NEED HELP WITH MEASUREMENT

[mdi]

I've been using dial calipers/micrometers since 1965 with my work (machinist/mechanic). I have had zero problems with any "analog" measuring tool, but I've tried 3 digital calipers and one, one inch digital mics and eventually all digitals failed in some way. I had Craftsman and Starrett mics and calipers for approx. 28 years, many daily uses, and all were just as accurate as when I bought them. (Tool box was stolen and all measuring tools gone).

 

[74man]

Sorry to hear that they were stolden mdi, that is a shame since they were your go to measuring devices. I checked them all against a .025 feeler gauge. The Starrett was .025, the Digital Neiko read .023 and the Digital Husky read .024. OK, now is .002 reason to worry when measuring trim length or COAL? Will that little (.002) make a difference in pressures? I don't think so cause I don't shoot for less than 1 MOA but am happy with 3 MOA and I usually load on the middle of the load. If the minimum is 15.3 and the Maximum is 20 grs. I will usually load maybe 17.5 or maybe 18.0. Sometimes, I will load about 10 each of one load and 10 each of the other and see what I like the best. I will adjust as necessary!!

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Sorry to hear that they were stolden mdi, that is a shame since they were your go to measuring devices. I checked them all against a .025 feeler gauge. The Starrett was .025, the Digital Neiko read .023 and the Digital Husky read .024. OK, now is .002 reason to worry when measuring trim length or COAL? Will that little (.002) make a difference in pressures? I don't think so cause I don't shoot for less than 1 MOA but am happy with 3 MOA and I usually load on the middle of the load. If the minimum is 15.3 and the Maximum is 20 grs. I will usually load maybe 17.5 or maybe 18.0. Sometimes, I will load about 10 each of one load and 10 each of the other and see what I like the best. I will adjust as necessary!!

Use the Starrett, ditch the rest, best advice I can give.

 

[AJC1]

Sorry to hear that they were stolden mdi, that is a shame since they were your go to measuring devices. I checked them all against a .025 feeler gauge. The Starrett was .025, the Digital Neiko read .023 and the Digital Husky read .024. OK, now is .002 reason to worry when measuring trim length or COAL? Will that little (.002) make a difference in pressures? I don't think so cause I don't shoot for less than 1 MOA but am happy with 3 MOA and I usually load on the middle of the load. If the minimum is 15.3 and the Maximum is 20 grs. I will usually load maybe 17.5 or maybe 18.0. Sometimes, I will load about 10 each of one load and 10 each of the other and see what I like the best. I will adjust as necessary!!

I don't understand the compromise when you already own a tool that is correct. Use the good one....

 

[74man]

The repair and Calibration of the Starrett Dial Caliper was costly but since I have had it for over 30 years it was worth it, it is my go to measuring device. You can bet your sweet bippy I will use it. It is dead on. Before I sent it in you could set it at zero, open the jaws and close them and it would read different each time, it would never return to zero. That is why I sent it in for repair, one of the best tools I have ever had. IT IS A KEEPER. New one runs over $200 bucks.

 

[EricBu]

Just taking a consensus!! I have over 50 years in the Metal Trades and usually work to the 64th of an inch. I have a question fit for mainly Machinists. Here is my situation: I sent my Starrett Dial Caliper (1985) in for repair and Calibration and I got it back to day so I took some measurements of a 30-30 Win Case and I also compared it to two digital calipers I have and here is are the results:

Starrett Dial Caliper measured-- 2.034
Husky (Digital) (Home Depot) measured--2.028
Neiko (Digital) measured--2.024

Now with my 50 years experience at measuring to the 64th of an inch, I wouldn't worry about a few thousands but should I worry when it comes to measuring my trimmed cases? Would a few thousands matter in measuring case trim or Cartridge overall length? I don't reload for accuracy, I mainly load for SPRAY AND PRAY situations, so in my opinion they are close enough, what do the rest of you think, especially the machinists on this forum? With my eyes and age, I am very happy with a 3 inch or smaller group when I am at the range with what ever I am shooting being somewhere between handguns in calibers .22LR,32, 38 Spl.,.22 Mag, 40 S&W to a Ruger Blackhawk in 30 carbine. Rifles are 22LR, 22 Mag, 30 carbine, and 223Rem and 5.56. so I do reload the above calibers except the 22LR, SO SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT A FEW THOUSANDS DIFFERENCE IN TOOLS??? Thanks to all who reply.

Send 'em. If you were loading for benchrest, or making a living off your shooting skills.....I'd dig deeper. But for what you described, no a few thousandths does not matter. I would say whatever caliper you decide to use, always use that one, so at least you're always out by the same amount.

 

[Blue68f100]

I have a set of HP calipers and there is a specific range that they are off 0.002-0.003" . This cover a span of 0.006" once out of that area it reads right. This verified by gauge pins. I don't use them for anything critical, good for wood thickness.

 

[film495]

pin gauges or before I got a few gauges, I would just sanity check calipers measuring diameter of common bullets ...

 

[BIZERKO666]

If you have (or get) a set of standards, micrometers are easy to calibrate/adjust.
That’s what that little hole and spanner wrench are for. 0-1" don't require standards
No reason analog or digital calipers should read wrong unless they’re worn out or broken. The jaws can get loose and actually spread while measuring.
My .304 pin gauge measures perfectly with all three instruments

 

[murray brook]

I use a feeler gauge or an expander mandrel of known size to check my micrometer and calipers.