RCBS Precision MIC .30-06

Purchased the RCBS Precision Micrometer to measure headspace of fired brass and also determine the bullet seating depth for reloading. After unpacking the Precision Micrometer, I threaded the 2 halfs together, immediately I noticed there was definite binding at some points when adjusting the micrometer. Threading the other half I found it even worse and completely bound up. After working the threads by screwing and unscrewing the halfs, it did smooth out enough that I could make full scale measurements. But still not smooth.Not what I would have expected for a precision instrument. Felt like the threads were not finished/polished after being cut.I measured a some once fired cases (Ruger Precision Rifle) and found consistent results indicating the rifle chamber was .003" below SAAMI minimum. A bit hard to believe on a precision rifle.I also used the included parts to measure the distance from bolt face to rifling lands. A bit tricky at first, but I was able to get some consistent measurements.Given the initial issues with binding of the threads, I'm not sure I trust the measurements at this point... The design idea is good and easy to use even at the range. However I expected more from a tool labeled as "Precision". I've ordered a Hornady headspace guage and OAL guage to confirm.

Good tool for relative measurements to compare sized brass to fired brass from your chamber, but the instructions say that the zero mark is supposed to be the SAAMI minimum. It wasn't, it was off by .002" and compared to another one of these tools owned by a friend they were off by .004 from each other, Which means my friends tool is also off by .002 from SAAMI minimum. just in the other direction.

RCBS is known for quality. I have a number of RCBS reloading tools. I've had no complaints at all over the years. The RCBS 'precision mic' instructions are very clear and detailed. The tool arrived and quality of it is like no other micrometer ever I've used. The first thing I noticed was it didn't look new, small scratches and one spot with crude touch-up paint. I thought it had been used and then returned. The threads are so gritty it feels like there's sand between the threads. The freebore tool had the nylon connector screwed on so tight that I needed a vise to back it out. I managed to 'mic' out 13 newly fired '30-06' cartridges from the same bolt action rifle, they varied from .000 to .004. I don't understand this. The nylon/steel freebore tool (looks like a dummy round) is a dud, I gave up on it today after frustrating three hours. I'll give it another try tommorow, wish me luck. IMHO, there is nothing I feel precise about it, it feels cheap and poorly designed. Understand, a mistake in reloading high power rifle rounds could land you in the hospital. I just bought a $129 Mitutyo digital caliper, when I could of bought a cheap $16 knockoff. The tool will be worth what I paid for it for many years to come. In short, look around, I don't think much of this item and I don't believe someone else did. As an aside nowhere on the RSBS instructions does it say it's a micrometer! They call it a 'precision mic'....

When Accuracy is Important you need a good case gauge. RCBS makes an excellent Precision Micrometer that will help you setup your reloading press to produce the most accurate ammo. This gauge will help you make sure that you ammo will feed properly and fit the chamber every time. I have one of these for all of the calibers that I shoot the most.

This gauge will give the information that you need to produce safe and accurate reloaded rifle ammunition. If you use an auto loading rifle you especially need this gauge because you know that you have properly set your sizing die so as to size each cartridge to production specifications. You "KNOW" that each cartridge is going to chamber with each pull of the trigger. Using this gauge you will know how far you are pushing back the cartridge shoulder to within 0.001 of an inch. This minimizes overworking the brass prolonging the life of your brass and minimizing the chance of ruptured cases. I have an auto loading .223 and .308 but not a .270 (it's a bolt action) but I still bought this because not over working my high pressure rifle brass is that important. Using the supplied tool you can also measure the bullet to barrel land clearance which might be important to some of you using bolt action rifles.

The set was packaged as though it came from another country very good packaging I read stories about them being worn with gritty threads but I found mine to be clean and clear all marks are well defined and everything is a mechanical fit a nice well packaged product sent expeditiously.Even comes with a smiley face thank you very much.

As a couple other reviews have mentioned. The bullet seating depth marks don't line up correctly. This really isn't an issue but shows the quality of the piece. The threads are a little on the rough side as well. I wish they had put a little more time into ensuring things line up. Even though it doesn't line up you just use it as a reference point to seat your bullet depth. The headspace piece lines up perfectly and works exactly how it should.Regardless of its shortcomings, it does it's job.

Vernier skirt was separated from the threaded barrel of the micrometer on the RCBS precision mike,and loose in the box.Black oxide coating of the micrometer body was gouged to bright metal in a few places, indicatingvery rough treatment.Thread profile was deformed at one place on the micrometer body, makingit difficult to operate the precision mike.I did not expect NIB condition, but this item has clearly been abused by previous owner.

Exactly as described, quality RCBS tool. Fast shipping,

Good delivery and product