Thinking of upgrading my caliper

[Turbulent Turtle]

I have been using at Frankfort digital caliper for many years with no problems but lately I have been thinking of upgrading the device to something a little more upscale.

At the Mitutoyo website, they have a plethora of instruments and I'm not sure which one to look at. I'm thinking a couple hundred bucks at the most; I'm not really worried about the price but I only use this instrument for handloads and very infrequent measurement tasks. I also need to convince myself that I "need" a better caliper than what I have now, so any thoughts on that would be appreciated.

I am not hung up on Mitutoyo, any other brand is fair game.

 

[wwbrown]

Craigs List is your friend I have purchased some Mitutoyo digital calipers at a good price and they work outstanding.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Right, but there are about 227 different Mitutoyo models to choose from. So which one?

 

[Milo 2.0]

I have a pricier Starrett, and I understand the "NEED" to have a higher quality caliper.
But I can say, it reads the same as my 20 year old Cabela's marked digital, that's hit the concrete floor a few times, and a 25.00 Frankford Arsenal, and a RCBS stainless model that was 1/3 the price.
I'm not saying the quality isn't there, it is, you just can't see it in the readings.

 

[rogn]

I have several calipers vernier, micrometer,and ball micrometer. I have the set of Mitutoyo up to 5" from an earlier life as a Mechanic, I have a couple of Starretts and an old Brown and Sharpe. Also a Frankford Arsenal vernier type digital(second one). The Mitutoyos are as good as any in all ranges, the Starrett and B&S are the same . The Frankford Arsenal varies a 0.001 in many ranges from a measured standard. The others don't. If you are checking OAL of cases or loaded rounds the 0.001 doesn't make a real practical difference so the FA is just fine. For bullet diameters, case expansion, loaded case neck diameter and other potentially critical measurements Re; BR, then the better instrument is essential. My loading(bench, competition and hunting), cases forming and case maintenance has been well served with a Mitutoyo dial caliper(which I prefer to the digital), a Mitutoyo micrometer and a Starrett ball end mic. Where you buy them is up to you, I would ,however , be cautious about our friends from the east who delight in counterfeiting anything worth more than 35 cents. Amazon seems to be well regulated and prices are usually competitive or better.Not a recommendation, just an observation.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

If I decide to buy one, it would most probably be through Amazon and as I have the Prime membership, it ships for free inside of 2 days. I also get to Amazon by clicking the link at the top of this page, even if what I'm buying is not shooting related.

I like digital models because of my aging eyes.

And again, no models were specified but I truly appreciate the responses.

 

[jelrod1]

For digital, these are one of the most popular Mitutoyo's and work well for shop use. May can find on Amazon also.

http://www.mscdirect.com/product/62529482

 

[Hondo]

Lee Valley has a 4 " or 6" multifunctional digital caliper with large numbers for under $30.

 

[stool]

500-196-20
6" digital to 4 places about 150 or so on sale for less...

 

[ridgeway]

Mitutoyo Absolute. Had mine for 7 years and still working flawless!

$99:

http://www.msi-viking.com/Mitutoyo-Special-Price-500-196-20-ABSOLUTE-Digimatic-6-Digital-Caliper-SHIPS-TODAY_p_8.html?gclid=COTm_Mel5bwCFURk7AodSTcAZw

 

[Jay Christopherson]

If I decide to buy one, it would most probably be through Amazon and as I have the Prime membership, it ships for free inside of 2 days. I also get to Amazon by clicking the link at the top of this page, even if what I'm buying is not shooting related.

I like digital models because of my aging eyes.

And again, no models were specified but I truly appreciate the responses.

Denys, I have two of these Mitutoyo's and they've been spot on for two years now:

http://www.amazon.com/Mitutoyo-ABSOLUTE-500-196-20-Stainless-Resolution/dp/B001C0ZPNO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1393263602&sr=8-2&keywords=mitutoyo+digital+caliper

 

[akajun]

Today is your Lucky Day, Enco has up to 20% sale on all items using the discount codes SAVE10 SAVE15 and SAVE20 with $99,$199, and $299 minimums.
Id recomend kb307 3603, the 6 inch .001 resolution .100 per revolution calipers.
They also have the Mitutoyo Multi anvil micrometer on sale that everyone on here likes as well as standard micrometers.
If your set on Digital, they have those on sale as well, they just cost more.

 

[jonbearman]

I ordered a set of starretts about 5 years ago,made in CHINA,thats right made in china.You may as well go to harbor freight ,they are on sale off and on every month for like 15.00.I sent all 3 of my pairs to metrology at gleason works,they passed with flying colors.

 

[pikespeakgoat]

I use calipers only for general uses, as in close enough, hence I use the Harbor Freight digital calipers. I have a 4" and a 6" set and they have served me well and are more than accurate enough for reloading tasks. Another plus is if they are dropped onto a concrete floor, or damaged in any other way, I won't cry.

If I really need to know what something measures, I use a micrometer.

 

[Phil]

Starrett,

Make sure you get the spendier one,it is made in USA, the cheaper Starrett`s are made in china.....

 

[rmist]

Starrett made in USA !! On flea bay all the time cheaper than new. You can zoom on item to see if made in USA

 

[thefitter]

I have two of these and they are worth it IMO. Solar is the way to go. No batteries to replace or leak. Easy to read display to 0.0000

http://www.amazon.com/Mitutoyo-500-474-Measurements-Stainless-Resolution/dp/B001C0ZPUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393290230&sr=8-1&keywords=Mitutoyo+Absolute+solar+0-6%22

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I have two of these and they are worth it IMO. Solar is the way to go. No batteries to replace or leak. Easy to read display to 0.0000

http://www.amazon.com/Mitutoyo-500-474-Measurements-Stainless-Resolution/dp/B001C0ZPUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393290230&sr=8-1&keywords=Mitutoyo+Absolute+solar+0-6%22

Do you do a lot of reloading outside?

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I was thinking the same thing and then remembered all the "solar-powered" calculators that worked just fine inside. They are powered by a photo-voltaic cell than uses light to create and store electricity.

I think a PV caliper might be interesting as heck; I'm always changing the battery in my current caliper as they keep dying at the most inopportune time.

Thanks for the great comments and ideas so far.

Edited to add: that feature clinched it for me and I one-clicked the order at Amazon, (I'm so weak.) Should arrive Wednesday via Prime. Thanks all.

 

[thefitter]

I have two of these and they are worth it IMO. Solar is the way to go. No batteries to replace or leak. Easy to read display to 0.0000

http://www.amazon.com/Mitutoyo-500-474-Measurements-Stainless-Resolution/dp/B001C0ZPUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393290230&sr=8-1&keywords=Mitutoyo+Absolute+solar+0-6%22

Do you do a lot of reloading outside?

Wow, my mind is racing with smart as# responses. Solar works with ANY light source not just the sun...grandpa.