I use the Hornady auto powder dispenser that has the digital scales on it.
So far my RCBS beam scale has agreed with the digital 100% of the time.
So far my RCBS beam scale has agreed with the digital 100% of the time.
This is true of any meter. They don't actually "weigh" the charge, they allow the powder to flow into a known volume. Thus, if you tap or jar the meter while the powder flow is open, the charge will settle and you will end up with a larger weight charge than anticipated.
I use my Lee beam scale but I also got an electronic scale (AWS) from Jerry's Reloading. I compare the two just to make sure when I'm setting up my powder drop for each load.
I have one of the low end RCBS digital scales. The scale came with my RCBS reloading kit. I don't really care for it. It is accurate, but sensitive. I have to make sure it is perfectly level, and I put the powder pan is in the same spot as when it zeroed. I also have to turn it on zero it, and let it set for a couple of minutes before I use it. Also, sometimes it will just change for zero to 0.3 grains for no real reason.
^^^^^absolutely true. When operating a powder measure its real important to operate it with consistency.
I ended up getting both of these:
Lee Precision Safety Scale (Red) - $25.99
and
Frankford Arsenal Reloading Scale - $26.99
I should be able to get pretty close and be pretty safe with this combo, I would think. I can spend the bucks on a really nice scale for trickling later when I really figure out what I'm doing.
Thanks for the advice!
Next, I'm looking for a nice modular storage system. Something with removable medium-sized bins that hang on the wall would be good.
Lee Precision Safety Scale (Red) - $25.99
and
Frankford Arsenal Reloading Scale - $26.99
I should be able to get pretty close and be pretty safe with this combo, I would think. I can spend the bucks on a really nice scale for trickling later when I really figure out what I'm doing.
Thanks for the advice!
Next, I'm looking for a nice modular storage system. Something with removable medium-sized bins that hang on the wall would be good.
I have old dressers that i use. You can make shelf's on top of them if you need.
So many cheap dressers out there..Sturdy top to hold a scale and keep it from shaking and becoming unlevel ..You do NOT want the scale on the same bench as the press.
But my loading in in a bedroom dedicated to reloading.. not the garage as most people do.
If you do it in the shed or a garage watch the humidity levels as you will notice rust on press and dies if it gets high.
So many cheap dressers out there..Sturdy top to hold a scale and keep it from shaking and becoming unlevel ..You do NOT want the scale on the same bench as the press.
But my loading in in a bedroom dedicated to reloading.. not the garage as most people do.
If you do it in the shed or a garage watch the humidity levels as you will notice rust on press and dies if it gets high.
I prefer a beam scale to a low end digital. My 20+ year old RCBS 505 is still my "go to". I put a calibration weight on it regularly just to make sure.
I bought an electronic scale from Midway, can't remember the brand, cheaper one though. You can't trickle charge on it. I put a light charge in the pan, then slowly trickled. The reading never changed. So I tapped it, when it settled it was like three grains over my desired weight. Someone explained it to me, about how the auto-zero built into the scale was acting faster than I was trickling. So now I trickle on my 505, then check it on the electronic scale. When using my progressive, I check every 10th or so load on the electronic scale.
They are handy, but I still trust my old 505 more. I also have a Lee Safety Scale, never cared much for it. For me it is really difficult to lock the 0.1 poise into desired position without moving it a bit one way or the other.
I built a little table about one foot tall to set my 505 on, so it would be more eye level for me. I didn't care much for bending over to be at eye level. After using it, I realized I should have made it about 1.5 feet tall.
They are handy, but I still trust my old 505 more. I also have a Lee Safety Scale, never cared much for it. For me it is really difficult to lock the 0.1 poise into desired position without moving it a bit one way or the other.
I built a little table about one foot tall to set my 505 on, so it would be more eye level for me. I didn't care much for bending over to be at eye level. After using it, I realized I should have made it about 1.5 feet tall.
That little Frankford Arsenal scale sound pretty cool for the money. I've been using my 505 for 40+ years with no issues, but the ability to confirm accuracy would be great. I think I'll give it a look.
Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek
