Mystery Gauge for shotgun reloading???

[bushwhacker]

The above gauge has two scales marked on it. One is from the end of the smaller threaded piece with the head on it marked in steps of 1/8" up to 1" The other is on the larger part marked in ounces from 1 up to 1 7/8". The two pieces screw together so they can be set on the different marks of 1/8" steps. Obviously for setting something up on a press for reloading shotguns, but what? One suggestion I have heard is to set the depth for wads pressed into a shot-shell. Would this hark back to the days of cardboard wads and roll crimps?
Bill

 

[catnthehatt]

12 gauge chamber gauge??
Cat

 

[VLT79]

I'm thinking it may indeed be used to determine the the number or combination of fiber and cardboard wads needed for "x" amount of shot with "y" amount of powder.

 

[bushwhacker]

I tried the gauge in a fired 12 gauge 2 3/4" hull. It is a good fit once you get past the crimp portion. However, it seemed to me that it would be too long to use to gauge the depth to set a wad, as with the head right to the bottom of empty case, the lightest 1oz or 1 1/8oz marks soon come flush to end of open crimp. Must be to set up the press, but I can't figure out how it would be used. 1oz to 1 1/8oz are standard loads of 12 Ga. 2 3/4" while 1 7/8oz would be in a 3 1/" length.'

 

[3macs1]

Christ guys you are making me feel real old and I am not. I grew up with one of those in my hand
It is a style of or later design Herter Wad Column Gauge. They were made for all gauges and when we reloaded mostly paper hulls
I still have some somewhere but think I sold most of the vintage reloading gear and supplies to a member out west.
Cheers


Dam doesn't everyone still have a stash of good old shotgun reloading supplies. I sold most to help out some guys here but kept some also
Just incase I ever figure out what powder to use to reproduce the Imperial fired hull smell

 

[catnthehatt]

I have several thousand C.I.L. wads and primers on hand and even some Canuck hulls.
When I was a kid there was always a Herters catalogue in the house , and I have some Herters dies, a trimmer and arrow shafts, nocks , fletching and other stuff as well.
I have never however, seen one of those!!
Cat

 

[3macs1]

I have several thousand C.I.L. wads and primers on hand and even some Canuck hulls.
When I was a kid there was always a Herters catalogue in the house , and I have some Herters dies, a trimmer and arrow shafts, nocks , fletching and other stuff as well.
I have never however, seen one of those!!
Cat

Cat you have not lived not having one. I was spoiled growing up with the old man having a small gunshop and doing smith work. Every gadget out there he seemed to have and when kids were learning to ride a bike he was making us shoot and reload
Why do I think I sold you most of my vintage reloading gear and a big box of these old cil components
I know it all went out your way somewhere and I cannot think of another member still into reloading this old stuff
Cheers

 

[bushwhacker]

Thanks for the information 3macs1! This website is a great source of information trading. If anyone has a use for this thing, shoot me a line. Maybe someone out there has a "Firearm Related Relics" collection.
B

 

[catnthehatt]

Cat you have not lived not having one. I was spoiled growing up with the old man having a small gunshop and doing smith work. Every gadget out there he seemed to have and when kids were learning to ride a bike he was making us shoot and reload
Why do I think I sold you most of my vintage reloading gear and a big box of these old cil components
I know it all went out your way somewhere and I cannot think of another member still into reloading this old stuff
Cheers

I think I did buy some stuff off you come to think of it!
With the old man being the shooting sports development manager for C.I.L. , we were always experimenting with different hand loads, factory ammo, and some really cool guns right out of their R&D department.
I had no idea what it cost to buy guns and ammo until I left home!!
But I have to say, I never ever did see one of those thingys!
You and I were very lucky to grow up the way we did with our dad's in the industry.
Cat