Fellow Shooters and Handloaders:

The time has come for me to move into a concentricity gauge, and am not sure as to which one to select. After looking at several on the internet, it seems reasonable to select the one that will perform the most functions with the least hassle. Problem is, that this is difficult to determine without "hands on" experience, so I thought I'd put it before the board.

All thoughts, suggestions, and feedback are appreciated.

As a guideline, price is not an issue. I'm not all that well off, but I have wasted money in the past thru buying a functionally inferior product, and then running that full circle. Call it the experience of age, or simply the school of hard knocks ... lol

Ridgerunner

RCBS CaseMaster works fine. I can't speak for the rest.

Really - anything with two good v-blocks (that are lined up with each other) and a decent depth indicator, solidly mounted, should work fine. A homemade one should serve the purpose as well.

On tools like these, skill on the user's part ultimately determines how useful they are.

BTW... the RCBS tool will work on stuff up to .50 BMG.

Ditto MikeG's comments.

The RCBS unit works well.

I can recommend the NECO gauge (http://www.neconos.com/details.htm). It works very well, and has an extended anvil to measure case web runout all the way back to the pressure ring, and not just at the neck. This addresses the late Merrill Martin's "banana" case shape problem. Whether the RCBS or other tools have caught up on this measurement or not, I don't know? I haven't followed their development since getting the NECO unit. The NECO gauge also will let you measure individual bullet concentricity (before seating), as well as the runnout of the finished loaded cartridges.

P.S. I should add that I sort all my new unfired brass with that extended anvil to pick out match cases. It is one of those things that is easy to do in front of the television. the variance there is ususally about twice what I see at the neck, but the necks can be turned if necessary, while the rest of the case can't be; at least not conveniently.

I vaguely recall there being some sort of attachment for my RCBS unit that can measure inside the case.... seems like they intend it for checking for separations, but I would have to find and read the instructions to be sure.

Yes, unclenick i've been taking a strong look at the NECO tool. In a way, I guess I was just waiting for someone to mention that product. As near as I can tell, the NECO tool will perform more functions than the other offerings ... I did like the "looks" of the Forster tool, in that by appearance, their tool seemed to offer functional simplicity. Always an asset ... Another reason for giving NECO the nod is that I have their "Quickload" program, and am imensely satisfied with that product.

Thanks also to Mike and kdub ... Over time, you guys have helped me more than you know.

Bill

"I vaguely recall there being some sort of attachment for my RCBS unit that can measure inside the case.... seems like they intend it for checking for separations, but I would have to find and read the instructions to be sure."
Yes, there is- it is a rod with a small hook on the end- works like the old paperclip method, except the rod attaches to the Case Master.
I have the RCBS Case Master, and have had good results with it. However, I've never used any of the other brands enough to fairly evaluate them.
I will say, the RCBS is probably more versatile than some of the dedicated tools aimed at the benchrest market.