Powder scale help
- Thread starter Pahonix
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You measure powder by grains not grams. And + or - .01 grains is plenty accurate enough for reloading work.
The Lee scale if set up right is plenty accurate enough. I use my Lee safety powder scale to check accuracy of my digital scale.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
I would also be keeping an eye out for a good set of check weights. You don't need high end check weights, any check weights like these RCBS #98992 are more than adequate. You also want a basic set labeled in Grains verse grams. Having more scales is not going to get you anywhere, my next stop would be a set of decent check weights if I were you.
Ron
BigAlShooter
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Yeah, like others said, send back the cheap digital scale. I had the Lee scale and used it extensively. I thought I could get a cheapo digital (actually costs more than the Lee) and was mistaken. I would zero the cheap digital scale, check it with the check weight and it would be pretty accurate. Load a couple rounds, then check it with the check weight and it was always way off. I sent it back for a refund. I then bought a RCBS 10-10 and have been using it for 10+ years and still like it.
scott511
Member
I have it also and will not weigh powder on it.
Pahonix, regarding your Lee scale, if it hasn't been dropped or mistreated, use it. Stop trying to back it up with a cheap digital. I know the Lee scale is tough to get used to and it's a pain to use, but you're wasting your time with cheap electronic scales.
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Bcwitt
Member
An el cheapo digital scale can get interference from cellular traffic. I've seen this happen. I always use 2 scales.
I had that Lee scale, it was accurate enough, just a PITA to use! I found myself waiting more for it to stop moving, then actually loading up cases. Check weights are a must, and I upgraded to the Dillon Eliminator scale, which is made by Ohaus.
jonas66
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- Feb 5, 2020
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- 112
Pahonix-- I have had that second scale you ordered for a year and a half. Mine is branded Frankford Arsenal.
The one I have definitely has quirks that can cause inaccurate measurements until you learn it's habits.
For instance, it is sensitive to cold temperatures- they cause rapid fluctuations.
It likes new batteries.
It is sensitive to both electromagnetic fields and slight breeze-- mine will go haywire with a space heater nearby. --Although it doesn't seem to be sensitive to light like another one of my digital scales is.
Right when you first turn it on, it will measure heavy the first few times.
Occasionally it will get 'stuck' on a measurement; if you've been weighing 4.2 grains out for a while and then change to 4.4, it'll still try to read 4.2 -- if that makes any sense-- until you convince it otherwise.
Sometimes it takes more than a few moments to settle into it's final reading.
Yours may be different.
All that said, I can get it to measure accurately and match my Lee beam scale every time now that I've learned it's habits.
It drove me nuts until I got used to it. Eventually I'll replace it with a better, certainly.
I will keep my Lee beam even after I get a better one of those.
YMMV.
The one I have definitely has quirks that can cause inaccurate measurements until you learn it's habits.
For instance, it is sensitive to cold temperatures- they cause rapid fluctuations.
It likes new batteries.
It is sensitive to both electromagnetic fields and slight breeze-- mine will go haywire with a space heater nearby. --Although it doesn't seem to be sensitive to light like another one of my digital scales is.
Right when you first turn it on, it will measure heavy the first few times.
Occasionally it will get 'stuck' on a measurement; if you've been weighing 4.2 grains out for a while and then change to 4.4, it'll still try to read 4.2 -- if that makes any sense-- until you convince it otherwise.
Sometimes it takes more than a few moments to settle into it's final reading.
Yours may be different.
All that said, I can get it to measure accurately and match my Lee beam scale every time now that I've learned it's habits.
It drove me nuts until I got used to it. Eventually I'll replace it with a better, certainly.
I will keep my Lee beam even after I get a better one of those.
YMMV.
gonoles_1980
Member
I've used the Lee Scale for years, I always zero, then use check weights near the weight I want to load (e.g. 4.0gr if I was going to load 3.8gr), once that is checked I move to the desired weight.
SP Jim, How do you like that Bald Eagle scale?
JFrank
Member
It works pretty good for the price although I use a tuned Beam scale for powder charges then the Electric for quick conformation or weighing other items like primers or bullets
You really need a calibration weight to know for sure. Also the battery could be going bad on the digital . A low battery can cause it to display incorrectly.
Ranger99
Member
When you're in the midst of making
purchases of reloading gear, do yourself
the biggest of big favors and buy a set
of real check weights designed specifically
for use with reloading scales.
Get a set of tweezers at the dollar store
if the set of weights you buy doesn't come
with any. Never handle the weights with
your bare hands, and return them to the
storage box as soon as you're through
checking your scale. Buy a good cover
for your scale, and keep it covered when
ever that you're not using it. Or cover
it with a lint-free cloth or similar.
Don't let dust accumulate on your scale.
Build a dedicated shelf or have a spot
on your bench for your scale to where
you don't have to move it around before
and after use. Even the cheapest Lee
scale should be better than a cheap
Amazon scale of unknown reliability.
Barring any of that, a set of Lee dippers
will help load some very consistent
ammunition when used properly
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