Quote Originally Posted by barrel-nut
I've never tried it, but I would bet that using a max book charge in a chamber with well below minimum headspace would result in over pressure.
Sure it could but that is why you never start with "max book charges" in ANY gun. Lots of things other than short headspace could result in that problem. Not saying I don't use gauges (I do and adjust my dies accordingly) but the idea that it would ever be safe to put a max charge in an untested rifle/chamber is way more dangerous than using fired FL sized brass!

Biggest problem with using fired, FL sized brass as your gauge is how soft/springy/easy to crush brass is.