The Hornady Standard Micrometer (Item Number 050072) is a manual, mechanical external Vernier micrometer engineered for precision cartridge reloading, benchrest shooting, and gunsmithing. Built with a rigid C-frame finished in baked enamel, it measures external dimensions from 0.000 to 1.000 inches with a resolution of 0.0001 inch increments. Operating entirely without batteries or electrical connections, this bench tool provides sub-thousandth-inch dimensional verification for cast or jacketed bullets, shank diameters, and case head expansion where standard 0.001-inch dial or digital calipers lack the necessary resolution.

Key Features

• 0.0001-Inch Resolution: Features precision-engraved barrel and thimble markings that allow users to read external dimensions down to one ten-thousandth of an inch.
• Spindle Lock: Secures the spindle position to preserve measurement settings after contacting the component, preventing accidental movement while recording values.
• Ratchet Stop Thimble: Applies uniform spindle pressure across repeated measurements to ensure consistent, repeatable readings regardless of user technique.
• Mechanical Design: Operates entirely without batteries or digital electronics, eliminating electronic failure points on the reloading bench.
• Fitted Storage Case: Includes a dedicated plastic protective box to shield the precision-ground measuring faces and frame from dirt and physical impact when not in use.

Product Specifications

• Measurement Type: External mechanical Vernier micrometer
• Measurement Range: 0.000 to 1.000 inches
• Graduations / Resolution: 0.0001 inch increments
• Frame Construction: C-frame with baked-enamel finish
• Power Requirements: None (manual operation)
• Packaged Weight: Under 450 g (1 lb)
• Item Number: 050072

Who is the Hornady Standard Micrometer for?

• Precision Reloaders — Measures projectile diameters and case head expansion within a 0.000 to 1.000 inches range in precise 0.0001 inch increments, giving reloaders the sub-thousandth data required to detect pressure signs and verify projectile sizing that standard 0.001-inch calipers cannot resolve.
• Gunsmiths — Provides standalone mechanical verification down to 0.0001 inch increments using this external micrometer to confirm small-parts dimensions, pin diameters, and cylindrical stock without reliance on digital displays or battery power.

Less suitable for: Measuring curved case neck walls, where the flat anvil introduces chordal errors and a specialised ball micrometer is required; measuring cartridge overall lengths (OAL) or cases exceeding the 1.000-inch capacity limit, which require a standard 6-inch dial or digital caliper.