Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Caliper recommendations

I recently got an 8" digital caliper that seems the perfect length - NO - it's not necessary but I really like using it at the reloading bench. To me it seems just the right amount of handhold remaining when measuring a LA cartridge with the Hornady comparators...

This is the calipers I use. Mitutoyo ABSOLUTE 500-197-20, I have used them since 1992 and only changed the battery twice. Mine has a different color and style because of it's age.

One of the benefits to a dial is there isn't a battery to change

I'd not recommend the Lyman. I have one of the dial version, and it's just not well made. Readings vary, ever-so-slightly. It's just a cheap piece. My dad has a Craftsman dial caliper that he bought when we first started reloading, roughly 30 years ago, and it's still tight and smooth to work with. I'm starting now to build my workshop and that includes my reloading equipment. So this post is right on time.

Beware the Mitutoyo fakes. There's info on the web of how to pick them.

I hear you, changing that battery every 12 years is a real pain in the ass.

Hard for a dial to have an electrical failure...

Hard to beat the digital Mitutoyo for $100.

That said, the instrument lab at my work has been using several Hazard Frought digital calipers for years. Many of the mechanics, techs, and engineers have their own calipers but those that don't borrow the HF units from the lab. They've held up just fine (and being loaners they don't get gentle treatment). They get regular calibration inspections with traceable reference gages/blocks. We're an ISO 9001 facility.

But if you're willing to spend $100, I'd just get the Mitutoyo. The Hazard Froughts seem to work fine if you get a good one but the battery covers are weak and they seem to drain the batteries even when not in use.

Jason

Another fan of the (especially Mitutoyo) dial caliper. Though I regularly also use a Starrett, Browne & Sharpe, an ancient (excellent) Chinese 6", and a well-used, plastic, General cheapie.

My machinist toolbox had both digital and dial calipers. Digital went to 24" dial to 18". Prows and cons to both. None of them do well with the drop test. Now I use only my thirty plus year old Starrett 6" and they still do what I need them to do. There are advantages to the Mitutoyo in dirty environments as they do a better job of keeping the rack covered.

As to digital, for most use the cheep are almost as good as those costing a lot more. Battery life is great on most and they are more forgiving than dials in dirt. I do laugh at those that read to 0.0005" as standard calibration for any caliper is 0.002" over any 6" of their length. Good enough for most reloading work.

+1

Using a dial caliper with a bullet comparator is a PITA. I have both, and the digitals are just faster.

This one is getting good reviews and seems to be a good value...

Mine are American made Starrett - everybody these days is cheapening the brand whatever the product. Unless you need to work with a Datamyte and machinists milk I suggest whatever catches your eye and call it good. Given the expected lifetime of use it doesn't hurt to buy the best but it doesn't help anything either. Mitutoyo dial for the long haul but disposable will do for reloading.

I'm guessing your truck has a pull start?

I now use the old Helios E.German dial calipers probably last the rest of my life, also had harbor freight digital and frankford arsenal dial before but they would crap out after 8-12 months.

Nah, I always make sure my trucks are push start.

How about you, your truck have a digital steering wheel? I prefer analog, myself...

I use an American Sterett, I have a dial and digital.