Hornady Overall Length Case Gauge

Doug in Alaska · #1 09-07-2009, 09:04 PM

I received my Hornady Modified 7mm Ultra case to use with the case length gauge. The case would not fit all the way into the chamber, resized cases fit fine. Being the rocket scientist I am, I thought no problem, just run the case through the resizing die. Ha, I forgot to consider that the neck would also be resized so now I have a useless modified case. Anyone else had this problem with the Hornady modified cases?

RT2506 · #2 09-07-2009, 09:53 PM

Take a cutting tool and cut from the mouth of the case down to the start of the shoulder on one side of the neck. Clean out the burrs and use as normal.

I just make my own overall length case gauge. I just take a case for the rifle FL size it cut the neck like described above. Take what ever bullet I want to use start it into the case by hand and slip it into the chamber and close the bolt. It will push the bullet back into the case when the ogive hits the lands. Eject the case carefully from the action measure the OAL and go from there. Simple and very cheep. Oh! You can remove the bullet from the case with your fingers and use it to load. The next time you want to use the case either run it into your size die to size the neck tighter or just pinch the neck together with your fingers a little.

Doug in Alaska · #3 09-07-2009, 10:49 PM

I'm not sure what type cutting tool you are talking about. Hack saw?

mo · #4 09-08-2009, 06:54 AM

You can buy your on tap, that's what I do.MSC Item Detail or send me couple of your cases and I'll make you a few.

Doug in Alaska · #5 09-08-2009, 08:15 AM

Thanks for the info guys.

mo, after threading the case, how do you expand the neck enough so a bullet will slip in easily?

jmason · #6 09-08-2009, 02:56 PM

I had the same predicament with a 270 modified case. I ran a .284 expander through it a couple times and moved on. I don't know what you can move up to. 308 daim seems kinda big but as long as it doesn't mess the case up you'll be fine.

boomtube · #7 09-08-2009, 03:11 PM

Doug, you can slit the neck with a fine tooth hacksaw but the cut will be a bit ragged. It's MUCH better to do it with a Dremel tool and a thin fiber "cut-off" wheel.

IF you don't have the tools you can just get a Dremel wheel from most Walmarts/Lowes . Chuck the 1/8" shaft in a standard electric drill and do it that way, neatly. A cut-off wheel costs about $3 last time I looked. (I think any shooter/reloader NEEDS a Dremel tool and assorted bit and wheel set!)