K so do micrometer and caliper do the same thing? Measure diameter, length etc? But a micrometer just measures in smaller increments or do they do different things?
Yes, micrometers and calipers can measure the same things. There are outside micrometers and inside micrometers that measure the outside of something or the inside of something. Calipers, generally can measure both inside and outside depending on the part of the jaws used.
To add what has already posted.
Micrometers generally measure within a range of one inch. For them to measure things greater than an inch, you have a different frame. So, micrometers will me sure 0"-1", 1"-2", 2"-3", and so forth. I have seen micrometers that measure many, many inches but their range is still only inch or so.
In crude terms, micrometers look kind of like a "C" clamp.
Calipers, on the other hand measure a larger range. The common calipers will measure 0" to 4" or 5" or so. They have two parallel jaws that slide on a bar.
You want either digital or dial calipers. The measurement provided is direct reading and you do not need to know how to read a vernier scale. Fortunately, unless you buy used, you probably will not easily find a vernier caliper these days.
As said, the economy priced digital calipers such as those sold by Harbor Freight, Midway, etc, will handle all of the common measuring chores for reloading. There are a few reloading tasks that micrometers are more appropriate but generally only advanced reloaders are concerned with them.
Hope this helps settle the silt.
