Author Topic: Stoney point gauges (Read 444 times)

savageT · « **on:** December 04, 2004, 05:33:23 AM »

I'm looking for some first-hand feed back on the various Stoney point tools on the market such as:
Straight OAL gauge w/ 6.5x55mauser; 30-06 inserts
Bullet Comparator w/ 6.5x55; .300 Sav.; 30-06Spfd.
Cartridge Headspace gauge w/ the same three calibers. (I don't see those calibers listed in their bushing kit!!!!)

Any and all impressions welcomed Thanks!

Jim

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #1 on:** December 04, 2004, 05:59:04 AM »

I consider the Stoney Point OAL as basic equipment for reloading just like a set of calipers. Unless you are reloading strictly domestically produced, modern firearms that you can be pretty sure have throat dimesions that coorespond to SAMMI specs, using this tool or one like it, is the only way to accurately measure the distance to the rifling with various bullets. One thing I had found is that using a dowel rod through the bore to push back against the tool pushing the bullet from the chamber is escential for a prescision read of where the rifling begins.

The bullet comparator is necessary to use this information (the distance to the rifling) if you are really interested in seating the bullet consistantly since the length of the bullet to the tip varies, especially with soft nosed varieties. The comparator allows you to measure on the ogive.

Norwester · « **Reply #2 on:** December 04, 2004, 06:35:00 AM »

I just bought the headspace gauge a couple weeks ago and its one of those things that after you'v tried,you'r not sure how you'v gotten along without it. I'd previously smoked the case shoulders to set up my sizing die and the gauge has shown what a hit and miss proposition that was. If the kit isn't available in your area and you have to buy the bushings separately the "C-.375 bushing will cover all three of the calibers you mentioned.
Jeff

savageT · « **Reply #3 on:** December 04, 2004, 06:46:31 AM »

Thanks everyone!
jsr, I was hoping to hear from Stoneypoint on the issue of the Headspace bushings because they don't list those calibers as being covered in their order literature. Did you find this information in your instructions? What set did you order?

Jim

Norwester · « **Reply #4 on:** December 04, 2004, 07:10:34 AM »

ST,yeah I happened to still have the package insert from one of the bushings. It lists the .06 and 6.5x55. I could be wrong, but I looked at the cartridge dimensions for the Savage and the shoulder area is close enough to the .06s it should work.
It doesn't list the Wbys either but as thats the bushing for the 300 H&H, I use it for my 300 Wby. I picked mine up at Sportsmans warehouse and since they didn't have the set,I bought the gauge and the bushings I needed separately.
Jeff

Duffy · « **Reply #5 on:** December 04, 2004, 07:41:13 AM »

The stoney point system gives a higher degree of accuracy than any of the other methods that I've tried. Don't know why it took so long to buy one. :?

Catfish · « **Reply #6 on:** December 05, 2004, 03:02:32 PM »

I personally don`t think the the Stoeny Point gages are worth the price. I simply take a case that has been fired, and if nessary bump it in the resizer till it will put a very small amount of resistance on a bullet, then put a flat based bullet point first into the case and chamber it in the rifle. Chamber it in the gun and then measure it. That is a cheap simple way to find the lenth of your throught, and since different rifles like different amounts of jump, that`s close enough to give you a starting place to work from.