Gauging a dial caliper for reloading (9mm)

[Kiwi]

What are you measuring? girth or OAL
For Girth the measuring blocks are faster and error free, you can't make a mistake

For OAL I use a micrometer a 1-2" covers almost all pistol cartridges (.380 is under 1")
E-Bay has (1,837 results for micrometer 1-2) mostly $20 -$30 but with a few about $10

I do have Vernier calipers but no dial and no plastic. I find the micrometer much easier to use for measurement, but then just set a caliper to that measured length and lock the caliper.

I have several Vernier's as I pick them up at Garage sales for $1

[calibrator]

As a Machinist, I use dial calipers a LOT. I also reload and have a "Lyman" stainless steel caliper just for that. Calipers are perfect for reloading issues. I certainly DON'T use them for grinding a crankshaft or honing a cylinder bore when accurate readings to .0001" (a tenth of a thousandth) are required.

Of the dozens of dial calipers I've used (and it doesn't matter if Starrett or something Chinese), I often re-check my zero, as it seems as they wear, the needle will loose it's press fit on the pinion shaft and move slightly when the caliper is opened and closed quickly. In a low stress environment like reloading slowly opening and closing the jaws is more doable .

I also like using the case gages for checking re-loads before boxing them, however, they only check case sizing NOT COAL. Recently came across these my employer got in a box of supplies he bought from an estate;

https://www.topbrass-inc.com/collect...12832996851765

You get instant feedback regarding min/max SAMMI Specs for a caliber.

[calibrator]

Maybe I complicate things here for you by adding this. I don't re-load for pistol, just precision high power centerfire rifle. Knowing how far the bullet "jumps" into the rifling is critical for load development. If the rifle is magazine fed, what will just fit into the mag is usually the limit unless rds are single loaded by hand.

I use this gage by Hornady to determine this dimension;

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...3&&FORM=VDRVRV

[Doubs]

Originally Posted by calibrator

Maybe I complicate things here for you by adding this. I don't re-load for pistol, just precision high power centerfire rifle. Knowing how far the bullet "jumps" into the rifling is critical for load development. If the rifle is magazine fed, what will just fit into the mag is usually the limit unless rds are single loaded by hand.

I use this gage by Hornady to determine this dimension;

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...3&&FORM=VDRVRV

I have the same Hornady set but with the anvil in addition to the items you show. For Christmas my sons gave me the new Forster set that I like for measuring cases and ogive-to-lands.

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.c...in-storage-box

[rhuff]

For my handloading I keep both a set of digital calipers and dial calipers handy on my bench. Either will get the job done. I don't own a plastic caliper, and likely will never purchase one. Maybe I am just too "old school"!!

[JONABI]

The caliper shown in the pictures is brand new but over 30 years old. It's Swiss made (45.00 $ CND) bought aound the time i got my reloading press. I can tell that it feels very thight altough it's slides smoothly. And you have to put much pressure to measure (instructions). I don't know if my caliper will endure but, with what I've read here, I'll take great care when I use it. Thank you all.

[JONABI]

Thanks for the link. I'll have to check in that a little bit more.

[JONABI]

Thank you again. I've read on the subject a little and find it very inetresting. Eventually, I'll be relaoding for my 7 mm Rem Mag; which is why I bought a reloading press in the first place.

[JONABI]

Thanks for your knowledge and the link.

[JONABI]

Thank you for the suggestions, easier and good.