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Digital calipers...

20PPC

20PPC

David Moore
Gold $$ Contributor
I'm getting ready to purchase a new set digital calipers and was looking for recommendations on the best ones to purchase.
 
I just bought the Starrett one after having tons of issues with a cheaper one. It is SUPER nice but pretty pricey. One per lifetime ought to do it.
 
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Personally, I have a Starrett dial for my reference and keep good care of it. My digital is an igaging. I've been happy with it. I even picked up a tube mic from them too. Have I done the gage R&R between brands and picked the best? No, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt and use your best judgement.

I don't control room temperature to +/- 2C either, so I'm not trying to hold ultimate tolerances / accuracies.

-Mac
 

iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 0-6" Digital Electronic Caliper - IP54 Protection/Extreme Accuracy $39.95​

Amazon.com: iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 0-6" Digital Electronic Caliper - IP54 Protection/Extreme Accuracy: Home Improvement

Mitutoyo 500-171-30 Advanced Onsite Sensor Absolute Scale Digital Caliper, 0-6" Range $157.80​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IG46HEA/?tag=accuratescom-20

Digital Caliper Round-Up 1st Place: iGaging OriginCal Absolute Origin ~UNBOX & REVIEW~​



Digital Caliper Round-Up Which Digital Caliper Should I Buy? ~My Recommendation~​


 
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I bought a set at Harbor Freight and also have a nice Starrett dial which cost almost 20 times as much as the HF. Most of the time I just grab the Harbor Freight
 
I was going to ask a similar question. Ive currently got a cheap set of digital calipers and was thinking of upgrading to Mitutoyo but am debating digital or dial. I already have a Mitutoyo tube mic and 0-1" mic.
 
20PPC said:
I'm getting ready to start making my own bullets so would like something that there will be no question of the accuracy.
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20ppc, Making bullets will require a level of measurement accuracy far beyond the capabilities of a dial calipers. Hand held micrometers are at the minimum level accuracy that I would consider for bullet production. Granite surface plate, gauge blocks, 10ths indicator, and height gauge will get you closer to that level of accuracy. Better still an optical comparator would more in line with what I would want. That said you may be able to make excellent bullets with out these tools. I may be to far down the rabbit hole to see what is reasonably possible.
 
I have a set of 25+ year old Mitutoyo's. They have always worked great.
Of course, you will never go wrong with Starrett.
 
20PPC said:
I'm getting ready to start making my own bullets so would like something that there will be no question of the accuracy.
Click to expand...
Determine the level of accuracy and precision your work will require, then choose the tool that satisfies that requirement. The digital calipers commonly used by reloaders have readability of .0005", which means accuracy on the order of +/- .001". If your work will require a higher degree of accuracy than that, a micrometer will likely be in order. If the digital calipers will suffice, I will make another recommendation for Mitutoyo. I have three sets from them, two 6" and one 10". All have performed well. My understanding is that Starrett is also an excellent choice, although I do not own a set of their calipers.
 
20PPC said:
I'm getting ready to start making my own bullets so would like something that there will be no question of the accuracy.
Click to expand...
I agree with Mac on using Mics for bullet fabrication . More consistently accurate across the measuring area on diameters . Check out the Mit , 0-1" Digitals . Have one I used in the tool-room for thirty-five years , and still holding aerospace accuracy .
 
I suggest it's silly to buy more than you need and for most shooters a branded Chinese on sale at Midway/Brownells/Natchez/ et. al. is entirely adequate and leaves money for primers.

On the 2 is one principle I have a pair of U.S. made Starrett with data ports and suitable for use with machinists milk on my own bench. I'm more likely to use an old Craftsman vernier or a reloading company plastic for many things.

Granted the Starrett have quality to match their price but calipers at any price are still no substitute for a micrometer when another place or more of accuracy matters. Most people neither need or want data ports and machinist's milk tolerance but seem willing to pay for features they have no use for.

The drastically cheaper is more than adequate for most people. Buy a brand, Hornady/RCBS whatever from Brownell's to have two good companies standing behind the product and call it good.
 
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