Caliper vs micrometer
- Thread starter Leo_B
- Start date
Yes, you need both if your a serious handloader. A micrometer gives finer readings and is far more precise when measuring something like bullet diameter or case head expansion (not that case head expansion really tells you much) .
round
Silver $$ Contributor
A micrometer, specifically, a ball or tube type, is the only way to reliably measure case neck thickness due to the radius of the neck- calipers will not give you a consistent/accurate reading, especially the smaller the caliber is. For most any other measurement related to reloading, a good set of calipers is more than adequate.
jackieschmidt
Gold $$ Contributor
I agree with @pile in that calipers are just fine for many of the measurements involved in loading.
However, for measuring items such as bullets, especially if you make your own bullets, a good set of micrometers that measure to the “tenths” is very desirable.
And as has been said, a set of ball micrometers is the single best way to ascertain accurate neck wall thickness.
I might add, as a machinist, how one uses either goes a long way in determining successful measuring.
However, for measuring items such as bullets, especially if you make your own bullets, a good set of micrometers that measure to the “tenths” is very desirable.
And as has been said, a set of ball micrometers is the single best way to ascertain accurate neck wall thickness.
I might add, as a machinist, how one uses either goes a long way in determining successful measuring.
I'm a plinker, not a shooter. I like to go to the range and shoot and see how I do compared to last time. I won't ever be making my own bullets or anything else graduate level. I probably won't ever advance beyond the freshman class. I'll be using components sourced from reputable suppliers and Ikea'ing my ammo. And probably only in the hundreds per year. I want to have everything I need, but might not need what someone loading hundreds per month, or even week, might need?
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
Calipers can be very good for a lot of reloading tasks, especially those where you are looking at the difference between measurements, where the absolute correctness is not the point, but the difference, BUT for accurate actual measurements that are dimensionally reliable a good micrometer with experienced technique is the only way to go, particularly if you are looking at four places.
AckleymanII
Gold $$ Contributor
An elementary set of gauge blocks that would serve you a lifetime is a great investment to check your measuring instruments against and learn the "feel".
Some measuring tools are no good, as they will not repeat causing great difficulty. Learning the "feel" is a good thing!
Weber Starrett Set of 11 Gage Blocks in Wooden Case 0.100010 to 0.1001 + 0.100 | eBay
The Weber Starrett Set of 11 Gage Blocks in Wooden Case is a high-quality set of steel gage blocks designed for precision calibration and measurement in metalworking. Made by the reputable brand Starrett in the United States, these gage blocks range from 0.1000 to 0.1001 (0.100010 i crements)...
www.ebay.com
Some measuring tools are no good, as they will not repeat causing great difficulty. Learning the "feel" is a good thing!
In practiced hands a micrometer may measure accurately out to 4 decimal places, less than 1 tenth of a human hair diameter. A really good caliper in the right hands is good for three decimal places. closer to 1/3 of a human hair diameter. For my use I use a caliper considerably more than a micrometer.
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
About the only time I use my micrometers these days is to double check a caliper measurement on something I may doubt.
I've got Harbor Freight's best digital calipers, (Quinn) and am very happy with them. For fifty bucks they're the best I've seen. Also have older Mitutoyo (real) dial calipers that are great, but of course not as handy as the digial Metric/Standard type.
Measuring to the .0001th gets pretty subjective, and I'll bet that no two of us would get the same reading with our commonly used instruments.
I've got Harbor Freight's best digital calipers, (Quinn) and am very happy with them. For fifty bucks they're the best I've seen. Also have older Mitutoyo (real) dial calipers that are great, but of course not as handy as the digial Metric/Standard type.
Measuring to the .0001th gets pretty subjective, and I'll bet that no two of us would get the same reading with our commonly used instruments.
hoz53
Gold $$ Contributor
you can get by with about anything. when i first started loading and for a number of years i had neither a caliper or a mic. many people did or do the same. i wouldnt be without both caliper and mic loading now. ive got starrett mics off ebay cheap. If youve decided to just get calipers thats fine and you could get mics later if you decide you need them.
dellet
Gold $$ Contributor
Besides accuracy, there are some other differences.
To have the same range of measurement, you would need 6 micrometers to cover the same range as a 6” caliper. That’s not realistic in real life tho. It might be time to replace my 0-1” Mic that I’ve used for 50 years. The 1-2” shows wear, 2-3” could pass for a display model, the others could probably pass for new old stock.
The nice thing about a decent micrometer it that the thimble has a clutch. As long as the clutch is not too tight, you get a correct measurement that is repeatable no matter how ham fisted you are.
I’ve dropped micrometers before, and they still measure correctly. Drop a caliper and the survival rate is pretty low.
It doesn’t take much foreign material in the rack of a caliper to throw it off, pretty tough to gum up the threads of a mic.
I use both, but they fill different roles. I won’t take my micrometers to the range. I keep a caliper in the range bag.
To have the same range of measurement, you would need 6 micrometers to cover the same range as a 6” caliper. That’s not realistic in real life tho. It might be time to replace my 0-1” Mic that I’ve used for 50 years. The 1-2” shows wear, 2-3” could pass for a display model, the others could probably pass for new old stock.
The nice thing about a decent micrometer it that the thimble has a clutch. As long as the clutch is not too tight, you get a correct measurement that is repeatable no matter how ham fisted you are.
I’ve dropped micrometers before, and they still measure correctly. Drop a caliper and the survival rate is pretty low.
It doesn’t take much foreign material in the rack of a caliper to throw it off, pretty tough to gum up the threads of a mic.
I use both, but they fill different roles. I won’t take my micrometers to the range. I keep a caliper in the range bag.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.