Calipers for reloading
+14
NuJudge
jmdavis
john bickar
LenV
Tim:H11
Sa-tevp
fpk
Gary Wells
fc60
Wobbley
TomH_pa
james r chapman
KBarth
bdas
18 posters
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Calipers for reloading
I have a cheap pair of electronic calipers that I've been using for reloading, but after a year of frequent use, they have developed a noticeable looseness/wobble. So I'm looking to replace them with something better. But, of course, the prices on calipers are all over the place (from $12 to $1200). I want something that will be reasonably accurate and will last a while, but I don't need to impress a machinist.
The Starrett EC799A 6" model costs $130 (https://www.amazon.com/Starrett-EC799A-6-150-Electronic-Resolution/dp/B00WSOU772) and seems to my layman's eye like a good, but pricey, choice. But before I spend that kind of money on calipers, I figured I'd ask if you all have suggestions for good calipers that cost less or might somehow be a better choice for reloading.
Thanks,
Dave
The Starrett EC799A 6" model costs $130 (https://www.amazon.com/Starrett-EC799A-6-150-Electronic-Resolution/dp/B00WSOU772) and seems to my layman's eye like a good, but pricey, choice. But before I spend that kind of money on calipers, I figured I'd ask if you all have suggestions for good calipers that cost less or might somehow be a better choice for reloading.
Thanks,
Dave
Re: Calipers for reloading
I just use the hornady digital calipers
KBarth- Posts : 511
Join date : 2017-05-18
Age : 28
Location : Missouri
Re: Calipers for reloading
Any of the cheap ones will work.
james r chapman- Admin
- Posts : 6325
Join date : 2012-01-31
Age : 75
Location : HELL, Michigan
Re: Calipers for reloading
Agreed No need to spend $100+ on any caliper. If you need to be more accurate.....don't use calipers
TomH_pa- Posts : 160
Join date : 2017-03-17
Re: Calipers for reloading
This pair is made by SPI and they should last you for more than a year.
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tnpla/44706968?cid=ppc-google-New+-+Measuring+%26+Inspecting+-+PLA_sONSG18VW___164110844316_t_S&mkwid=sONSG18VW%7Cdt&pcrid=164110844316&rd=k&product_id=44706968&gclid=CJbSjeHbn9QCFViUfgodeXcK2w
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tnpla/44706968?cid=ppc-google-New+-+Measuring+%26+Inspecting+-+PLA_sONSG18VW___164110844316_t_S&mkwid=sONSG18VW%7Cdt&pcrid=164110844316&rd=k&product_id=44706968&gclid=CJbSjeHbn9QCFViUfgodeXcK2w
Wobbley- Admin
- Posts : 4736
Join date : 2015-02-12
Re: Calipers for reloading
Greetings,
It is hard to beat the price and quality of a set of Mitutoyo 0-6" digital calipers.
It is a tool you will use forever; so, buy a new set and take care of them.
Last I saw, they were still made in Japan, not China.
Cheers,
Dave
It is hard to beat the price and quality of a set of Mitutoyo 0-6" digital calipers.
It is a tool you will use forever; so, buy a new set and take care of them.
Last I saw, they were still made in Japan, not China.
Cheers,
Dave
fc60- Posts : 1425
Join date : 2011-06-11
Location : South Prairie, WA 98385
Re: Calipers for reloading
$ 4 $, lb. 4 lb., Mitutoyo's are the best bang out there. Not free though.
Gary Wells- Posts : 370
Join date : 2015-09-07
Re: Calipers for reloading
Completely agree with this, I love mine. Have several other cheap ones, but these really are repeatable, which is the difference between $20 one and these.fc60 wrote:Greetings,
It is hard to beat the price and quality of a set of Mitutoyo 0-6" digital calipers.
It is a tool you will use forever; so, buy a new set and take care of them.
Last I saw, they were still made in Japan, not China.
Cheers,
Dave
paul
Re: Calipers for reloading
When I went shopping for some quality calipers some helpful people at work sent me to the metrology shop. The shop lead was very helpful and suggested that Starrett, to him, was coasting on their name. Since his shop has to certify calipers for aerospace use and sees a lot come through his shop for re-certification, he recommended Mitutoyos like our company buys by the hundreds as his experience was they held up well, even when mechanics use them.
I purchased my Mitutoyo at MSC https://www.mscdirect.com/ as about ten years ago there were counterfeits on fleabay and MSC supplies my company. Shop around as the prices vary a lot depending on who is selling it.
I purchased my Mitutoyo at MSC https://www.mscdirect.com/ as about ten years ago there were counterfeits on fleabay and MSC supplies my company. Shop around as the prices vary a lot depending on who is selling it.
Sa-tevp- Posts : 953
Join date : 2013-07-20
Location : Georgia
Re: Calipers for reloading
Since you're talking measuring tools for reloading - whats the best way to measure the crimp? I have a hard time getting a consistent measurement.
Tim:H11- Posts : 2133
Join date : 2015-11-04
Age : 36
Location : Midland, GA
Re: Calipers for reloading
once again, if your only measuring overall length and not going to be doing anything otherwise that requires .001 accuracy, any plastic one at harbor freight will work.
If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, and don't need more guns, than by all means buy a Nice
798BX-6/150 Electronic Caliper w/ Carbide Jaws, Stainless Steel, SPC Output, .0005" Res., 0-6" Measuring Range
798BX-6/150
$356.00 USD Ea
If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, and don't need more guns, than by all means buy a Nice
798BX-6/150 Electronic Caliper w/ Carbide Jaws, Stainless Steel, SPC Output, .0005" Res., 0-6" Measuring Range
798BX-6/150
$356.00 USD Ea
james r chapman- Admin
- Posts : 6325
Join date : 2012-01-31
Age : 75
Location : HELL, Michigan
Re: Calipers for reloading
There is no "one" answer. I prefer my method.Tim:H11 wrote:Since you're talking measuring tools for reloading - whats the best way to measure the crimp? I have a hard time getting a consistent measurement.
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t4672-measuring-the-taper-crimp?highlight=measuring+the+crimp
LenV- Posts : 4738
Join date : 2014-01-24
Age : 74
Location : Oregon
Re: Calipers for reloading
.45 and .223. Used to do some .32 S&W, but it was too difficult.
Ohhhh, calipers. I misread that. Must be the fort.
Ohhhh, calipers. I misread that. Must be the fort.
john bickar- Posts : 2250
Join date : 2011-07-09
Age : 100
Location : Menlo Park, CA
Re: Calipers for reloading
I have dillon, rcbs, Lyman and harbor freight. The only problem I had with a set was trying to use it to measure patching material thickness. I industry on dial rather than digital. And having a number means that I can keep a set at the loading bench, another at the drill press, a third in the Gunsmithing toolbox and the fourth with my mechanics tools. The most exoensivecset was $39. But that was 10 years ago.
jmdavis- Posts : 1409
Join date : 2012-03-23
Location : Virginia
Re: Calipers for reloading
Dial calipers are cheaper and don't need batteries. We sent men to the moon with rockets built using dial calipers, is that not precise enough?
Guest- Guest
If I want .001" precision, I want a micrometer
Give some thought to getting a micrometer also. I have much more faith in readings I get with them, when things get really small.
NuJudge- Posts : 260
Join date : 2011-09-22
Age : 67
Location : SE Michigan
Re: Calipers for reloading
My advice is to go on eBay and find a deal on older 6" Brown & Sharpe dial calipers. They're Swiss made. You're taking a chance in buying used and I'd never buy one with a cracked dial cyrstal. However, if you find the right one, you'll have a very high quality tool at 1/4 the price that you can pass down for generations. I can't speak for their newer tools.
This is an example, but I notice a crack in the dial crystal. http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-BROWN-AND-SHARPE-6-INCH-DIAL-CALIPER-579-WITH-CASE-SHOCKPROOF-SWISS-/262991692758?hash=item3d3b86c3d6:g:amoAAOSwmCVY-Bz~
This is an example, but I notice a crack in the dial crystal. http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-BROWN-AND-SHARPE-6-INCH-DIAL-CALIPER-579-WITH-CASE-SHOCKPROOF-SWISS-/262991692758?hash=item3d3b86c3d6:g:amoAAOSwmCVY-Bz~
dsandula- Posts : 72
Join date : 2013-08-20
Re: Calipers for reloading
My Frankford Arsenal digital cheapo ($26) works great after 2 1/2 years of reloading and general measurement use. I do treat them gently.
Bigtrout- Posts : 417
Join date : 2015-06-21
Age : 83
Location : Richmond, VT
Re: Calipers for reloading
I bought my used Starrett 6" dial caliper on e-bay, there are a lot of them available and you should be able to get a nice one for around 40-60 bucks.
troystaten- Posts : 814
Join date : 2012-04-18
Re: Calipers for reloading
Brown and Sharpe makes quality tools and can be found fairly cheap on fleebay.. all my Mikes are B&S. Electronic calipers are not worth the $$ until you get into the upper price range. A dial indicator is more repeatable in the lower price ranges.
jglenn21- Posts : 2609
Join date : 2015-04-07
Age : 76
Location : monroe , ga
Re: Calipers for reloading
Wobbley wrote:This pair is made by SPI and they should last you for more than a year.
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tnpla/44706968?cid=ppc-google-New+-+Measuring+%26+Inspecting+-+PLA_sONSG18VW___164110844316_t_S&mkwid=sONSG18VW%7Cdt&pcrid=164110844316&rd=k&product_id=44706968&gclid=CJbSjeHbn9QCFViUfgodeXcK2w
First, thank you to everyone who responded. It's always great to learn from the vast experience here.
Second, does anyone else have experience with SPI brand calipers? MSC Direct has some nice, well-reviewed 6" Mitutoyo's for $156, but if these SPI's are reasonably good for $52... well, it's hard to look past the fact that they are 1/3 the price.
Dave
Re: Calipers for reloading
They will work for what you want.
james r chapman- Admin
- Posts : 6325
Join date : 2012-01-31
Age : 75
Location : HELL, Michigan
Re: Calipers for reloading
SPI is an import brand made worldwide. Likely these are made somewhere in Asia based on the price. SPI is acceptable in most Metrology departments and Machine shops that do high grade work.
Wobbley- Admin
- Posts : 4736
Join date : 2015-02-12
Re: Calipers for reloading
SPI is an acronym for Swiss Precision Industries, who, over the years has distributed precision measuring instruments & tooling such as Etalon, Tesa, Intertest, & other brands.
Gary Wells- Posts : 370
Join date : 2015-09-07
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