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Has anyone used Plastigauge? I need to get some and wondered how good it was and if there are any alternatives? Yes, I know it is not really reloading related, it is just that I could not think of any other place to post this and it is gun related

I dont understand how plastigauge fits with re loading what are you wanting to use it for its normally used for measuring bearing surfaces etc.
Particulary in the auto motive industry for measuring gaps in big end bearings etc when dismantling and re building engines.

An accurate set of calipers ought to give you better results than plastigage. I have not used it in years, but seem to recall it indicated to the nearest 0.002". ID and OD calipers are better than that.

However for a cheap and quick measurement, it works fine.

I want to measure the gap between the outer face of the bolt and the barrel on a rifle and plastigauge is the only way I can think of doing it.

not sure if this is any help

Plastigauge is OK, just a modern convenient replacement for Lead wire; some of us older mechy-fitter/Engineer types still take leads of clearances and measure with an old fashioned micrometer.