Case neck micrometer input needed...

[Matt in Virginia]

Gentlemen,
I went to order a bushing the other day, and realized, that I did not have an accurate way to measure case neck thickness. I usually mic a loaded round and go from there. Unfortunately I did not have a seating die and hence could not make a dummy round. I run a Sinclair Case Neck Sorting tool, mounted with a Starrett 1" Drop .001" Dial Indicator, however, that is a far stretch from working in tenths... I have the following in mind and am highly curious as to your thoughts on the matter...

1. Sinclair/Starrett Case Neck Micrometer

2. Mitutoyo's recently updated 395-363-30 mounted on a Micrometer Stand(a Swiss Etalon)


3. K&M's Modified Mitutoyo Wall Thickness Mic with 60 degree

.

I seem to be moving away from analog metrology gear due to changes in my eyes AND frankly how amazed I have been with Mitutoyo's Digital Mic's. That said I have heard nothing but positive reviews of the Sinclair/Starrett Case Neck Micrometer. Thoughts? I should say ahead of time that the cost of the tool is really not that big of an issue. I am looking for accuracy and product friendliness...fwiw.

Thank you ahead of time...

Regards, Matt Garrett
Chesapeake, Virginia

 

[Dos XX]

3

 

[mtngun]

Any of those should work.

I use a Shar's tubing mic. Works fine. https://www.ebay.com/itm/SHARS-0-1-...424388?hash=item463bf1f904:g:YHYAAOSwl8NVcFJp

Electronic mics are nice but hard to justify for a specialty mic that is seldom used.

 

[Bob L.]

3

Same here. With good light, even my old eyes can use it. I also use an inexpensive stand.

 

[nmkid]

I recently went from digital to the old fashioned way. Got the Mitutuyo from Bruno's (your #3) and couldn't be happier. Had gotten a couple of less expensive one's that I just couldn't trust and decided to quit messing around. Of course your # 2 would be a fine, fine choice. However, I needed the 60 degree spindle for short necked cases.

 

[chop house]

Any of those should work.

I use a Shar's tubing mic. Works fine. https://www.ebay.com/itm/SHARS-0-1-...424388?hash=item463bf1f904:g:YHYAAOSwl8NVcFJp

Electronic mics are nice but hard to justify for a specialty mic that is seldom used.

same here... coupled with a Shar's inside mic that goes as low as 0.200". the inside mic has a vernier that reads tenths and a pretty good clutch for a $50 ebay purchase.

 

[LHSmith]

I believe the modified spindle like K&M's is essential to gain the most precise measurement. I had one similar to the Shars and after using my mentors modified spindle mic, I finally was able to get repeatable readings-everytime. Coupled with a mic stand, it would be hard to beat.

 

[toothman]

I agree with LHSmith and several others above concerning the K&M (Mitutoyo with 60 degree modified) micrometer. It is accurate. It is consistent. It is repeatable. The repeatable part eluded me until I finally purchased one of these. Also, no batteries required. All it requires, like all micrometers, is a cleaning of the contact areas every so often. Just close the micrometer on a piece of clean white printer paper with your regular measuring force and pull it through the contact area a couple times. Then it's good to go for many more consistent measurements.

 

[shoot4fun]

3

Another vote for #3. It's what I use now and, in my opinion, outperforms all others.

 

[dkhunt14]

One and two would need the spindle ground like 3. When the spindle is ground it will measure ACCURATELY to the shoulder neck junction. It also is more accurate becuase it won't bridge across low or high spots. Matt

 

[Comrade Terry]

3

+1

 

[mikecr]

With Sinclair you don't need a special ground spindle.
Simply adjust the ball anvil contact to the edge of your standard spindle.
You do need a stop to set the datum in measure (with any of them).

 

[Shynloco]

With Sinclair you don't need a special ground spindle.
Simply adjust the ball anvil contact to the edge of your standard spindle.
You do need a stop to set the datum in measure (with any of them).
View attachment 1024540
View attachment 1024541

Not to hijack the thread or mikecr's comments (and I know this ain't the classifieds), but I have a Sinclair as pictured that is available for sale if somebody wants it. Bought one before the merger with Brownells' used it twice and put it away. I like my mechanical Mituyoto tube mic better. Personal preference I guess.

Alex

 

[Matt in Virginia]

Gentlemen,
I only wish you could narrow down your suggestions....;-). It would appear we have broad consensus here. I GREATLY appreciate everyone's input...

Best Regards, Matt.

 

[Mulligan]

I just ordered a #3
Thanks for the info
CW

 

[pburr]

#3

 

[Willie]

#3

With a solid base!

 

[Mulligan]

With a solid base!

What base?

 

[Preacher]

I've been using the Sinclair for lots of years and have no problem cutting necks too .0001 with it..

 

[dogdude]

I have the set up like ''mikecr'' post #12...easy peasy.