Reloading calipers?

[zr600]

Ok what's everybody use for a caliper for reloading? I had a cheap one from Menards and it stopped measuring right. Basically the measurements are in half almost from what they should be. Should I just buy another cheap one or get a Mitutoyo?

 

[FEENIX]

Ok what's everybody use for a caliper for reloading? I had a cheap one from Menards and it stopped measuring right. Basically the measurements are in half almost from what they should be. Should I just buy another cheap one or get a Mitutoyo?

I am not sure what you are considering cheap ones (Frankford Arsenal, Hornady, RCBS, ~$25-30 for the digital, etc.), but if you can afford the Mitutoyo go for it.

 

[19 Badger]

Mitutoyo..... I use a set with a dial (I dont care for the electronic style). I also use a set of RCBS calipers that actually work very good as well.

 

[FEENIX]

Mitutoyo..... I use a set with a dial (I dont care for the electronic style). I also use a set of RCBS calipers that actually work very good as well.

My old eyes are having trouble reading the marks. But in my machine shop days in the 1980s, the vernier type is all we used.

 

[Mikecr]

For shoulder bumping, CBTO, basic go no-go stuff, a caliper good for 1thou accuracy is all you'll probably ever need.
I've used an inexpensive Lyman for ~20yrs, no problem or regrets with it: https://www.sinclairintl.com/reload...-tools/calipers/digital-caliper-prod7998.aspx

Where I need better resolution, that's where I invest more for dial indicators, and more still for micrometers +ball mic +blade mic.

 

[Gwine]

I just got the i-gaging absolute origin ($42) calipers for a second set to go with my 20 yr old Dillon dial calipers. So far they feel sturdy. This may seem small, but one item I like is the battery (cr2032) is the same as multiple other items in my shop. Not the tiny battery in other digitals.

 

[jimbires]

these are what I use


Mitutoyo 500-196-30 AOS Absolute Digimatic Caliper, 0 to 6" (globaltestsupply.com)

 

[Tiny Tim]

I work in a machine shop and Mitutoyo is all we use. Like Feenix said, if you can afford them, buy them. In the end, most of what we measure with them doesn't require the expense.

 

[sturner]

Been using mitutoyo for years

 

[sierracharlie338]

I'm a mitutoyo fan now. Had a Lyman set crap out and decided to bite the bullet. Very happy thus far

 

[nksmfamjp]

I use the Hornady digital...they are easy to read and consistent. They always read right on my 1" gage block.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

I-GAUGING ABSOLUTE ORIGIN! I wasnt a fan of digital until I got these calipers. Very accurate, repeatable, and has cut down on the stupid math errors that I sometimes introduce into the equation. Highly recommend these

 

[William W.]

I use the electronic Mitutoyo that measures to 0.0005, as I have a small hobby milling machine.

 

[RCMSTER]

You want the best, go for a Brown & Sharpe. I was a machinist for a few years, and my calipers, mics, and dial indicators were all Brown & Sharpe, and pretty much that was the standard for everybody. There were some Mitutoyo's as well, and they were fine as well.