Calipers (not calibers) for reloading

[Mohave-Tec]

weekender823, much appreciated. I should have known about the screws but can't say that I did. The end result was real telling. I was getting a variance of .0015 if I measured close to the outset of the jaws or up next to the slide. I was able to take out between .0005 and .001 with mostly the back screw but now I can't open the jaws much past the length of a .223 case, which is what 95% of my measuring is. If I loosen the rear screw enough to measure a 270 case then I re-introduce the .0015 slop again for my 223 cases. Since 223 measures head space off the shoulder and these calipers are obviously run in for the 223, maybe I'll make these a dedicated 223 caliper and go get a good pair for all the other work I do. I appreciate the awakening. It proves that I am actually starting to ware these calipers out. They've measured over 20,000 cases anyway. I think I'm getting my money's worth out of a $30 set of calipers.

 

[Blue68f100]

I have a set of HF and they are off 0.002"-0.003" when you get in certain areas. Unless you have some std's to confirm the accuracy beware they may not be accurate. I use a set of Mitutoyo Absolute most of the time. But these were 10x the cost.

 

[2bfree]

I have both a Dillon dial and Cabelas digital. I use the digital for setup and the dial to occasionally check my loads OAL while loading, it is faster.

 

[Level10]

Another vote for Kobalt Calipers especially with its warranty at Lowes. Have compared to other top dollar brands and have found no variation. As long as they have great repeatability then you are GTG unless you need a pair that is more precise than .0005"

 

[mtrmn]

For case length and other not-so-critical measurements I use my 30 yr old plastic RCBS dial caliper. I have Starret for more critical stuff.

 

[medalguy]

Got a Starrett and a very old Craftsman that I bought about 1965 I guess. Both are dead-on accurate but then I take good care of them. I also have a couple of reference blocks 1.000 and 6.000 inches to verify my calipers every year or so. Takes the worry out of being close.

 

[bainter1212]

Harbor freight, less than 20 bucks. With a coupon I replaced my old one for 11 bucks. They also had dial. The coupons are available on their web site. They almost always have a coupon for this thing. The digital works very well and if you drop it too many times, just get another. It looks amazingly just like some I see with fancy names for a lot more $;

Russellc

+1
Mine are the digital ones from Harbor Freight. They are spot on and the battery lasts forever.

 

[RussellC]

+1
Mine are the digital ones from Harbor Freight. They are spot on and the battery lasts forever.

My latest one even came with an extra battery!

Russellc

 

[rcmodel]

Same here.

I've had mine at least four years, maybe more.
And the extra battery if still in the plastic package it came in.

There used to be some problems with the older cases turning on the calipers when the lid snapped shut. And continuing to hold down the power button.

The new cases don't.
If you have an older case, cut the hard foam rubber out where it contacts the switches.

Rc

 

[ironworkerwill]

I have the Mitutoyo dial caliper. They have worked great for years. I don't have any thing aginst the El Cheapo but its nice to have a good one just to check the cheap one.

 

[Bexar]

Have any of y'all ever used the RCBS Precision Headspace Micrometers? If so what opinion do you have on them?

 

[Mohave-Tec]

I think at this point, what I've learned from this thread, is that I should start by returning my $30 Kobalt to Lowe's and get the exact same thing in return. Then I can still get a great set.