Which tool?

[maxyedor]

Check out useenco.com for measuring tools. I have to buy the tip-top stuff for work, but some of their entry level stuff is very reasonably priced and a cut above Harbor Freight or anything you'll find at Home depot. If you want digital calipers, the HF ones are junk, they will not hole +/-.001, well worth it to spend another $15 and get a decent quality pair.

 

[Fishslayer]

Makes good sense. Thx Larry and everyone. (Don't tell my wife, I think I might just be wanting to by something )

The digital caliper RC referenced is $10 at Harbor Freight with a coupon. IMO it really is an essential piece of reloading gear.

 

[farmrboy]

You need to buy yourself a book called 'The ABC's of Reloading' and read it so you understand the whole process of reloading ammunition. It doesn't take much of a mistake to blow up a gun...and yourself. I recommend this book to every person that wants to get started. As far as measuring tools. The cheap calipers are junk. You get what you pay for. Dial calipers are the most accurate and reliable. You don't need to measure any closer than .001" unless you are doing some serious bench rest competing.

 

[kingmt]

Those of you saying the HF ones are junk don't know what your talking about. They measure to the .0005" & are great. I've been using them for better then 10 years. I have three in use right now. In 10 years I've had 1 pair that the pouring for the battery broke I laid a piece of metal in to make the connection it still worked when I replaced it & another one that flashed like the battery was dead from day one but still worked for years that I replaced also. If I could find them I'm sure they still work. I would make sure yours wasn't one that flashed before you got out of the parking lot.

I used to manage a Advance Auto Parts & we sold the exact same one for $60 so you don't always get what you pay for. I used them all the time at work also.

 

[Walkalong]

I have been happy with my digital HF calipers. I can see the reading easily and they are very reliable. If there is a reading I question I double check to see if they are still zeroed, and check to make sure the blades are clean. Then if I am still curious about it, I get another "better" caliper (dial) or micrometer to check behind them. Know what? They are always right, or were dirty, or the zero was off.

 

[Potatohead]

city

Where in Bama are you? If I may ask.

The Rocket City aka Huntsvegas aka Huntsville

 

[markshere2]

I bought a HF digital calipers and I am unimpressed.
Battery Hog and as soon as you get over 1.5" the readout goes ape.

I'd go with a dial caliper first if i was to do it all over again.

 

[1SOW]

You bought the "cheapie".

The better one's battery lasts for about a year and it comes with two.
I reload for several hours/week and the caliper is on the whole time.

Actually, it may last longer than that, but I just change it yearly. I have another dig caliper from Frankford Arsenal that I compare it with. It's right on.

 

[Elkins45]

Best I can tell, the HF calipers and the ones that Midway sells as Frankfort Arsenal are exactly the same model, just with different silkscreen on the box.

Both have been very useful for their respective tasks: the FA are in the basement with the reloading stuff and the HF are in the garage with my metal lathe.

 

[TenDriver]

The Rocket City aka Huntsvegas aka Huntsville

Same here. I just started reloading but if you need a second set of eyes to check something, holler.

 

[Potatohead]

holy cow thats awesome. thanks tendriver

 

[Potatohead]

small world...what part of town tendriver?..that is, if you dont mind writing that on the world wide web

 

[TenDriver]

I'm in south Huntsville not far from one of those Home Depots you were talking about.