Hi all. I’m in the market for a new set of digital/electronic calipers for reloading. From all the research I’ve done, Mitutoyo seems to be a brand that gets high reviews. My question is what specific Mitutoyo model would you guys with a lot of experience recommend for general all-around reloading for magnum rifle cartridges? Thanks.
What Mitutoyo Model is Best...?
- Thread starter Herd_Bull
- Start date
I BOUGHT ONE FROM harbor freight and sent it to metrology at Kodak and they told me how amazed they were at the accuracy so spend a lot or spend a little because verniers are not for making super accurate measurements in the first place.
I keep two Mitutoyo's on the bench. One is digital and the other has a dial. If I could only have one, it would be the Mitutoyo Absolute Digital Caliper (500-196-20). If you use a comparator, it's really easy to zero out the digital display with a push of a button. They switch from standard to metric with a push of a button too. They are super smooth.
Joe R
Gold $$ Contributor
Regardless of which calipers you get be sure to get some pin gauges http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006JCN2S/?tag=accuratescom-20 so you can make sure that your caliper is working properly.
Sooner or later you're going to drop it (I'm a kluz) and you'll be glad you have it. Since I'm not a machinist I also used it to learn how to use the calipers properly to get the right "feel". When you're playing with .001" it is easy to influence the measurement by using a little too much force, just sayin'.
I personally like the 8" calipers because after I attach the bump gauge/comparator it still feels balanced in my hand. The 6" calipers caused my hand to be a little "crowded". YMMV.
I did use the HF models for a couple of years and they worked very well for me. I must be becoming a tool snob because about 3 months ago I upgraded to another brand http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K3PZVKG/?tag=accuratescom-20 just because it had a better battery and absolute origin. Some of the guys here recommended them and I believe they were correct. For the price of one Mitutoyo I got three of them and still had money left over. Of course I'm not a gunsmith, so I'm not trying to impress anyone .
By the way if you want my HF 8" calipers I'll sell them to you, two pairs for $30 TYD including boxes and docs.
Regards,
Joe
Sooner or later you're going to drop it (I'm a kluz) and you'll be glad you have it. Since I'm not a machinist I also used it to learn how to use the calipers properly to get the right "feel". When you're playing with .001" it is easy to influence the measurement by using a little too much force, just sayin'.
I personally like the 8" calipers because after I attach the bump gauge/comparator it still feels balanced in my hand. The 6" calipers caused my hand to be a little "crowded". YMMV.
I did use the HF models for a couple of years and they worked very well for me. I must be becoming a tool snob because about 3 months ago I upgraded to another brand http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K3PZVKG/?tag=accuratescom-20 just because it had a better battery and absolute origin. Some of the guys here recommended them and I believe they were correct. For the price of one Mitutoyo I got three of them and still had money left over. Of course I'm not a gunsmith, so I'm not trying to impress anyone .
By the way if you want my HF 8" calipers I'll sell them to you, two pairs for $30 TYD including boxes and docs.
Regards,
Joe
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Very good point especially with the longer cartridges.
Don't overlook the Fowler calipers.
I have a dial Mitutoyo (made in Brazil, $120), dial Cabela's (made in China, $30) and a digital Harbor Freight (made in China, $10 on sale) and all three of them measure exactly the same. The Mitutoyo is much smoother and if in your shoes and had the money that is what I would buy. If on a budget, the other two will do.
I use bullets to test them. I check the bullet with a micrometer and then compare that reading to what I can do with the calipers.
I use bullets to test them. I check the bullet with a micrometer and then compare that reading to what I can do with the calipers.
FWIW I finally settled on a pair of Browne and Sharpe "Tesa" Twin-Cal digitals. Still use a set of digital "no-name" calipers from Sinclair for routine measurements, but go through batteries quickly because of no auto-off-and there is no comparison in how they "feel" -I get repeatable measurements with the B/S.
tclaunch
Silver $$ Contributor
Its on my bucket list to get myself a set of 0 to 4" calipers and see if they are as handy as I think they will be. I do like digitals for the loading room, ease of zeroing is a plus, but all dials and tumblers at the lathe. I just discovered how nice the Starrett 449 blade depth mics are.
pikespeakgoat
Gold $$ Contributor
I use the both the cheap HF 4" and 6" digital calipers on my loading bench and the smaller size is many times more convenient than the 6" version.... and I don't cuss nearly as much when I misplace or drop the HF tools.
I've had a couple people recommend these as well...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R8ZUG4/?tag=accuratescom-20
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R8ZUG4/?tag=accuratescom-20
I also can recommend the iGaging Absolute Origin calipers as a good "middle ground" for price. I bought this one for $40...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00INL0BTS/?tag=accuratescom-20
Based on this video review and comparison test against multiple other calipers including the Mitutoyo.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00INL0BTS/?tag=accuratescom-20
Based on this video review and comparison test against multiple other calipers including the Mitutoyo.
Respectfully,
I prefer Etalon out of Switzerland for analog dial calipers. Never been impressed with ANY digital unit if you work with them on a daily basis. Of course the same can be said of Starrett. Jaws are too soft...imho. Etalon is made by TESA which also makes Intrepid, Compaq, & B&S if memory serves. They run them on sale at Enco on a regular basis. Bought two extra pair at $125 per last year...fwiw
Regards, Matt.
I prefer Etalon out of Switzerland for analog dial calipers. Never been impressed with ANY digital unit if you work with them on a daily basis. Of course the same can be said of Starrett. Jaws are too soft...imho. Etalon is made by TESA which also makes Intrepid, Compaq, & B&S if memory serves. They run them on sale at Enco on a regular basis. Bought two extra pair at $125 per last year...fwiw
Regards, Matt.
Alex Wheeler
Site $$ Sponsor
I have a coolant proof Mitu absolute and it is very accurate. I got it because I always have one near and chips or sanding dust was always jamming up my dials. So if you plan to use it in a work place the digitals are nice, in a clean environment the Browne and Sharpe is the best IMO.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
They are. I quit using my 6" digital mitutoyos last time the battery died and love the 4" mitutoyo set with .200/rev dial. And funny matt mentioned etalon- i still have a 6" etalon caliper that i used when i used calipers for a living. I love em. It is just like a b&s with a roller (same parent co like you said) i also got a 6" mitutoyo black face dial with a ratchet wheel on it. I have a bunch that i hardly use but those 3 are my favorite. you just get attached to certain things and like the way they work i guess
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