I have been using a small one for some time. I don't have a large one...but I don't use any large primers that are crimped. The gauge works well.

 

Don't believe it is just for crimped, checks all primer pockets

 

I've been using one for about a year now on all my cases. For some it will be viewed as a worthless step because you can tell when the primer seats too easily.

Using this tool is a piece of cake. When I have a set of de-primed cases, nose down in either a loading block or box, I merely run up and down the rows with the large -NO GO end and check the pockets. No wasted primers which can add up over time.

I just see it as another step in case inspection and how much of that one does is up to them. Some people merely pick up their brass, shake off the dirt, and reload it. Others take pains to clean it, inspect well for flaws (including loose primer pockets) and only then reload the brass that is "worthy". There are those that also fall somewhere in between.

When it comes to tools for reloading, a tool like this makes far more sense to the "masses" than a "Thousand Dollar Scale" capable of measuring the weight of "Mosquito Poop".

 

Can't say I really see the utility in this, since you'll discover loose pockets when seating primers. A guy could throw away 500 primers before paying for these tools. Then you consider that primers come in differing sizes and cup thicknesses which denote you can't really check with a tool anyway. A guy would end up culling cases that primers may still seal.

If that's not convincing enough, then consider that you're adding yet another step to the loading process. No big deal if you are used to loading 20-50 pieces at a time. Guys like me that load 500-1000 at a time... well one more step is time I won't get back.

 

I don't use the gauge to see if a primer pocket is too loose. It really is useless for that. I use it to set up the swage rod on the 1050 to make sure that it is swaging enough.,.but not too much. I don't check every case, but just once in a while to make sure everything is still running correct. I Have one toolhead for prepping 223 and one for converting 300 blackout. I usually start with crimped brass and it is very frustrating to find by trying to seat a primer that the pocket is still too tight.

I don't see a use for these in precision loading or non crimped brass.

 

Orkan
I'm retired so adding a step doesn't bother me. LOL I know they are not 100% but can't hurt!