OpEd = Why Sheridan Case Gauges are superior to all others!

[STFU]

All, I started to write out a very long post with many, many pictures to explain an issue I discovered while reloading 300BLK this week...

Instead, I created this 6 minute video that shows the issue fairly well:


I am not a "content creator" and I rarely post videos on YouTube. I just wanted to share some useful info.

 

[Creedmoor]

Great Post!!!
I would like to say I wish all of my single gauges were Sheridan, but only two are. 308 and 223. I've even thought about having someone mill all of my singles out like the Sheridan's are.
Its difficult to tell people that just because it fits the case, doesn't mean it will chamber in your firearm.

Again Great Post.

 

[dieselrealtor]

I am a fan, have slotted gauges in multiple calibers.

 

[indyblue]

Quite informative, I learned something from you today. WTG INGO & STFU.

Did you ever figure out why the Lyman die did that? Is it simply a defective die? Assuming you'll ask for a replacement die to let Lyman know they need to tighten up QC?

I'm a big fan of Redding dies myself.

 

[STFU]

Quite informative, I learned something from you today. WTG INGO & STFU.

Did you ever figure out why the Lyman die did that? Is it simply a defective die? Assuming you'll ask for a replacement die to let Lyman know they need to tighten up QC?

I'm a big fan of Redding dies myself.

While I did not include the footage in my video, I did try to resize a completed cartridge in the die. It further complicated the issue by pushing the bullet further out of concentricity. Look closely at the center cartridge in the attached picture. Note that the bullet is leaning to the left! This is AFTER resizing while fully loaded.
I have resized fully loaded cartridges in the past with great success.

Based on the tests I performed, I can only conclude the die is defective.
I have spoken directly to Lyman support about the issue and my conclusion. I was told that a support tech will pull a new die from stock, test it for the issue I described, and if it passes...they will ship it to me.

 

[Aszerigan]

Great job, man. You need a referral code with Sheridan. That video is going to sell some gauges. :-)

I know it cost me $180.

 

[STFU]

Great job, man. You need a referral code with Sheridan. That video is going to sell some gauges. :-)

I know it cost me $180.

Thx! BTW, I was about to call you and ask WTH I was doing wrong...lol.

 

[Aszerigan]

Thx! BTW, I was about to call you and ask WTH I was doing wrong...lol.

Call anytime, man. That would be a hard diagnosis without putting my hands on it though.

 

[cmann250]

Very interesting watch. Thank you for posting.

For the sake of conversation, could it be the shell plate? *ASSUMING* everything is machined correctly, could a piece of crud in the rim groove of shell plate prevent the rim from going far enough into the shell plate? This would cause the brass to be on a different axis than the die and the shell plate. If the base is kicked out 0.xxx”, I would expect the neck to be as well.

 

[STFU]

Very interesting watch. Thank you for posting.

For the sake of conversation, could it be the shell plate? *ASSUMING* everything is machined correctly, could a piece of crud in the rim groove of shell plate prevent the rim from going far enough into the shell plate? This would cause the brass to be on a different axis than the die and the shell plate. If the base is kicked out 0.xxx”, I would expect the neck to be as well.

While it is possible that the shell plate is out of spec, I'm not sure that is the issue...for two main reasons:
1) it is a progressive press and every station exhibits the same result and
2) the tool-head has a few 3/8" diameter pins that engage directly into matching holes on the shell plate to ensure correct alignment between the two.

 

[STFU]

As a followup to this story...
@Aszerigan and I spent some time testing in his shop today:

1. We ran both of the Lyman Pro sizing dies through his RCBS RockChucker and got the same results: non-concentric necks on the 300BLK cases.
   
   
2. We ran the same test using a Dillon Precision Carbide sizing die and got the results we expected.
   
   
3. I then brought the Dillon Precision Carbide sizing die home and installed it in my Apex 10.
   Again, results as expected and all completed rounds case gauge (in the Lyman MSR and the Sheridan) properly.

Now I need to show Lyman the problem.

Thank you again to Andrew!

 

[Aszerigan]

As a followup to this story...
@Aszerigan and I spent some time testing in his shop today:

1. We ran both of the Lyman Pro sizing dies through his RCBS RockChucker and got the same results: non-concentric necks on the 300BLK cases.
   
   
2. We ran the same test using a Dillon Precision Carbide sizing die and got the results we expected.
   
   
3. I then brought the Dillon Precision Carbide sizing die home and installed it in my Apex 10.
   Again, results as expected and all completed rounds case gauge (in the Lyman MSR and the Sheridan) properly.

Now I need to show Lyman the problem.

Thank you again to Andrew!

Lots of things going on with the situation. I won't go into details, I'll let @STFU do that if he chooses, but those Sheridan cut-away gauges allowed for quick and easy diagnosis whereas the MSR gauge was not quite so helpful.

As mentioned, I want an STFU referral code from Sheridan. Those gauges are amazing.

 

[Creedmoor]

@Aszerigan
Andy, I just got the new Blue Press. Have you ever run the CP2000 processing machine?

 

[Aszerigan]

@Aszerigan
Andy, I just got the new Blue Press. Have you ever run the CP2000 processing machine?

I haven’t. The CP2000 is just a stripped 1100. No dies or conversion. Have to piece it together a-la-carte. A pricey endeavor for sure.

 

[Creedmoor]

I haven’t. The CP2000 is just a stripped 1100. No dies or conversion. Have to piece it together a-la-carte. A pricey endeavor for sure.

Thank you.

 

[ilcaveman]

Ya, I just had to buy a couple. I had an issue with 223 shoulders.