Henry Rifle Forums

I have reloaded for years, and one thing I did was to buy case check gauges for each caliber I reload for. Simply drop a loaded round in the gauge, if it sits flush, you're golden.

https://www.dillonprecision.com/handgun ... 25548.html


To insure the crimp is tight enough to avoid setback of the bullet in the case, I load a test round during setup. No primer, no powder. This can be used to check overall length, headspace, and crimp. To check the crimp, I place the bullet on a clean flat surface and press hard on the bullet. It shouldn't move. Everything passes, I save the sample for future setups.

Another test is to use what’s called the plunk test. Remove the barrel from your pistol and use the chamber to test your headspace. Simply drop the cartridge into the chamber and see if it seats properly. Best bet tho is to get a check guage as BOM suggested. I’ve loaded hundreds of 9mm and 40 S&W on a Lee Turret press using the Lee Factory Crimp Die and have had 100% success doing so. I’m set up to load 10mm and 45 acp but I’m still burning up my supply of factory ammo.