So Im looking at getting into reloading and a couple of the questions I have are in regards to what type of Caliper to get. I know it is a small part of the reloading equipment I will need, but I also know it is a necessary tool to have. I am taking my time and researching a lot about reloading before I even order any equipment. So my questions to you guys are:
1. Digital or Dial, is one more accurate then the other?
2. What is your preference and why?
3. Do you like a specific manufacturer when it comes to Calipers?
I will be posting more questions in regards to reloading as my research progresses. I'll appreciate all the help you guys provide.
If you have a HF to walk into, Calipers is one of those things they have on sale quite often. When I got my 8in, it was because they were marked down to 15.99... which made them about the same price as the 6in.
I have both, dial and digital. The plastic dial RCBS caliper that I bought in the early 80's was used until 3 years ago when I bought a HF 6" digital for appx $10. The RCBS dial has not been used since.
Digital is easier to read, they are more than accurate enough for what we do, and the cheaper units will suffice just fine. I also believe that the same caliper is being sold under several different names.
I use an old dial caliper. Been using it for over 20 years. It was my fathers, and since it works I have no reason to spend any money on something else when what I have works. Even though it's older than Jack, I can see it when I put on my glasses. :supergrin:
I weighed the pros and cons of each about a month ago when I was getting ready to order my reloading equipment as well. I went with digital just because they are easier to read, switch automatically between inches and MM, and mine do have the auto off feature to save on batteries if I forget to push the button.
Since I had ordered all of my stuff in one shot from the same gun shop guy I always deal with, he gave me a price break on every single item. I got the Hornady digital for $20. They work outstanding and my eyes appreciate the big bold numbers. :supergrin:
Either will work. Digital is more fool-proof, but dial is preferred by more old-school guys.
If you can try to determine how repeatable the calipers are. Measure the same thing a few times to ensure it returns the same reading. Calipers also are very pressure-sensitive so you might want to take this as practice.
Vernier is another option if you have the eyes for it. But they can be tough to read.
Either will work. Digital is more fool-proof, but dial is preferred by more old-school guys.
If you can try to determine how repeatable the calipers are. Measure the same thing a few times to ensure it returns the same reading. Calipers also are very pressure-sensitive so you might want to take this as practice.
Vernier is another option if you have the eyes for it. But they can be tough to read.
Repeatability is more important than type of readout. I learned on a Vernier, then a dial then much later in life went to a digital. It's only important that you realize the limitations on whatever type tool you are using.
Many times repeatability is more important than absolute accuracy. You really need to know which you need. Much like picking a Beam Balance or a Digital readout scale.
I went through the same arguments going from slide rules to calculators, albeit calculators carry more digits, it is still a question of how many are necessary and how many are real.
I have both old school made in USA Starrett and digital. Digital is easier to read until I get my reading glasses out. When it comes down to it. I prefer the old school dial...and feel of quality.
These days I reload while wearing reading glasses.
My digital die every year. They died about 6 months ago and I have not bought another battery. Just kinda tired of always changing it for the little use they get. So now I use Dial Calipers most the time.
My first try @ dig, maybe 6m, replacing the batteries didn't help. So I have used dials for years now. They always work. Sometimes new tech isn't better.:ack:
Again, Harbor Freight on a coupon. I'd like to have Mitutoyo, like I have at work, but just can't see paying 8x as much. Digital are easy to use and read.
Dial type never needs batteries, and is just a easy with some practice.
No one has mentioned vernier calipers yet. I used those for years before digital or dial.
When I started, I had a caliper, neither dial or digital. Funds were tight. A friend gave me his dial when he got a digital. I would later go on to get a digital. Over the years it broke, got another, it broke, now I'm back to using the dial. I see no reason to get another digital at this time.
I bought a dial caliper back when Moses parted the sea. Later I ordered a digital from Harbor Frieght when there was only one Harbor Freight. It's still going strong. Bought another one from Harbor Freight but I like the old digital one better.
Dial type, doesn't need a battery and a good one seems to last longer than a decent digital in my experience.
I have a less expensive dial type that is going on 20 years old.
I have both and loved the digital ... until the battery died while it was on the workbench. It turned out to be a huge and frequent hassle to keep replacing those li'l batteries, so I switched back to my faithful dial calipers (2) and haven't looked back. Now it's the digital that's gathering dust on the top shelf ...
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