Case gauge for 9.3x62mm?

[Puddle]

I've been searching for a 9.3x62mm case gauge for manually checking brass after FL sizing.

Wilson simply calls it a Case Gauge, Hornady calls it a Cartridge Gauge, and Lyman calls it a Case Length Headspace Gauge.
None of these vendors offers their product in 9.3x62mm, and the Hornady custom order guy actually called me to say, "you don't want know what I'd have to charge you to do a one-off".

Now all these vendors offer case gauges in some pretty esoteric cartridges, but not in 9.3x62mm because that cartridge is just not that well known, at least in the US.

So, back to the question at hand, does anyone know of where I can get my hands on a Case Length Headspace Gauge for 9.3x62mm?

Thanks

 

[analog_peninsula]

Watching…

 

[shootist~]

Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Ga 5 Bushing Set Comparator

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge is a great tool for increasing the accuracy of your loaded ammunition. The Headspace gauge measures from the...

www.midwayusa.com

I use the Hornady Cartridge HS gauge Kit. There is no bushing specifically listed for the 9.3x62, but the "D" bushing works for me. Using measurements from fired brass, I use the cartridge HS gauge to set my sizing die to only set back the shoulder by ~0.002".

If you are using a case gauge you are probably setting back the shoulder quite a bit more. For reference, first check an unfired new case or factory loaded case. You will see something around .007" of cartridge headspace compared to an unsized first or second fired case.

FWIW:
Fired cases should always be decapped before measuring, btw.
Older cases will have less springback and will measure less cartridge HS than newer or annealed cases.

 

[Puddle]

I'm waiting on a reply from RCBS, likely tomorrow. Based on their response I may look into the Hornady option. Thanks.

 

[AZDAVE]

I also use the hornady lock and load headspace.

 

[Longwalker]

I use a standard Mitutoyo digital caliper in combination with the Hornady headspace gauge. I use the Hornady "E" bushing, 0.420". I think it's a better fit for this cartridge than the smaller "D" bushing, since it lands nearly mid way on the shoulder of a 9.3x62 case - just where you want to measure the "Datum line".

Just today I prepared 110 cases of 9.3x62. I measured fired cases, then adjusted the shoulder setback of my RCBS full length dies to 0.002" headspace, sized all the cases, removed the Hornady tool and then checked and then trimmed cartridge case length.

The Hornady headspace bushings are accurate and inexpensive tools, attach and detach easily from the caliper and it's a painless process. Works fine for me.

 

[Puddle]

Hodgdon got back to me and said they'd choose the "E" bushing over the "D" bushing.

 

[Shootist43]

Puddle, we were going through the "same" hoops simultaneously. Got the same answers to our common inquiries. I went one step further and asked an AH buddy of mine in Africa to look as well. After about a week and a half or two weeks of looking and even speaking with Pierre Van Der Walt his reply to me was "that we were looking for a sausage in a dog pound." I took that to mean a non-existent item. I just thought of another possibility though. If enough 9.3 X 62 owners / reloaders were to band together we might be able to entice Hornady to buy the reamer and split the cost amongst us.

The guy in their "custom shop" mentioned a price in the $500 range. If we could get 10 guys, that would get the price down to $50.00 apiece. I'd be willing to act as the coordinator of this effort. Your thoughts please.

 

[Puddle]

Puddle, we were going through the "same" hoops simultaneously. Got the same answers to our common inquiries. I went one step further and asked an AH buddy of mine in Africa to look as well. After about a week and a half or two weeks of looking and even speaking with Pierre Van Der Walt his reply to me was "that we were looking for a sausage in a dog pound." I took that to mean a non-existent item. I just thought of another possibility though. If enough 9.3 X 62 owners / reloaders were to band together we might be able to entice Hornady to buy the reamer and split the cost amongst us.

The guy in their "custom shop" mentioned a price in the $500 range. If we could get 10 guys, that would get the price down to $50.00 apiece. I'd be willing to act as the coordinator of this effort. Your thoughts please.

@Shootist43,
I appreciate you running down some information from your sources.

I chatted with both Charlie Sisk, the co-designer of the 9.3mm Barsness-Sisk cartridge, and with Dave Kiff of Pacific Tool about Hornady's ~$500 total cost range. They said that is going to be difficult to pull off in the US.

It's somewhat puzzling to me what with Hornady's European sales channels why they don't have a 9.3mm case gauge offering.

Anyways, if Hornady is able to offer a gauge at a unit price of $50 then count me in. Otherwise, above that it's a no.