Hornady O.A.L. Gauges

I was in need of a case gauge for a few calibers which Hornady does not supply.  So I went looking for information about the specs on the cases the Hornady system uses.  At the time I did not find very much information.  However, I did find that Hornady does offer a service to make cases for any caliber – you supply 3 fired cases and $15.  If I were only doing one caliber, that is a good option.  But I had several I wanted to make,  so I got out the micrometer and pitch gauge.  The cases are tapped – 5/16-36 tpi.   Not something I had in my tap selection, so I went and ordered one.

Before I had time to make any cases, I also ran across this article on Accurate Shooter.  It confirmed my measurements for the tap and gave a few helpful tips.

So I have now made cases for 3 different calibers – 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5×06, and 6.5 Creedmoor (you can buy the last one).  Here are a few observations.

• It took more than one case to work out the bugs.  So be prepared to sacrifice a few cases
• I have a lathe, which makes drilling a tapping the case a fairly straight forward process.  The Accurate Shooter article says you can do it with a drill press.  I’m sure you can, but it will not be fun!  The lathe chuck makes holding and centering the case very easy.
• Sizing the cases is a must on a gas gun.  On a custom match chamber, it may not be necessary.  I was able to size the case even after the case was drilled and tapped.  So you can wait if you want.  Sizing will clean up any distortion that may happen while in the lathe.
• A reamer is necessary to open the case neck for the bullet to move freely, especially if you size the case.  I have a tapered reamer and slowly open the neck of the case until a bullet passes through without effort.