Probably THE Dumbest question ever on this forum

Lost...again said:
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Time to buy new calipers tho. To be sure of my measurements I measured known 308 bullets and they too came out at 0.303. So it would seem I have a caliper issue now !! At least I kow Im 5 thou short on everything..............Certainly explains a bunch of cases that trimmed too short LOL.

Thanks for all the help gents............I gotta go buy some new calipers now :) (NOT from Crappy tire this time)...
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If your calipers came from CT, they are likely digital?
If so, they should have a "Zero" button. Clean the inside of the arms so thet they can close completely, then close them together.
Now push the "Zero" button.
The display should read 0.000" and when you measure those bullets they should be pretty close to 0.308"

Then go buy a set of mechanical calipers. The batteries never wear out, and the zero doesn't wander around on you. They don't like being dropped, though.

For very precise measurements, a 0-1" micrometer is very nice. They can be had for relatively cheaply now, too.
 
Thank you all for all the advice and encouragement.
I checked out my calipers and they are goosed.....what a perfect excuse to buy a decent set and a micrometer, told the wife I'd probably die if I didnt get them :)
Thanks also for all the info concerning 30 cal, life is so much simpler now :)
The information, and knowledge on this site is, as always, astonishing and freely shared.
One question and so many reponses.....Thanks again :)
 
firemachine69 said:
Dammit OP, I was hoping for a much dumber question, maybe like "is it safe to drop a lit match in my can of powder"... :D


Seriously though, reloading is a precision art. Best you ask as many questions, almost all reloading stuff is non-returnable, mistakes/purchase errors can add up in a hurry!
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I stand corrected.........."is it safe to drop a lit match in my can of powder".Ya,that would be a dumb question,LOL!!!!Guess it would depend on how fast your reflexes are not to mention your feet..........Best post of the day!
 
Looks like number 2 on my dumbest questions reply (what is the best/favorite reloading manual) has just been posted . Boy that didn't even take a week to surface yet again. We should get a pool going and have prizes awarded for closest day and time one of the top 5 ad nauseum questions pops up.
 
Not the stupidest question, but surely does show you are about 100% clueless when it comes to reloading. Don't feel bad because everyone starts out from there - but you sure do need to spend some time learning before you start loading.

If those bullets actually measure .303 then there is something not quite right. Maybe you are not zeroing your caliper properly? They should be .308".
 
hunter64 said:
Looks like number 2 on my dumbest questions reply (what is the best/favorite reloading manual) has just been posted . Boy that didn't even take a week to surface yet again. We should get a pool going and have prizes awarded for closest day and time one of the top 5 ad nauseum questions pops up.
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Now why is "what's your favourite reloading manual?" a dumb question? That's actually one of the smarter questions for a newbie to ask an experienced reloader.
 
Bullets have 3 dimensions. diameter (.308) weight, and length. The latter two are related, but a solid copper bullet like the Barnes is longer than a lead core bullet., length is what determines twist requirement.

barrels have two dimensions. Groove diameter, which you can measure by driving a lead bullet or ball through the barrel, and bore diameter, which can be measured by pushing through calibrated bore gauges.

A barrel is typically 8 though larger in grove diameter because the opposing grooves are typically about 4 thou deep.
 
There are no stupid question. Measure twice and cut once.

Use this .....
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11-micrometer-caliper_1.jpg


Not this ........
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11-348916caliper.jpg
 
I don't know of any bullet that measures.303,might be a glitch on your caliper.get your measuring equipment sorted because it is important for cartridge over all length (COAL) , empty case length measurement, and other vital tasks.
 
blaxsun said:
No, trust us... the dumbest question ever asked on this forum was if you could shoot into space. :D
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Clever threads are easy to forget but really stupid threads live on forever and give the originator legendary status. Which pretty much explains how US presidential candidates are chosen.
 
I have found digital calipres to give funny readings and lose their zero when the battery is low. You may want to try a new one before tossing them. Always handy to have a spare anyways.
 
hk33ka1 said:
I have found digital calipres to give funny readings and lose their zero when the battery is low. You may want to try a new one before tossing them. Always handy to have a spare anyways.
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Definitely goosed Im afraid. Tried new batteries etc, still read 303!! Measured same bullet on three other sets and it came out at 0.307/0.3075/0,307.
I now have new calipers and spent the whole evening checking case lengths on 160 loads I had made up with the old calipers, fortunately all were under 2015 and over 2.008 so they are still good to go.
I am DEFINITELY getting a set of mechanical calipers and a micrometer fo X-mas tho, just to be sure :)
I guess Im old fshioned cos I still use maps and compasses....never did trust GPS and wont ever trust Digi calipers...not 100% anyway.
I might be a bit of a Neanderthol, but Im not an idiot........Safety first eh

Enjoy your Holidays,parties etc and stay safe.........
 
Lost...again said:
Thanks for all the help. Pretty confident about using them now.

Time to buy new calipers tho. To be sure of my measurements I measured known 308 bullets and they too came out at 0.303. So it would seem I have a caliper issue now !! At least I kow Im 5 thou short on everything..............Certainly explains a bunch of cases that trimmed too short LOL.

Thanks for all the help gents............I gotta go buy some new calipers now :) (NOT from Crappy tire this time)

You all probably guessed I wasnt a weapons tech :)
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I have a few test blocks of different size confirmed with calibrated digital micrometer I etch the numbers on the blocks ex. .2225", .5675" ect. this I use to confirm my calipers same for dial gauges I have precision grind cylinders to test run-out and functionality.
 
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