Good Calipers?

[BamaSteve]

okay, I don't reload. At least not yet, I might start in like 6-12 months when I have a garage, but until then I wanted to get a set of calipers just to check my defense rounds to make sure they are okay to carry(make sure bullet hasn't recessed). So for my purposes, what are some decent calipers. I really don't wanna spend much, will something from Lowes do me?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[spooter66]

I've been using one of the cheap ones from Frankford. I've been using it for a couple of years now and never had a problem with it and it is accurate. I think I picked it up for about $25.

[CopperKnight]

Lyman makes a good dial caliper to .001 in all metal. I bought it several years ago for $30. I believe I got it at Walmart. Brownells and Midway both carry this.
DIAL CALIPER at Brownells
MidwayUSA - Lyman Dial Caliper 6" Stainless Steel

[cvhoss]

I have a quality dial caliper that I purchased 30+ years ago. I now mainly use a digital. Don't know your current age, but as you age your eyes will thank you for buying digital. The one I use is a Lyman but you can buy others like this Frankford Arsenal (currently on sale) for a lot less.

Hoss

[nutz4utwo]

They are all acceptable for the work you want these days. They are reliable to .002 inch (for every inch of travel*) or so if you use them correctly. GET A DIGITAL ONE!!! The old dial ones and vernier are outdated and more cumbersome to use (aka typewriter). You can switch between inches and mm as well. An well stocked auto parts store has some ~$25 ones as well. They are all made by the same place in China.

If you needed an ultra accurate one, expect to pay a few hundred dollars for it:

Quality Precision Innovation... since 1880 - The L.S. Starrett Company
Mitutoyo America Corporation



*Basics of Accuracy of cheap digital calipers: accuracy from 0-1 inch is + or - .002 That means when you read 1.000, it could be anywhere from .998 to 1.002 If you are reading 2.000 it could be from 1.996 to 2.004...ect That is more then acceptable for nearly all work. To get higher precision, requires use of very specialized tools and techniques.

[BamaSteve]

for my purposes mentioned in my original post do you guys think this is acceptable. Like I said, it will be used lightly just to ease my mind, plus ya never know when you can use something like this... MidwayUSA - Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel

[nutz4utwo]

for my purposes mentioned in my original post do you guys think this is acceptable. Like I said, it will be used lightly just to ease my mind, plus ya never know when you can use something like this... MidwayUSA - Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel

Yup. Perfect. I might just order another one myself...

[CopperKnight]

I don't know why that wouldn't work for you. Good price, too.

[A1C Lickey]

for my purposes mentioned in my original post do you guys think this is acceptable. Like I said, it will be used lightly just to ease my mind, plus ya never know when you can use something like this... MidwayUSA - Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel

I think it might be time to replace my old dial calipers.

[Reborn]

Brown and Sharpe

I have always tried to buy things that will last a life time........but now at my age I guess plastic stuff will do.......

[dukalmighty]

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices got my calipers for around $12.00

[bmcgilvray]

Brown and Sharpe

I have always tried to buy things that will last a life time........but now at my age I guess plastic stuff will do.......

I spun around in my chair and made a photo of my B&S dial caliper and micrometer. Probably overkill for hand loading purposes but they have served the purpose for around 30 years now.

[gilliland87]

I never liked using calipers so I set up a .5 +/- in dial indicator stand on a granite block. you just slide the base of your shell along the block and watch the needle for movement.

As for good calipers- There are plenty out there starett, Mituyomo (SP?), brown and Sharpe

Ebay and pawn shops are good sources,

[Arkhangel]

+1 on the Frankford Arsenal Dial caliper. Works for me. Havent tried a digital one yet though.

SY