In 2009 we changed the design of our case length gauges to the one piece configuration we currently manufacture. We were concerned about premature wear of the tip of the gauge, so before changing over we set up a test fixture on a CNC mill that repeatedly pressed the tip of the gauge against a lock stud to simulate the loads it would be subjected to in use. We found that after several thousands of cycles the tip of the gauge wore a divot into the lock stud, without losing any of its length. When using the case length gauge, let the cutter do the work. Use only light pressure to push the cutter into the case mouth. Pushing too hard will cause the cutter to dig in and turn up a burr that causes the gauge to bind in the case neck and/or trim the cases too small.
