Choosing the best calipers for reloading requires some prior knowledge of the key buying factors.
You need to decide between a digital and dial caliper.
You must choose an accurate and precise unit. The caliper must provide a millimeter measuring mode.
Like this, you have several other factors to consider before choosing a caliper for reloading.
Don’t be troubled.
Here in this guide, I’m going to clear out all those confusions and aim to guide you with four calipers for reloading reviews mentioning all the upsides and downsides of them.
I’m sure it will be an easy-peasy task for you to choose the best bet for you once you complete reading this article.
So, let’s jump right in.
Best Reloading Calipers: Comparison Chart
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Top 4 Best Calipers of Reloading – Detailed Reviews
1. iGaging Absolute-Origin Digital Caliper Review
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Bottom Line
When it was about listing the best calipers for reloading, I couldn’t resist putting this iGaging digital caliper on top of the list.
You can buy in several sizes, and measurement ranges like 0-4”, 0-6”, 0-6” with fraction, 0-6” with a USB cable, 0-8”, 0-12”, 0-24”, 0-40”, 6” groove inside, and double hook version.
The overall construction and quality of this unit are worth mentioning.
A caliper must not be a brittle unit that breaks if you sit on it, or it drops down accidentally. This unit is precisely that rugged.
You can use a USB cable with it; you have to buy it separately, though. The battery compartment of this unit is not like those cheap Chinese flimsy ones.
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Verdict
In a nutshell, if you are looking for a top-notch caliper for reloading that gives accurate results, and offers all those bells and whistles a useful unit needs to provide, this unit is the one you should give a try.
It won’t break your bank either.
2. Mitutoyo Absolute-Origin Advanced Onsite Sensor Digital Caliper Review
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Bottom Line
Mitutoyo is one of the most popular brands when it’s to buy a digital caliper.
This particular model features different packs (1 pack, two packs, three packs, five packs, etc.). The more you buy at once, the more you save money.
Remember, the 6” version features a data output.
Once you open the plastic box, you will receive a certificate of inspection, that clearly proves the overall quality of this unit.
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Verdict
If you are finding a budget caliper, then this is not for you.
However, if spending money is not a big deal for you, and you are so fastidious as me, this is the best bet without any second thought.
Undoubtedly, this digital caliper will beat those cheaper Chinese units any day. It has all the ability to be the best digital caliper for reloading without any second thought.
3. Anytime Tools Dial Caliper Review
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Bottom Line
Anytime tools dial caliper is one of the very few dial calipers that gives both inch (black) and metric (red) reading.
When it’s about choosing a dial caliper for reloading, the most important deciding factor should be the quality of the dial. I must say, this unit offers non-jerky dials, and you will be able to see the numbers through the clear glass.
As this is not a digital caliper, so, you don’t have to worry about using a battery and its life. So, you can use it frequently at any moment as many times as you want.
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Verdict
Despite having a few minor hiccups, still, I suggest you use this caliper if you are finding a budget-friendly dial caliper for reloading. This is one of the best dial calipers for the money out there.
However, if using a dial caliper is not a problem for you, then I suggest you go for any of the dial calipers, I’ve reviewed here.
4. Neiko 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper Review
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Bottom Line
You can choose from either 0-6” or 0-8” or 0-12” range of this same Neiko 01407A model.
The size of the LCD screen sets this unit apart from the crowd for sure. It features a comparatively big screen that gives ample convenience to see the numbers clearly.
It features measuring in three different modes – inches, millimeters, and fractions.
You will get one extra battery with the package.
Nonetheless, I think the battery cover needs some attention from the manufacturer. The battery life is not too impressive either.
Moreover, it’s not dust ingress or water splash protected.
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Verdict
Overall, this one is not too good to go for a type of caliper. Yes, it costs less and features all those basic functionalities that you require as a reloader.
With that said, if money is not an issue for you, then I don’t think you should go for this one.
The iGaging digital caliper or the Mitutoyo caliper that I reviewed above are the ones I prefer to this unit considering the accuracy, build, and overall performance.
Calipers for Reloading – Buying Guide
Let me elaborate on some of the key buying factors for your convenience.
Construction and Durability
When it’s all about durability, the overall construction needs to stand out for any calipers.
You don’t want any fragile unit that might break if it drops down or you sit on that. On top of that, you don’t want to buy a caliper each year. So, it’s vital for the unit to have solid construction.
If the frame of a caliper is made from stainless steel without any plastic involvement, it’s an indication of a long-lasting unit.
Measuring Modes
All the calipers offer multiple measuring modes. That’s nothing new. However, for reloading, you must go for the one that includes millimeter measurement mode.
Precision
Both accuracy and precision are crucial factors for a caliper. A minimum of 0.02 mm or 0.001 inches accuracy is expected from a top-notch reloading caliper.
Relative Zero
This is important if you reload different sizes and thicknesses of cartridges, which I believe you do for sure if you reload regularly.
To find out the measurement smoothly, the caliper must get back to zero quite easily against each attempt.
Easy to Calibrate
As per the standard practice, a dial caliper needs to be calibrated once in a year to verify the stated accuracy specifications.
To achieve that smoothly, the calibration should not be a complicated process because of the caliper’s complex design.
Weatherproof
You will want to use a caliper both indoors and outdoors. That’s why it needs to be weatherproof.
At least it should be protected from dust ingress and water splash. An IP54 rating is enough for a caliper to consider it to be a safe unit.
Battery Life
Battery life is another vital factor for digital calipers. It has nothing to do with the dial calipers.
Any top-notch digital caliper should provide at least 1-2 years of battery life against regular use.
The cheap Chinese ones fail in this regard measurably.
Not only the battery life, but the battery compartment should not be flimsy.
What are the Different Types of Calipers?
Although the digital caliper is the most popular type of caliper amongst reloaders, the dial calipers are not too far away from their digital counterpart in terms of user acceptability.
Let me brief a bit about these two types.
Digital Calipers
A digital caliper is the most popular type of caliper among reloaders. It’s because a digital caliper gives a more accurate result, and it’s more beginner-friendly.
In the case of a digital caliper, a digital sensor gives the measurement information, that’s why it doesn’t get hampered by human movement.
You can easily see the digits through the LCD screen, use the buttons to switch between different measuring modes, on-off the unit, etc.
Dial Calipers
When it’s about comparing durability, a dial caliper tends to last longer than a digital caliper.
The significant advantage of dial calipers over digital calipers is a dial caliper doesn’t require any battery to operate. So, you don’t have to worry about battery life and all this.
Best Calipers for Reloading – Frequently Asked Questions
What size reloading caliper should I buy?
If you want to get your hands on the reloading calipers for your reloading work, it is always better that you get the calipers that range from 0 to 6 inches. Precisely, the range of them should be from 0mm to 150 mm. These are the best suit for the reloading work. With such calipers, you will get an outside jaw depth. The depths will range from 1.5 inches or so. On the other hand, the inside jaw of the reloading caliper will be 5.8 of one inch.
How much accuracy do you need?
This is not a tough question to answer if you have a bit of knowledge about reloading. When it comes to reloading, you need as much accuracy as you can! For ultimate accuracy, you will need the best bullet along with good grade power. Also, the good quality calipers are capable of providing you an accuracy of 0.001 inches to more than 6 inches. Usually, the accuracy will be .0001 inches for 150 mm calipers. In some cases, the measurement is more than this.
Are dial calipers more accurate than digital?
When it comes to the differences in the accuracy of the dial calipers and digital calipers, we always recommend digital calipers. Usually, dial calipers are off by 0.001 inches for a needle revolution of 25%. Dial calipers usually use the mechanical system for measurement while the digital ones are easy to use. Digital calipers provide you the opportunity to change convert the inches to mm. With more accurate features, digital calipers work faster than dial calipers. So, if you plan to get the accuracy, the digital calipers will work better for you.
How often should calipers be calibrated?
People often get confused about the calibration process of the calipers. Before the equipment falls out of tolerance, you have to do the calibrating process. In most cases, the calipers require calibration once every 12 months. But keep in mind that if you calibrate the calipers in shorter intervals, you will get better specifications. This also depends on how often you use your calipers. In that case, you can calibrate the calipers monthly, quarterly, or once a year. If you better you check the manual of the caliper to know the calibration period.
Final Verdict
In this best calipers for reloading article, I’ve tried to list down some of the top-most calipers (both dial and digital) of various price ranges.
It’s quite evident that the budget ones don’t provide the same quality as the comparatively pricey ones do.
So, finally, it’s your preference. It’s always what you get is what you pay for.
If you don’t want to sacrifice the quality, durability, and performance at all, then either the iGaging or the Mitutoyo is the best bet for you.
Also Read: Reloading Kits Reviews for Beginners