass like Starline that may not be used in a factory load?
@IRmediator In that case use the standard indicators. Flattened primers, pressure rings and difficult extraction. Never exceed maximum loads and always use good judgement in your loads.
That's all fine and good but most handloaders especially beginners need to find where their loads are at. It's about working your load up more than matching SAAMI standards.
just because the calipers have .001 increments doesn't mean they are that accurate. section8machinist is right. Calipers are great to get you in the ballpark but when you are trying to hold to a super tight number the micrometer is the right choice. Whether or not you need to be micrometer precise with your handloads is for you to decide. I think the most important thing about your calipers or micrometer is repeatability. If you can't get the same number all the time, something isn't right.
I would think that a factory load would expand only to the chamber dimensions due to the pressure. And handloads would do the same thing because brass is soft and it can only expand so far to the chamber.
I've always heard that calipers are only accurate within plus or minus .005 thousands. To get a true reading you need micrometers.
Great videos... subcribed... I have a lotta vids to watch now... Thanks for helping keep the reloading community safe.... 5 Stars.
PublicFilthSpeeks 2 months ago
Got a question... Not all ammo manufacturers use Starline or other off brand brass. Reloaders choose these off brands because of cost. So, if one is attempting to obtain factory ammo to use the brass as a control group against reloaded brass to test maximum pressures, then how would that work with off brand brass like Starline that may not be used in a factory load?
IRmediator 8 months ago
@IRmediator In that case use the standard indicators. Flattened primers, pressure rings and difficult extraction. Never exceed maximum loads and always use good judgement in your loads.
ammosmith 8 months ago
will those pressure marks be more visible the more time you reload?
fadingabel7 1 year ago
nifty. who'da thunk it
rroberts383 1 year ago
what about belted mag cases? does this technique apply to them?
CaptainMcWood 2 years ago
Yes. Measure just in front of the belt
ammosmith 2 years ago
Calipers are just fine. I am an aircraft mechanic and they have always been and shown true to the numbers in the book. If used right.
12 bucks bought me one from Harber Frieght and it has passed calibrations every time. Digital too.
DobermansRock 2 years ago
my control is .370 and my reloads are at .371 is that ok?
dills2403 2 years ago
Yes but no more than that.
ammosmith 2 years ago
do i check before sizing im using full length dies...so ur saying factory is .370 1x fired im useing .223 federal case
dills2403 2 years ago
Use a factory round in your rifle and use that as your pressure "barometer".
ammosmith 2 years ago
Who cares what pressure was registered with SAAMI?
Find the threshold of short brass life, and back off a margin.
Sheesh!
tnekkc 2 years ago
That's all fine and good but most handloaders especially beginners need to find where their loads are at. It's about working your load up more than matching SAAMI standards.
ammosmith 2 years ago
4callipers can go done to .001 any way
another nice vid mr a.
1967spud 3 years ago
just because the calipers have .001 increments doesn't mean they are that accurate. section8machinist is right. Calipers are great to get you in the ballpark but when you are trying to hold to a super tight number the micrometer is the right choice. Whether or not you need to be micrometer precise with your handloads is for you to decide. I think the most important thing about your calipers or micrometer is repeatability. If you can't get the same number all the time, something isn't right.
alderaforall 2 years ago
I would think that a factory load would expand only to the chamber dimensions due to the pressure. And handloads would do the same thing because brass is soft and it can only expand so far to the chamber.
I've always heard that calipers are only accurate within plus or minus .005 thousands. To get a true reading you need micrometers.
section8machinist 3 years ago
Not always. If you have too much pressure the pressure ring will move down the case. Callipers are fine.
ammosmith 3 years ago