[Gary H]

When do you use your micrometer and why?

[Fatelvis]

I used it only to check a rifle cartridges` neck OD to determine the correct sizing bushing for a Redding die, actual bullet diameter, when slugging a barrel, front sight heights/ widths for replacement, measuring expander ball in a sizing die (and altering it, to my specs), it is a bit more precise than calipers, but doesnt have the capacity.

[Wil Terry]

without a micrometer, preferably a blade mike, and a tubing micrometer.

[Mal H]

"Do I need a micrometer?"

Yes. Plain and simple. Like Terry said/implied, serious reloading without one is unimaginable. You can do it, but the results will be inconsistent.

A little explanation of terminology is in order. A micrometer is usually a much higher quality measuring device than a caliper. It is generally tubular in shape with finer threading and a more precise method of reading the measurement. A caliper is usually a geared sliding blade "micrometer". It isn't quite as accurate or repeatable as a true micrometer, but it is perfectly acceptable as a reloading tool to check OAL's, web expansion for high pressure checking, etc., etc. A high quality caliper will meet or exceed the accuracy of a low end micrometer.

So, in my mind, the question should be "Do I need a caliper?" Yes.
"Do I need a micrometer?" Not necessarily.

You don't have to spend a whole lot for a good quality caliper, somewhere in the range of $30 to $75 will get you one that will last a long time and keep it's accuracy. Stay away from plastic.

[bogie]

Uses of a mike:

Checking neck size on loaded rounds, to ensure that I don't try to fit a .263 round into my .262 chamber. You don't have to worry about this with factory chambers and factory brass.

Checking case head expansion. You don't have to worry about this if you don't load to stupid pressure levels.

I use a ball mike when turning brass.

[Wil Terry]

I bought a set of the RCBS electronic calipers and one of the RCBS electronic micrometers about two years ago. Both have impressed the dickens out of me. Both units are DEAD on the money from my setting standards
That micrometer set up in a Starrett mike stand is too handy for words and it reads to 1/2 of 1/10,000 of an inch, or metric if yore one of those kind of fellas.
Interestingly, both batteries went dead on damn near the same day after two years of usage. Slipped in some fresh juice and went on about my business.

[tex_n_cal]

Yeah, you do need a micrometer. I use mine mainly for reading case head expansion, occasionally for checking other things.

The Starretts are very nice. I have a Mitutoyo with carbide faces that reads to .0001", and it has worked for me for nearly 20 years.

[rick_reno]

No. I've reloaded ammunition for over 20 years, and have never once used a micrometer. I've did use a RCBS casemaster tool when I was shooting 6mm PPC, it was a good tool for measuring cases and loaded rounds. I've got dozens of micrometers (Brown and Sharp, Starrett, Lufkin and ?), my grandfather and then my father owned a machine shop and when they died I got their tools. I've got boxes of this stuff sitting in my garage. I'm told using a micrometer takes "feel", and having never been shown how to use one I leave them in their boxes.

[Clark]

I just went to the range and handloaded there.

I had to make 10 trips to the car I had so much stuff.

There was no micrometer in my stuff, as I never use one.

One of the experients I did was to see how much brass life I could get with really hot loads. I used the same 5 pieces of .223 brass over and over 5 times. I could not wear it out.

[bogie]

5 times with really hot loads?

I run VERY hot in my 6PPC... I know the brass is dead when the primers won't stay in. It is possible, with neck sizing/shoulder bumping to wear out a barrel with 20 pieces of brass.

DO NOT do this with most rifles...

[DAL]

rick_reno, do you want to sell any of those micrometers?
DAL

[Scout.308]

... to sort cases that need trimming. If you're re-using cases for max life, it's a necessity IMO.

It's overkill, but I also use it for OAL measurement. Plus, it looks cool in my loading set-up.:p

Got mine from Dillon. Fair price. Good quality.

[Jmurman]

My Dad was a machinist and gave me a Brown Electronic Caliper. Very accurate. I dont have a mic, but will probably add one when I go to rifle reloading.