Best Digital Calipers for Reloading Reviews
Tired of making errors when taking measurements ?
I guess yes and have you ever heard of a best digital caliper for reloading ? Probably yes too but you have just been ignoring them.
Well, why don’t you try them today and help minimize your chance of making errors. There are different types of calipers available today but as it seems, many people prefer using a digital caliper for reloading or measurements.
Generally, calipers, whether digital, dial or vernier are usually used in many different fields including medicine, automotive, construction among others.
Editor’s Top Pick Best Digital Calipers
| Product Name | Picture | Buy Now | Editors Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitutoyo 500-474 Digital Calipers |  | Check Latest Price | |
| Mitutoyo 500-196-30 AOS Absolute Scale Digital Caliper |  | Check Latest Price | |
| Fowler Full Warranty Stainless Steel Frame Euro- Cal IV Electronic Caliper |  | Check Latest Price | |
| EAGems Digital Caliper |  | Check Latest Price | |
| iGaging Absolute Origin 0-6’’ Digital Electronic Caliper |  | Check Latest Price |
Top 5 Best Digital Calipers for Reloading Reviews
- Mitutoyo 500-474 Digital Caliper
- Mitutoyo 500-196-30 AOS Absolute Scale Digital Caliper
- Fowler Full Warranty Stainless Steel Frame Euro- Cal IV Electronic Caliper
- EAGems Digital Caliper
- iGaging Absolute Origin 0-6″ Digital Electronic Caliper
Mitutoyo 500-474 Digital Caliper
There are many reasons why you should choose to work with the Mitutoyo 500 – 474 digital calipers. This is a digital solar caliper which means that it is fitted with a hard coated solar panel to facilitate a safe operation.
The measuring range of this digital caliper is 0-6 inches or 150 millimeters. Mitutoyo Digital Calipers is one of the top brand for measurement.
It has a resolution of 0.0005 inches or 0.01 millimeters. This tool has the ability to retain its origin point even when you turn off the display. At 60 Lux, this digital caliper is always ready to start measuring from the moment you turn it on.
This means that you don’t have to worry about setting it to zero repeatedly when you experience a shortage of light intensity. It is also made of stainless steel material which ensures its durability. The caliper has a thumb roller to provide you with a comfortable work experience and doesn’t have an SPC data output.
Pros of Mitutoyo 500-474 Digital Caliper :
- Accurate
- No need for calibration
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Uses solar energy
Cons :
- Expensive
- not water resistant
Check Latest Price Mitutoyo 500 – 474 Digital Caliper
Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Scale Digital Caliper [AOS] Advanced Onsite Sensor
This is another digital caliper worth trying out. It contains all the usual features of a good digital caliper and has the ability to give you both the metric and imperial reading.
For accuracy, it has an accuracy of 0.02 millimeters or 0.001 inches. This digital caliper can also be zeroed at any point thus making it easy to use. It is fitted in a nice hard box which helps in protecting it from any damages.
This tool can retain its origin point its entire life after it is set once. However, this can be changed at any point. It is a bit expensive but I am sure you can overlook the price if you really want a good digital caliper.
Pros of Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Digital Caliper :
- Highly accurate
- Durable
- Quality model
- Absolute measuring system
- Waterproof
Cons :
- A bit expensive
- Uses batteries
Check Latest Price Mitutoyo 500-196-30 AOS Absolute Scale Digital Caliper
Fowler Full Warranty Stainless Steel Frame Euro –
Cal IV Electronic Caliper
This caliper comes with a one-year warranty from the manufactures. With it, you get an accuracy of 0.0015 inches or 0.03 millimeter with a resolution of 0.0005 inches or 0.01 millimeter.
Basically, this helps in providing you with precise measurements. The caliper has a hardened stainless steel frame for protection thus can serve you for a long period of time without getting damaged.
It possesses the ability to provide you with fractional units, metrics or single value readouts to help you with your measurements. This tool also has absolute and incremental modes that help you to take differential or intermediate measurements. Finally, it is certified to an IP 54 level of protection against things like dust and splashing liquid.
Pros of Fowler Digital Caliper :
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Accurate
- Warranty to cover for malfunctions
Cons :
- Battery operated
- Expensive
Check Latest Price Fowler Electronic Caliper
EAGems Digital Caliper
EAGems digital caliper is a top quality digital caliper that is made of a hardened stainless steel material. It is resistant to water thus can be able to continue working perfectly well even when it comes in contact with some water splashes. Fitted on it, is a big LCD screen that allows you to easily record the readings.
This digital caliper will give you precise measurements and can be set to zero at any point for differential measurement. EAGems is one of the best digital caliper under 100.
It works with an automatic shut-off mechanism which enables the caliper to go off when not in use. With this caliper, you never have to worry about your batteries running low anytime soon. It has no plastic material on it and it also glides easily without sticking. Through one button, you can be able to convert measurements as it can give readings in millimeters, fractions, and inches. You don’t have to worry about the budget since it has a pocket-friendly cost.
Pros of EAGems Digital Caliper :
- Accurate
- Durable
- Precise measurements
- Water resistant
Cons :
- Sub-standard sensor sensitivity
- Battery operated
Check Latest Price EAGems Digital Caliper
iGaging Absolute Origin 0-6″ Digital Electronic Caliper
The iGaging Absolute Origin 0-6’’ Digital Electronic Caliper made it to this list probably because it has ability to resist dust and water among other advantages. This tool has a memory storage technique that enables it to store many readings for future reference.
It has an LCD screen which makes it easy for you to take the readings and also a good sensor that will always know when the caliper is ready to start working. It is best digital caliper under 100.
No re-calibration is required even after being used. This digital caliper is able to store data due to its USB capabilities hence you won’t have to worry about the measurements getting lost or even forgetting them.
It has an accuracy of 0.001 inches or 0.02 millimeter with a resolution of 0.0005 inches or 0.01 millimeter. This is a good digital caliper with a mid-range budget when it comes to the price.
Pros Of IGaging Digital Caliper :
- Water and dust resistant
- Ability to store readings
- Easy to read and use
- No need for re-calibration
- USB capabilities
Cons :
- Uses battery
- High price for others
Check Latest Price iGaging Digital Caliper
Read More about –
What Is Caliper ? Types Of Calipers ? Who Should Buy Caliper ?
Parts Of A Digital Caliper – Digital Caliper Battery Replacement !
6 Best Cheap Digital Calipers Under 50
| Product Name | Product Image | Check Price | Editors Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 50080 Digital Caliper |  | ||
| ML TOOLS Stainless Steel Digital Caliper |  | ||
| iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper |
| ||
| GlowGeek Electronic Digital Caliper |
| ||
| SE 784EC Digital Caliper |
| ||
| Calipro Digital Caliper |
|
Here is the Best Digital Calipers Under 50 – Best Inexpensive Digital Caliper
1. Hornady 50080 Digital Caliper
2. ML TOOLS Stainless Steel Digital Caliper
3. iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper
4. GlowGeek Electronic Digital Caliper
5. SE 784EC Digital Caliper
6. Calipro Digital Caliper
Hornady 50080 Digital Caliper
Hornady 50080 is a great caliper tool, easy to use and can get accurate measurement. Perfection is absolute. On this price this Hornady digital caliper work as well as higher priced ones. You can get good result from this little amount of bucks. Product dimension 3.5 x 9.8 x 1 inches. Weight is 10.4 ounces.
Pros of Hornady Digital Caliper :
- Easy user interface
- Large display
- Have a power button
- Accurate measurement
- Price is not too high, it’s on your hand
- Easily measure inside and outside diagram
- In one word Hornady is cheap and quality product
- Made by heavy stainless steel
- Build a small screw for lock the slide
- Turn off power automatically within short time to save and long last the battery life
- It comes with nice hard plastic case with a spare battery
Check Latest Price Hornady Digital Caliper
ML TOOLS Stainless Steel Digital Caliper
On this price these is good caliper to buy, I surely confirm you this caliper provides you satisfaction and best digital calipers for the money. It preform better then you expects. It is well made by stainless steel, large led display, easy to read displey and solid design.
Product dimension 9.5 x 3 x 0.5 inches and weight is 9.6 ounces. It works very well as like higher price caliper and quick measurement display service.
Pros of MLTools Digital Caliper :
- Well built excellent quality
- Long lasting battery because it turns off automatically after several minutes
- Easily measure ins and outs diagram even hole
- Measurements are accurate
- You can easily measure also a little nut and screw
- Nice looking
- Have a screw to fixed the size
- It comes on your hand with a carry case
Check Latest Price ML Tools Stainless Steel Digital Caliper
iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper
iGaging Caliper has super large display – 2-3/8″ x 7/8″, read easily the display. iGaging serves water and dust resistant. Made by stainless steel. iGaging dimension 9.7 x 3.6 x 1.2 inches and weight is 1.8 ounces.
Pros of iGaging IP54 Digital Caliper :
- It turns off automatically after 5 minute inactivity
- Made in China, but don’t worry about this products, the quality is amazing
- You can get spare battery with it
- Smooth with big led screen
- Great product for this price
- Very good repeatability
- Great budget friendly caliper
Check Latest Price iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper
GlowGeek Electronic Digital Caliper
Check Latest Price GlowGeek Electronic Digital Caliper
SE 784EC Digital Caliper
Check Latest Price SE 784EC Digital Caliper
Calipro Digital Caliper
Check Latest Price Calipro Digital Caliper
Why Do You Need A Best Digital Caliper For Reloading ?
Some people would always argue that all these types of calipers are usually the same and the difference depends on how you use them and for what purpose. So why exactly do you have to use digital calipers for reloading?
Digital calipers usually have a lot to offer. Introduced to the market in the late 70s, they have always served a great purpose when it comes to reloading, staying true to their course and giving us value for our money.
Due to their electronic abilities, they are able to perform more functions apart from just providing inside, outside and depth readings. A digital caliper can often have the ability to convert the readings from English to metric.
They give you the freedom to set them to zero from anywhere along the bar. Using some great technology to design them, some digital calipers are also capable of sending the readings recorded to your computers or the data collection areas.
Why you Should Buy a Digital Caliper ?
Wow, do you still have a reason not to choose a digital caliper over a dial caliper? I am sure you can now see where the difference is and why you should choose to work with digital calipers.
Two main differences are, digital calipers are available in many versions. They are always available in many lengths compared to the dial calipers. Also with digital calipers, the manufacturers are always working towards improving them, making them become reliable and resistant even when being used in extreme environmental conditions.
As you can see, digital calipers are the best in this case. They come with several advantages which help in making your work easier when reloading.
Top features of the Best Digital Calipers for Reloading
Measuring Modes
A good digital caliper should be having three measuring modes. This is mainly because you might need to take your measurements in millimeters, fractions or inches. Having these measuring modes will help you to get the exact measurement.
Precision
This is a very key factor when it comes to measurements. For you to be sure that you are using the right tool, make sure it has an accuracy of within 0.02 millimeters or 0.001 inches.
Construction
Make sure that your digital caliper is made using top quality stainless steel material. This way you can be sure that your digital caliper will serve you for a long period of time since it’s durable and very sturdy.
Battery life
You should check and ensure that your digital caliper has a battery that will last for long. This way, you will be able to work with a lot of ease and no worries of having to regularly change your batteries.
How to Use a Digital Caliper
Okay, you have seen some good digital calipers you can use and their advantages. Now the big question is, do you know how to use it? Well, just follow these simple steps below and you will be good to go.
Before doing anything, you will have to make sure that the surface of the item you want to measure is clean. This can be done with a clean piece of cloth or you can dampen the cloth with some cleaning oil. You will also need to clean both the jaws of the calipers and making sure it is functioning properly.
Step 1: Zero the caliper
It is always very important that you zero your caliper first before starting to work with it. If you fail to do this, the readings you will get might not be accurate. Accuracy might always be guaranteed when using such fancy calipers at zero position but it is still very important that you check to make sure everything is correct.
Step 2: Taking the inside measurements
You will need to use the inside jaws for you to be able to take the inside measurements of an object. Make sure that the object you are measuring is correctly placed to be perpendicular with your digital caliper’s jaws. Measuring an object which is not placed perpendicularly to the jaws will give you wrong results.
Step 3: Taking the outside measurements
I believe you used the inside jaws to take the inside measurements of your object right? So for the outer measurements, you need to use the outside jaws. For this, the object to be measured should not be perpendicular but you need to place it to be parallel to the jaws. The outside jaws can also be used to measure the thickness of an object.
Step 4: Taking the depth measurements
You might have noticed that the depth of most of the digital calipers is usually a depth gauge, also known as the depth probe. This is the part that you can use to determine how deep a hole is in an object.
To take this measurement, you must first re-calibrate your digital caliper by pressing the zero button. After this, carefully place the depth probe over the hole of the object you want to measure.
Slowly you will need to lower the probe of the caliper into the hole using the thumbscrew until it touches the base of the hole. When this is done, you can now check the screen of your digital caliper to take the readings.
Step 5: Taking step measurements
This is something that only a few good digital calipers can be able to do. For you to take this measurement, you will use the head of the caliper.
For instance, if you are taking measurements of a staircase, the upper jaw will need to rest in one case and the lower jaw will touch the other case then take your readings. This always helps when you are working with small objects.
Step 6: Difference measurements
This is simply measuring the difference between two objects dimensions. You can use a combination of the above measurements techniques to do this.
For you to be able to get the difference measurements, you will first need to zero your caliper by pressing the zero button then use any of the above measuring choices to take the first measurement. Without closing or moving the tool, you will also need to use one of the above techniques to take the second measurement.
Make sure you re-calibrate the digital caliper before you take any measurements. After the second measurement, the results you will get on your caliper’s screen will be the difference between the two objects dimensions.
Digital Vs Dial – Calipers for Reloading
Throughout the years, this topic has been debated upon and it seems like it won’t be stopping anytime soon. Well, if you ask me what my view is, I will have to go with the digital calipers. Let’s start with the advantages.
Advantages of Using a Digital Caliper
Ease of use: Digital calipers have been in use for quite a while now and it is evident that they are liked by most people in different professions. What do you think could be the reason behind this? Well, digital calipers are quite easy to use owing to the fact that you can easily read the measurements you take from it. This is usually facilitated by the LCD screen fitted on it to allow for easy reading.
Accuracy: Digital calipers will give you direct readings, high accuracy, and reliability. Just like I had already said before, with digital calipers, you can be able to zero it along the bar at any point.
Re-calibration: When using the best digital caliper, you will notice that the electronic caliper can be zeroed without you performing any re-calibration. These are just a few advantages that you can have when using a digital caliper.
The only advantage you can get from a dial caliper over a digital caliper is the fact that you don’t have to use a battery to power them.
Disadvantages of Using a Digital Caliper
Digital calipers also have their downside.
No weather proofing: They are not water resistant hence can get destroyed when it comes in contact with water. Sometimes they can become unreliable when used in extremely hot or cold conditions. This is because the electronics on them can become affected by these conditions thus giving you unreliable readings during measurements.
Difficult to fix when broken: They need a battery for them to work and can be difficult to fix when they stop functioning. On the other hand, the dial calipers can also be difficult to fix. Their maximum length is 300mm or 12 inches and their legs are only available in standard versions.
How to maintain and take good care of your Digital Calipers
Just like any other tool in your workshop, digital calipers also need to be taken care of. Taking good care of these tools will often see them remain in good shape for a long period of time. This helps in maintaining the work efficiency that it provides and its reliability. They are usually very easy to take care of and this shouldn’t be giving you any problems.
When we talked about the disadvantages of a digital caliper, one of them was that it is not water resistant. This shows that you should be keeping your digital caliper in a dry and a humid free place. Any contact with water might lead to its destruction.
Most digital calipers always come with a protective casing which helps in protecting them from any damages. Make sure you place them back into these casings when you are not using them.
It is also advisable that you turn them off when not in use. This helps in conserving the energy even though the batteries can always serve you for a long time.
Also, make sure that you wipe them clean after using them just before you keep them. You need to take good care of the digital calipers and they will take good care of your work when it comes to measurements.
Check Latest Price Mitutoyo 500 – 474 Best Digital Caliper
Check Latest Price Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Best Digital Caliper For Reloading
Check Latest Price Fowler Electronic Caliper
Check Latest Price EAGems Digital Calipers For Reloading
Check Latest Price iGaging Digital Caliper
Infographic: How to Use Electronic Digital Caliper
See This Video How To Use and Configure Best Digital Caliper
Final Verdict of Digital Caliper for Reloading
When it comes to measurements, pick only the best tool. Best tools will give you accurate results. Try investing in digital calipers. With less effort, you will always record the most accurate results. However, these tools might sometimes be having a high price range but they are worth the risk.
Be careful with cheap digital calipers. Well, they might be giving you accurate results too but they may not last for long. Try the ones mentioned above as they have been tested and proven to be good. Be safe and choose only the best digital caliper for reloading.
Read More About Following Topics –
- Best Torpedo Level – Click Here
- Best Hand Truck – Click Here
- Best Padlock For Home / Office / Shop Safety – Click Here
- Best Tool Belt – Click Here
- Best Electric Fillet Knife – Click Here
Nice and very informative article, personally love this details guide. On my view Mitutoyo 500-474 is best digital caliper for reloading.
Thanks.
Yes David, You are right. Mitutoyo 500-474 is best digital caliper.
Nicely reviewed. I use Mitutoyo digital caliper. I love to use it. Thanks your great effort.