Good gauge for measuring case neck

[GLTaylor]

I use Sinclair's neck micrometer. Works great, is on a small stand & is pretty much hands free.

 

[misterc01]

RCBS Ball Micrometer, Hornady Neck Wall Thickness Gauge, RCBS Case Master. All work great.

 

[jdyoung]

I'm looking at purchasing a good gauge, not the most expensive one, but something accurate enough to measure the case neck thickness to aid in obtaining concentric cartridges. I'm also needing to purchase a case neck trimmer. Any ideas?

Thanks,
1980Harley

You're wanting to measure case neck wall thickness , or case concentricity, or both ?

 

[aushunter1]

Igaging ball micrometer, good quality & good value.

If you want the Rolls Royce then Mitutoyo

 

[Barrelnut]

If you get a ball micrometer. Get one of these stands to secure it. Makes things tremendously faster.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZXY0CZG/?tag=lrhmag19-20

 

[Mikecr]

A really good basic neck mic is Sinclair's Starret: https://www.sinclairintl.com/reload...r-starret-case-neck-micrometer-prod38096.aspx
It's very easy to use & accurate enough for this application.
You can & should add a form of neck stop to datum for your measure as necks taper in thickness from shoulders to mouths. Bushings work well with this. The ball anvil is also adjustable in height so that you can set the ball contact against near-edge of spindle to really get in tight to neck-shoulder junction if desired.

 

[Paper boy]

I'm looking at purchasing a good gauge, not the most expensive one, but something accurate enough to measure the case neck thickness to aid in obtaining concentric cartridges. I'm also needing to purchase a case neck trimmer. Any ideas?

Thanks,
1980Harley

Buddy, I have had them all! You can't beat the Sinclair shown in th photo. No batteries, no plastic, lasts for ever and accurate as all getout!

 

[elf]

I have the following tools that my be of interest to you:
Basic L. E. Wilson Case Trimmer and Sinclair stand. $70.00 shipped to lower 48. For $20.00 more I will include the Wilson Power Adapter.
View attachment 214716
Redding Case Neck Gauge with bench grip and four pilots: .22, 6.5mm, .270, and .30. As pictured. $100.00 shipped to lower 48.
View attachment 214717
Thumbs up on the Wilson trimmer. And I measure neck thickness with a mitutoyo ball mic.

 

[1980Harley]

Guys, thanks for all the information.

 

[Mikecr]

If it doesn't have a ball point contact inside the neck(but a tubing mic post instead), it's not accurate for necks.
This, because of built-in thickness taper and less than straightness that necks present.

Difference:

 

[1980Harley]

Got it. I also see that you measure very close to the middle of the neck and not near the front edge.

 

[misterc01]

Not sure if this has been mentioned earlier, but I measure at four points, 90 degrees apart, to get an overall thickness of the case neck and not at just one point.

 

[EndersPrint]

I just picked up a Mitutoyo 115-313 at a reasonable price on eBay to start my neck turning adventures. So far so good.