I've been meaning to take some images of how I measure the case crimp with a micrometer, for a long time but keep getting pulled away on other projects. Not because I have the market cornered on "the right way". I just want us all to be able to reference a standard we can all relate to, like the milk jugs full of water, penetration and expansion test. They're certainly not ballistic gel with the appropriate BB penetration calibration, just something that allows as many of us who choose to, to say apples to apples, with our affordable alternative. If you live in or near a neighborhood that recycles and has kids, chances are good that you'll have no trouble getting all the free, 1 gallon milk jugs you want. The next cheapest component is water to fill them with and you're most of the way home.
Micrometers are not magical / mystical devices. Like their cousin the caliper but they adjust in more minute steps and measure with a greater degree of accuracy. They do lend well to any reloader's toolkit but having one doesn't solve problems.
I have a method that I use, the same way every time I'm measuring resultant crimp diameter. The most important part of that statement is "the same way" IE consistency. The same could be accomplished with a caliper once you establish a consistent reference point. Maybe not to the same degree of accuracy, but nonetheless as useful if you're consistent. In the next day or so, I will try to document the one of many methods out there, that I use a micrometer to measure crimp result, in terms that hopefully will be easy to follow and replicate. Then we can talk red delicious as opposed to mcintosh.
Hoot
PS: Tripplebeards posted while this one was in progress. Wife called me away to watch a comedy show with her. Soon, shooting / reloading season will return and our evening time together will suffer significantly. Never hurts to make points while you can.