Ball mic or tube mic for measuring case neck thickness when turning necks for BR?

[Cassidy]

For BR, do you prefer a ball mic or tube mic for measuring case neck thickness to within 0.0001"; which provides the most accurate, precise, consistent measurements? This was discussed some years ago, but perhaps now there is additional sentiment and data.

 

[LVLAaron]

Mitutoyo 115-313​

 

[urbanrifleman]

For BR, do you prefer a ball mic or tube mic for measuring case neck thickness to within 0.0001"; which provides the most accurate, precise, consistent measurements? This was discussed some years ago, but perhaps now there is additional sentiment and data.

iGaging Reloading Micrometer Tube Ball Spherical Anvil Digital 0-1"/0.00005" | eBay

Resolution 0.00005"/0.001mm. Large LCD Display. Professional Tool, SUPER Precision. Important Information. Ratchet Stop.

www.ebay.com

 

[rwj]

Mitutoyo 115-313​

Preferably with a tapered/chamfered barrel end…

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I think the very best way is to measure a loaded round with a very good micrometer but if I must measure thickness, this is tough to beat imho. It's much less subjective to user input, which is very critical to tubing mics.

Mitutoyo 2358A-10 Dial Indicator, 0.5", 0.0001"

Mitutoyo 2358A-10 Dial Indicator, 0.5", 0.0001". Great savings PLUS Free Shipping when you buy now from GlobalTestSupply.com.

www.globaltestsupply.com

 

[nmkid]

I have both. Quite interesting how many times the IGaging unit will measure exactly the same as the Mitutoyo. Or is it the other way around?

 

[jepp2]

Preferably with a tapered/chamfered barrel end…

The first one I had didn't have this, the current one does, big difference especially on small short necks like 20P.

Mitutoyo Wall Thickness Micrometer with 60 Degree Modification

The Mitutoyo Wall Thickness Micrometer measures wall thickness of tubes, cartridges & cylinders. Our 60 degree modification allows you to take better measurements.

kmshooting.com

 

[762plinker]

IMHO measure the outside of a seated bullet in the neck,,,,actual dia vs calculated dia

 

[rwj]

I found these micrometer “tips“ on Amazon and McMaster Carr. If not difficult to use (and they may be), they would make it possible to measure near the neck/shoulder junction.

https://www.amazon.com/Piece-Micrometer-Attachment-Precision-Ground/dp/B010CEYJLE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3TMHEQTVTNX4P&keywords=micrometer+tips&qid=1672092408&sprefix=Micrometer+tips%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-3

 

[22BRGUY]

Ball mic

 

[Ray Gross]

The first one I had didn't have this, the current one does, big difference especially on small short necks like 20P.

Mitutoyo Wall Thickness Micrometer with 60 Degree Modification

The Mitutoyo Wall Thickness Micrometer measures wall thickness of tubes, cartridges & cylinders. Our 60 degree modification allows you to take better measurements.

kmshooting.com

I modified mine that way.

 

[Murray Brook]

I use this. Works good.

 

[3Sigma]

For cheaper...

https://www.shars.com/products/measuring/micrometers/0-1-tube-micrometer-1

 

[wildcat3d]

 

[biggun2869]

Mine came from Sinclair. It is a Starrett on a stand and I don't see how anything could work better. It will also work with .17 cal stuff. I don't even shoot any competition, just seemed the best to me when I bought it probably 5-6 years ago. I don't see any advantage to any shown here.
In my opinion it is costly but works well. At the time I remember it being $150 which took a big chunk out of my SS check! But I am NOT sorry I bought it. Gary

 

[Chuckhunter]

Mitutoyo 115-313​

I'll second that.

 

[mikecr]

Ball anvil is more accurate than a pin anvil for point checks on necks.
This, because necks taper in thickness.

 

[Murray Brook]

@mikecr I believe your instrument is like mine, but where did you get the outside attachment. Is it something that you made and installed?. TKS

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Any other stand recommendations for the ball mics.

 

[B23]

Mine came from Sinclair. It is a Starrett on a stand and I don't see how anything could work better. It will also work with .17 cal stuff. I don't even shoot any competition, just seemed the best to me when I bought it probably 5-6 years ago. I don't see any advantage to any shown here.
In my opinion it is costly but works well. At the time I remember it being $150 which took a big chunk out of my SS check! But I am NOT sorry I bought it. Gary

Does yours look like this? If so it's the same one I have and they work great.