Finally got my press and am getting ready to start reloading. I dig out my old vernier caliber but its in 1/128" (0.0078") resolution and according to Amazon and Mitutoyo website, it seems to have 0.002" accuracy. Is the 0.0078" resolution good enough for reloading? I am currently reloading for pistol only and will be reloading 223/5.56 for plinking and 308 later.
Mitutoyo Vernier Caliper 1/128" resolution good enough for reloading?
- Thread starter GarDian
- Start date
This resolution would be good enough for measuring case lengths, but little else in reloading.
To properly measure bullet diameters and case head expansion, you need resolution to .0001" [or .001mm]
This means you need a vernier micrometer, rather than a vernier caliper for the finer measurements.
Regards, Dave.
To properly measure bullet diameters and case head expansion, you need resolution to .0001" [or .001mm]
This means you need a vernier micrometer, rather than a vernier caliper for the finer measurements.
Regards, Dave.
The discussion of the best bang for your buck with vernier calipers came up at Accurate Shooter. The video link below was posted and the iGaging calipers won and were praised by the forum members who had them.
Digital Caliper Round-Up Which Digital Caliper Should I Buy? ~My Recommendation~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yqZx_FNbSs
iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper 0-6" Display Inch/Metric/Fractions Stainless Steel Body
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AQEZ2W/ref=s9_hps_bw_g469_i1
iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 0-6" Digital Electronic Caliper - IP54 Protection / Extreme Accuracy
http://www.amazon.com/iGaging-ABSOLUTE-Digital-Electronic-Caliper/dp/B00INL0BTS/ref=lp_2593869011_1_4?srs=2593869011&ie=UTF8&qid=1441239358&sr=8-4
Digital Caliper Round-Up Which Digital Caliper Should I Buy? ~My Recommendation~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yqZx_FNbSs
iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper 0-6" Display Inch/Metric/Fractions Stainless Steel Body
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AQEZ2W/ref=s9_hps_bw_g469_i1
iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 0-6" Digital Electronic Caliper - IP54 Protection / Extreme Accuracy
http://www.amazon.com/iGaging-ABSOLUTE-Digital-Electronic-Caliper/dp/B00INL0BTS/ref=lp_2593869011_1_4?srs=2593869011&ie=UTF8&qid=1441239358&sr=8-4
Case length and overall length, I would consider .005" to be good enough. .0078" would also be suitable for these purposes in my opinion. This is for general purpose reloading and not ultra-precision long-range competitions or anything like that.
As Eagleeye said, I would want a micrometer for bullet diameters. I have several now but when I started reloading I bought a $20 0-1" micrometer from Lee Valley and I still keep it in a drawer in my reloading desk.
Also remember that many digital calipers and micrometers have an extra nearly-useless digit. Many digital calipers show 4-digits and micrometers show 5-digits. When a caliper shows 4 digits (the 4th digit is often only 0 or 5, nothing else), but the error on the reading is +/- .002" (very common for calipers), how can you have any faith in the digit that's a fraction the size of the possible error? Many modern micrometers are the same but with the 5th digit. If the error is +/- .0002", but it displays .00005", it's a useless reading. No serious machinist, tool and die maker, or others involved in the manufacturing/fabrication industry will trust a caliper smaller than .002" or .001" and a micrometer no smaller than .0002" or .0001".
As Eagleeye said, I would want a micrometer for bullet diameters. I have several now but when I started reloading I bought a $20 0-1" micrometer from Lee Valley and I still keep it in a drawer in my reloading desk.
Also remember that many digital calipers and micrometers have an extra nearly-useless digit. Many digital calipers show 4-digits and micrometers show 5-digits. When a caliper shows 4 digits (the 4th digit is often only 0 or 5, nothing else), but the error on the reading is +/- .002" (very common for calipers), how can you have any faith in the digit that's a fraction the size of the possible error? Many modern micrometers are the same but with the 5th digit. If the error is +/- .0002", but it displays .00005", it's a useless reading. No serious machinist, tool and die maker, or others involved in the manufacturing/fabrication industry will trust a caliper smaller than .002" or .001" and a micrometer no smaller than .0002" or .0001".
Yep, I've seen that youtube video and I think if I do get a digital caliber, the iGaging Absolute Origin will be the one I get. Unless I won the lottery then I will definitely get a Mitutoyo. lol
