Digital Calipers

I shoot primarily revolvers, using standard dies, standard brass and standard bullets. While a simple ruler would probably be enough for my needs, it's nice to own a real dial caliper. For normal use though, I split the difference with a HF digital...

HF calipers are no a bargain if you have to replace them every two years.
My Mity has worked flawlessly since 2003. I recently verified it's accuracy with gage blocks that have a certified tolerance of 4 millionths of an inch. The Mity was still perfect after 18 years.

I got tired of expensive digital calipers

This is the set off my reloading bench.

<-------- Note my join date to THR - that's about when I started reloading. This set is from then. Also notice the nice screen from forgetting it was in the Akro bin and letting finished rounds dump on it.....but it still works (I'd be sick if that was a $150+ set, but $9.99 I don't really care). Also if you can tell in the pics from one set to the other, see how the cracked face set is also dimmer display? That's a sign the battery is low. Will go for several weeks like that until it starts getting wonky from low battery, but that the HF ones just suddenly have a dead battery....not in my experience - they give plenty of warning and every set I have always does auto-off correctly.

Anyway, just stupid posts to pass the time.....in the end, buy whatever you like. I would say if you have an extra $X to put into something for your reloading setup, I'd put that money into a scale or something that makes case prep faster or additional reference books or some better press lighting or.......long list of stuff I'd recommend someone put the $ into before putting it into big $ calipers.

I picked up a digital calipers from snap-on, they are the blue point version, but have worked well for 2xyears.

I keep a set of digital calipers on my computer desk and work bench. One set came from Cabelas and the other is Vinca. I keep them in the case so they don't have a tendency to get dropped. I take the batteries out if I don't use them for a month or so. And I bought AG44 batteries in bulk so I have enough for at least a few more years.

Digital is fine. And easier to read as your eyes get older.

Wreck-n-Crew said:

The best quality for price with digital calipers is the igaging EZcal IMHO. Big common battery, easy to change, long battery life accurate, and big readout.

Quality Control certificate doesnt always mean anything but they really are smooth. Return to zero well.

Click to expand...

I really like the pair I got.

The guys using pin gauges and standards have the right idea.

No matter what one you have you should check them from time to time with a range of standards. At that point you know your trust is misplaced and if you can accept the accuracy the inexpensive units bring to the table.