I've fooled myself long enough. I used my standard .0001" micrometer to try and get by for CHE measurements. Enough! I want a blade micrometer. Nothing fancy. Don't even need digital. Called Starret this am. $850

They said they could put together a non-digital model as a custom order(their typical non-digi models only measure to .001") $350

I found a local Salt Lake City distributorl who will sell me a Fowler for about $150.

Any one out there got any better ideas to obtain a plausible model that "will do"?

mine is a mitutoyo.....a fine tool

I have a Mitutoyo caliper and a Starett 1" micrometer. I guess it's the "blade" that add the extra cost?

Whats wrong with Fowler?

I found my current Mitutoyo 0.0001" capable Blade Micrometer in a Pawn Shop. They were asking $50 and I got it for $25. I combined it with a couple of other items and made an offer which he accepted. I've had mine for a long time though, so even the Pawn Shops might be higher.

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
Whats wrong with Fowler?

not a darn thing....good stuff!

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
Whats wrong with Fowler?

not a darn thing....good stuff!

I have some of their stuff. Most of the better non-Jap gear is made in Switzerland and branded whatever...not sure what Starrett were trying to sell you for $850 but it's nothing you need for reloading that's for sure...

Macifej,

Thanks for the info push but I need a "blade" micrometer.

Why do you need a blade type...follow the same link they're in the same catalog...

GSSP, for us inquiring minds, what is a CHE measurement?

Case Head Expansion......

Thanks, that's what I just got -- a case of head expansion

My Mitutoyo came from a pawn shop for $15. You just have to be in the right place at the right time. CHE is much over rated. If you stay well below maximums it is totally worthless.

I was once told 9 out of 10 people don't know how to do it anyway. After being online so long, I've come to think that the person who told me that was an optomist.

quote:

Originally posted by amamnn:
I was once told 9 out of 10 people don't know how to do it anyway. After being online so long, I've come to think that the person who told me that was an optomist.

First you have to make a big assumption that each and every case is of the same strength and hardness.

quote:

Originally posted by amamnn:
I was once told 9 out of 10 people don't know how to do it anyway. After being online so long, I've come to think that the person who told me that was an optomist.

Have you tried it?

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
...CHE is much over rated. If you stay well below maximums it is totally worthless.

Totally wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
...First you have to make a big assumption that each and every case is of the same strength and hardness.

And totally wrong again.

+1 for Hot Core.

I've been successfully using the CHE method for almost 7 years with NATO spec 223 & 30-06 Ackely Improved. I've been running 75 gr Hornady match bullets to 2750 fps in a 16" Rock River barrel (duplicats the Spec Ops MK 262 load) and 180 gr bullets upto 3100 fps in a 26" Lilja barrel. If anyoine is familiar with either of those two cartridges, you'll realize how fast those two loads are.

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
...CHE is much over rated. If you stay well below maximums it is totally worthless.

Totally wrong.

Nope....

If you do not make the case head yield there is no dimensional change for the micrometer to measure.

GSSP, don't mean to hijack your thread but --

SR4759, is your user name for the IMR powder? Do you use it for reduced loads? I'm working on some low velocity predator loads

GSSP Again, sorry for the interruption and we can start a new thread if this goes anywhere

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
My Mitutoyo came from a pawn shop for $15. You just have to be in the right place at the right time.

Agreed. Most small towns and cities have at least one pawn shop/second hand store that is friendly, has free coffee, and is a good place to hang around. The one I haunt occasionaly also has great deals on used precision measurement tools.

I bought a tool box full of machinist tools there including several Sterrett .0001" mics, numerous Fowler .001" mics, a couple of Mitutoyo mics, three electronic calipers of mixed Swiss/high quality American makes, all kinds of high quality .0001" indicators, guage blocks, and a bunch of other stuff inluding electronic depth gauges and tubular mics, all for $100 including the machinist's tool box.

quote:

Originally posted by Abob:
GSSP, don't mean to hijack your thread but --

SR4759, is your user name for the IMR powder? Do you use it for reduced loads? I'm working on some low velocity predator loads

GSSP Again, sorry for the interruption and we can start a new thread if this goes anywhere

Yes I use the powder in mostly BPCR loads in 45-70 and a 40-65. The old IMR loading guides listed charges for it in a lot of cartridges and so have some of the Speer manuals.
What cartridge are you loading? It has about the same burn rate as IMR4227 but takes up more room in the case. PM me if you want to discuss it a little more.

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
...If you do not make the case head yield there is no dimensional change for the micrometer to measure.

That is correct. On some of the mature(aka old) cartridges, you should not see ANY CHE because the SAAMI Pressure is too low to cause the Expansion.

Therefore, if you see Expansion, you know you are too HOT and need to back off the load. Extremely useful for folks who Load some of the more mature Cartridges.