Checking Your Scale

Yes I do. Lyman makes an inexpensive set of check weights. I can't believe it took me 30 years to get a set.

I have a designated dime with '35' written on it with a Sharpie. It weighs exactly (by my decree) 35 grains. It works because I use the same one every time.

Good idea ^

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Yes.

Yes I have Lyman's Scale Check Weight set and use it. Makes me confident that my digital electronic scale is accurate at all charges from .380 pistol to large rifle loads. I also check my balance beam RCBS when I do get it out of storage. For what it's worth, my Pact Precision has always been accurate and it's about 17-18 years old.

IMO: A 35 grain dime works great.

Unless you are weighing 3.5 grain powder charges.

So does a 55 grain Hornady V-Max bullet.
Unless you are weighing 5.5 grain powder charges.

Buy a check weight set.

rc

Yes, been bringing home test weights from work for years. Retiring soon so time to pop for my own set and check them in the lab at work before I am out of there.

The Lyman set seems a good well priced set for the buck.

I also do have assorted test weights that came with scales.

Ron

I can seem to find a reason why a good beam scale would suddenly start throwing bad weights? I still check mine every time there is a blue moon, but it's right on the money, even after several decades of reliable service.
GS

It won't change.
Unless you drop it.

Or the bearing pivot pin finally cracks the beam while setting in its storage box after 40+ years like my old RCBS scales did a couple of years ago.

No matter what you use for a check weight, be it a bullet, a dime, or a known weight of belly button lent.

Use something.

rc

gamestalker said:

I can seem to find a reason why a good beam scale would suddenly start throwing bad weights? I still check mine every time there is a blue moon, but it's right on the money, even after several decades of reliable service.
GS

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I had a loose pivot in my Lyman scale. It took me a long time to figure out why my zero would shift a few tenths from time to time.

clutch said:

I had a loose pivot in my Lyman scale. It took me a long time to figure out why my zero would shift a few tenths from time to time.

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I knocked my RCBS 1010 off a shelf recently and had trouble with it zeroing. When I investigated further, the pivot was loose in the beam like you mentioned. I sent it to RCBS for "evaluation" and repair. When I returned home from work 3 weeks later I found a brand new 1010 scale with an invoice that said it was free of charge. Never expected to get it replaced, just wanted to see if it was repairable. THANKS RCBS!!!

I check it every time I use it (new session). It only takes a minute or two to check 2 weights (low and high mass) to calibrate and see if there are issues. A problem could be caused by a simple bit of dust or dreck on the pivot point. Maybe I am OCD but thats me.

Every time I start to load I check the level of my beam scale.
Then I throw a charge from my PAD and see that it still weighs the same as previously.
You could say I use my scale to check my powder measure and use my powder measure to check my scale. Everytime.

A dime is an inexpensive way to check.

American science and surplus http://www.sciplus.com/p/BRASS-WEIGHTS_3097 has a set of gram scale weights for 18 bucks.

Each and every time...I wouldn't reload without confirming.

I just got a check weight set, after 45 years of reloading.

I'm thinking about a check weight now. I have a Lyman 500 beam scale that I've used for the last 20 odd years. Loading for the 45 I'm looking at 4.2 gr of clays. When I zero out the scale and adjust the throw to drop 4.2 consistently, then I will throw 10 and weigh it. I rather consistently get about 43.5 for 10 drops. I'm thinking I want to make myself a 4.2 grain check weight and use that to zero the scale.

Just to throw out another option, based on a post here in this forum I learned of check weights from McMaster-Carr, an industrial tool and parts supplier. Ordered a 1-gram and a 5-gram weight, for a grand total of $11.88 (incl. shipping). Delivered in less than 24 hours. I figure these two weights will provide confidence in my RCBS 505 at the lower- and upper-range of weights relevant to my reloading. (www.mcmaster.com)

Sure enough, the scale indicated what looked to be exactly the right reading for the two check weights. Oh - and mtrmn, to echo your account, I bought a 505, used. Seemed squirrelly, didn't seem right, first time I went to reload. Contacted RCBS, they said send it in, sure enough 10 days later a brand-new 505 was delivered free of charge. Ended up paying $20 for an $80 scale.

A poor man's check weight is a BB, they are supposed to be 5.1 grain.

some lead shavings in a ball of masking tape. Make one for each of your favorite loads.. Always zero first, then verify your selected weight with hour tape/lead check weight.. Write the grain value on the tape.

edfardos

Yes I have and use check weights on my scale. I use an Ohaus 10-10. I guess I just figure if I'm going to use a precision piece of equipment, it just makes sense to make sure it IS precise. JMHO

I sure do, and I use it. Better safe than sorry.

Geno

A set of check weights is a good investment. They don't cost alot and will insure your scale is accurate.