Father Kit Cool Gun Garth Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 NOTE: I changed the title of the Post from "The Best?" to "What do you use? In a recent post I started regarding Ammo questions, the mention of a set of calipers came up. I mentioned that although I currently do not reload, I was already checking out a set of calipers to purchase when I do reload. When I inquired as to whether the calipers I was thinking about*, Phantom replied that "18 dollar calipers...Ain't close to the best." For those of you that reload, what calipers do you use and why did you chose it or why do you like it? After posting this I did some additional reading prompting the following questions: 1. Prefer digital over dial, or vice-versa, and why? 2. Do you actually have a set of both, digital and dial? 3. What size - 6", 8" or other? * VINCA DCLA-0605 Quality Electronic Digital Vernier Caliper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrel Cody Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Don't over analyze it Kit, like others have said get something at a decent price and run with it. My first set was the cheapest I could find off Amazon. It still works, but I got another one because I set the battery cover down on my workbench and the Gremlins moved it somewhere. I don't even see a brand on the one I use now, $15.00 off eBay. I may do like Assassin and get some dial calipers; never have to worry about batteries again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokestack SASS#87384 Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 $18 calipers are not even comparable to “the best”, but you also don’t need “the best” for what we do. You want a good set, get a set of Mitutoyo, Beown and Sharpe, or Starret. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Driftwood Johnson, SASS #38283 Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Howdy I'm old fashioned. I have always kept a Starrett 6" Dial Caliper on my loading bench. By the way, where I used to work these were regularly referred to as Verniers. Which they are not. Why Starrett? Because they are the best. A good friend of mine who is an old school machinist once told me he did not trust dial calipers because a chip can jump into the rack, throwing everything off. I later realized that if a chip jumps into the rack the measurement will be so far off that it will be obvious. Pretty simple to reset anyway. Plus he was in a machine shop where chips were flying around all the time. Not a lot of chips on my reloading bench. He swears by Vernier calipers, but last time I talked to him he had an 8" digital Mitutoyo. http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/1202-6 I do have a Mitutoyo 8" digital caliper too, for when I need to measure something longer than 6". I used digital calipers at work for years, so when I wanted something larger than 6" I went with this 8" digital caliper from Mitutoyo. Also a very good brand. Just so you know, with a dial caliper with .001 graduations on the dial, you can interpolate the tenths. With a digital, it will default to either .0000 or .0005. Not that we ever really need that kind of accuracy, that's what a micrometer is for. https://www.grainger.com/product/1ZRR3?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrd2u4Mj63wIVFInICh2_jgIEEAQYASABEgLOYfD_BwE&cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIrd2u4Mj63wIVFInICh2_jgIEEAQYASABEgLOYfD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!56542783677!!!g!102360815157! What ever you decide to buy, buy metal, not plastic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazy Eeyour Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Just for reference: http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/EC799A-6~150 https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/86487592 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckshot Sheridan Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Most of the metal ones made would be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokestack SASS#87384 Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 If you want cheap, a vernier caliper should do what you need for measuring OAL for SASS etc. I wouldn’t waste my money though on anything with a dial or digital readout that costs less than about $80 minimum. Just because it has 4 numbers after the decimal doesn’t mean that they are accurate enough to care what they are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack, SASS #20451 Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 I have gone through many calipers over the last 50 years. First vernier then dial. (still have some Starret dial ones). I currently use digital ones. Expensive $200+ from Starrett and Mitutoyo in the machine shop but in my reloading room I use a pair of Fowler Euro-cal IV 6". Very good calipers for the money. I do however use an expensive 4 place Mitutoyo micrometer in my reloading room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom, SASS #54973 Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Just to be precise, you asked what the best calipers for reloading were as you didn't want to buy twice... Hence my response. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lead Monger Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Starrett and Mitutoyo make excellent dial calipers. Accurate and easy to read. The vernier scale calipers require better eyes than I have to read. For most quick reference checking when loading cartridges I use a less expensive Frankford Arsenal digital caliper. It is accurate, easy to read and will display in SAE or metric scales with the push of a button. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Quote After posting this I did some additional reading prompting the following questions: 1. Prefer digital over dial, or vice-versa, and why? 2. Do you actually have a set of both, digital and dial? 3. What size - 6", 8" or other? First of all, the best is an anomalous term for the majority of the reloading applications needed for calipers ... * All of my calibers 6 - 8" - vernier and digital calipers are Harbor Freight. Determined that the digital caliper readings are 0.002 different than measured with certified plug gauges * Most used is the 6" set of vernier calipers which is always laying on top of the work bench And not mentioned for accurate readings in the reloading room are high priced micrometers: * Have 2" Mitutoyo inside & outside ones Plus a reloading room IMO is not complete if it does not have a set 0.2 - 0.5 set of go- no go plug gauges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badlands Bob #61228 Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 I've been using the Frankford Arsenal digital caliper for several years. It works fine for reloading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Look hard at the Starrett model #120A. It's a 6" dial type. USA made. Good price here- https://www.amazon.com/Starrett-120A-6-Stainless-Accuracy-Resolution/dp/B00002254I Starrett- http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/120A-6 Just remember, that cheap tools will never save you 1 cent..... OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ripsaw Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Short answer, any 6 inch $25 set of digital calipers from any of hundreds of sellers on ebay will work fine for reloading. A noted youtube machinist, Abom79, (look him up, his videos are pretty cool) tested an inexpensive digital caliper against known metrology standards and compared that to a Starrett. He found virtually no difference. In my shop I have a variety of calipers, from a plastic dial unit that I use for woodworking that reads in fractional inches, to a vintage Craftsman vernier to a Lyman dial and Mitutoyo digital and another $15 digital bought off ebay. (All are 6 inches. I have another 12 inch digital, but that is overkill for this discussion). For reloading purposes, any of them (other than the plastic one) is perfectly fine. I still like the no batteries required verniers because that's what I've used for 40 years. But I'm more and more often picking up the digital because it's so easy to read. Even my $15 digital calipers read within .0005" of the Mitutoyo. Those that noted Starrett is the best are arguably correct, though Brown & Sharpe and Lufkin make very good stuff. Mitutoyo is close behind and much more affordable. Starrett stuff is almost out of reach for any one who needs a complete set of metrology tools, and Mitutoyo has quality tools that suffice in all but the most demanding applications. I have a couple Starrett micrometers and they are fine. And by fine, I don't mean, "ok." I mean fine as in perfection. Not necessarily more accurate, but perfection in function, proper tactile feedback, smooth operation, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadshot Dan Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Doe's anybody have any idea what brand the digital calipers from Dillon are ? I have a set of them and have used them for 5 or 6 year's with no problem's. Iv'e alway's wondered how accurate they would be against a better pair. Think these were around $ 30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 3 minutes ago, Deadshot Dan said: Doe's anybody have any idea what brand the digital calipers from Dillon are ? I have a set of them and have used them for 5 or 6 year's with no problem's. Iv'e alway's wondered how accurate they would be against a better pair. Think these were around $ 30. No clue who made'em. Just be sure to confirm a "O" reading before each use session, and you'll be fine. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadshot Dan Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 5 minutes ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said: No clue who made'em. Just be sure to confirm a "O" reading before each use session, and you'll be fine. OLG Iv'e looked them over well, paper work too, and no brand or maker. They do always hold their zero and seem to do a good job. Thank's Lump. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 2 minutes ago, Deadshot Dan said: Iv'e looked them over well, paper work too, and no brand or maker. They do always hold their zero and seem to do a good job. Thank's Lump. Change the battery on a regular schedule. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadshot Dan Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 3 minutes ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said: Change the battery on a regular schedule. OLG If i'm not using them on a regular basis i take the battery out of them also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 10 minutes ago, Deadshot Dan said: If i'm not using them on a regular basis i take the battery out of them also. If they have an 'OFF' button. Not really necessary. Doesn't hurt to either.... OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I. M. Crossdraw, SASS# 8321 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 I have both digital and dial. Prefer the dial one as I don't have to worry about replacing batteries. If using for reloading, a good dial caliper will do. If using for machining, well, get the best that money can buy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 I own and used Mitutoyo, Starrett, Brown and Sharpe precision measuring tools for 40 years. They were expensive and necessary to measure down to half a ten thousandth of an inch. The $20 dial calipers from HF, Franklin Armory, General tool and others are reliable and accurate enough (+/- half a thousandth) for reloading. Imis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom, SASS #54973 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 1 hour ago, Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646 said: I own and used Mitutoyo, Starrett, Brown and Sharpe precision measuring tools for 40 years. They were expensive and necessary to measure down to half a ten thousandth of an inch. The $20 dial calipers from HF, Franklin Armory, General tool and others are reliable and accurate enough (+/- half a thousandth) for reloading. Imis Yes, but he wanted the "best". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rainmaker, SASS #11631 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Sorry Ripsaw, I don't care what joe machinist on youtube said. After calibrating and repairing these for over 30 years for the military, the best and most reliable (repeatable) are Starrett, B&S and Mitutoyo. Period! Yes, there are many other brands out there that will work fine for what we do, but the best are these. And like OLG said, make sure you start your measurements with a good zero. Take care of them and they will last a very long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunder Creek Kid Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Starrett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Kit Cool Gun Garth Posted January 20, 2019 Author Share Posted January 20, 2019 First of all I wish to thank everyone who responded to this post. Your comments and input will be invaluable when making my decision when I am ready to reload. As Phantom so eloquently stated, I did ask for the best, which may have been, on my part, the wrong way to ask the question. It appears that many variations of calipers are being used by those of you that reload, and I guess my intention was to find out how accurate of a measurement do I need to prevent re-loading catastrophes. Who would have thought that getting reloading equipment all the way down to a set of calipers would be as difficult and expensive as obtaining your CAS equipment. (Should I go with a Marlin or a Winchester, Stoeger or a 97, Ruger Vaqueros or Colt SAA's). Budgets seem to always collide with quality. I have learned a lot, and still have much research to do before I ever delve into the reloading arena. I did find the following video helpful in answering the primary question of quality in calipers that may be informative for those having the same questions I have raised regarding caliper acquisition. Thank you again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 having both digital and dial , I would say get both the batt is always dead when all I can grab is the digitals always keep a couple extra batts in the case with them I keep a set of dials in every shop , just in case , I don't want to track down a batt Chickasaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Both the dial and dig. have 'gib' screws in the top of the slide rail. That must be kept adjusted to remove the wobble. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadshot Dan Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 2 hours ago, Father Kit Cool Gun Garth said: First of all I wish to thank everyone who responded to this post. Your comments and input will be invaluable when making my decision when I am ready to reload. As Phantom so eloquently stated, I did ask for the best, which may have been, on my part, the wrong way to ask the question. It appears that many variations of calipers are being used by those of you that reload, and I guess my intention was to find out how accurate of a measurement do I need to prevent re-loading catastrophes. Who would have thought that getting reloading equipment all the way down to a set of calipers would be as difficult and expensive as obtaining your CAS equipment. (Should I go with a Marlin or a Winchester, Stoeger or a 97, Ruger Vaqueros or Colt SAA's). Budgets seem to always collide with quality. I have learned a lot, and still have much research to do before I ever delve into the reloading arena. I did find the following video helpful in answering the primary question of quality in calipers that may be informative for those having the same questions I have raised regarding caliper acquisition. Thank you again. Judging from what the reviewer on this video say's the EZ Cal set on the bottom left sound like a pretty decent caliper. Found them on flea-bay for less than $30 free shipping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Mitutoyo no. 505-629 serves my needs. Good to .001". I am sure there are better but, as has been said, no need for what we need in the reloading room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Been happy with the Frankford Arsenal brand for the reloading bench, and at work (as a maintenance tech,not as a machinist). I like that it has an on/off button. I used to have a brand without the on/off button and it seemed like the battery never lasted very long. I always get a kick out of seeing the Frankford Arsenal brand displayed in reference photos in Handloader magazine. https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Electronic-Caliper-Reloading/dp/B0018E9FVC/ref=asc_df_B0018E9FVC/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726540815597&psc=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheyenne Culpepper 32827 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 I've got Brown & Sharpe,, 45 yrs old,, fantastic,, paid $125 I believe back then,, maybe,,, that was a long time ago,,, Mitutoyo can't hold a candle to them,,, used them in manufacturing for years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 For those that have or want digital calipers, they take LR44 batteries. Save your money going to the Rx stores to buy them. These come with free shipping ... https://www.dx.com/s/LR44 batteries?cateId=0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 I like the Digital calipers from Harbor Freight. Perfect for what we do. I wait for them to go on sale for $9.99. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Lets kinda sorta try and remember, we're talking about reloading here. Not necessarily precision machine of balls or bearings. We have available a reliable and repeatable go - no go gauge nearby if needed. I've found, over 50 years of reloading, measuring ammunition down to the thousandth is a waste of time. The only question is does it fit ..... yes/no. Done. But ... ir you simply must measure stuff, a 20 dollar dial caliper will do just fine. Just check ZERO when ever you use it. Well and example, just for grins. Does the 44-40 round fit the cylinder ... yes ... don't do anything. If ....No .... Do it over so it fits. You can't measure the shoulder anyway. Have to look for skuff marks. PS: General Tool makes a nice inexpensive Dial Caliper that will do everything we might need a caliper for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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