Am I wasting my time here

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The Sarge

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I have the patience of Job....just received my Lee Classic...it came with a scale (gravity) and I cannot get any type of reliable repeatability out of it. I zero it ...take off the tray and put the tray back on and it "lands" at a different spot everytime. I have insured there is no trash/burs etc. anywhere and it is in the slot perfectly. If this is how they are (cheap) I have no problem with it ...and will go to Bass Pro and buy a digital...I just fail to see how this thing can be trusted with powder if it cannot return to zero consistently.
Am I wasting time here fooling with the scale that came with the kit?
 
I had some issues with mine and bought a much nicer RCBS scale. I like Lee dies and their hand press, but not their scales.
 
Maybe try wiping the beam and body down with an Anti-Static Dryer Sheet, I'm just trying to shoot some ideas out there. Try a different location and make sure there are no breezes (air conditioner, or heater going). Whatever it is the answer is actually simple but not obvious.
 
Make sure there isn't a draft from a ceiling fan or similar blowing on it. My RCBS 5-10 scale has been going strong for about 30 years while two digitals went bust in short order.

Added - just saw your comment about draft also check the pivots to make sure it is in there square and not slightly off and therefore catching on something
 
I want to add I bought a lee kit for my friend as a gift and before I gave it to him I pulled the scale to try it out. I noticed that the pan was bent so I bent it back so when it's hanging it was level. Then I zeroed it in and it weighed ok as I weighed some bullets and powder comparing it to a Digital Lyman scale and a Redding beam scale. All seemed to be good with it so I told him what I did and gave it to him. He hasn't used it yet as he's been busy with work and family. I would recommend the Redding Beam and Lyman Digital Scale as they work for me loading the 460 S&W Mag, 45 Colt Ruger loads, 40 S&W, and 9MM Luger.
 
I had a Lee balance scale back in 1995. I noticed I could not get reliable readings on the garage bench. After much frustration, I realized there was too much air movement with both garage door and the window open. When I moved the scale into a room with the HVAC vent closed, I got much more consistent readings.

I switched to an electronic scale soon afterwards and never looked back.

FWIW, I have the older MidwayUSA small tear drop shaped scale (no longer for sale and now they sell a square scale) and have not had any problem the past 15+ years. Many people have complained about the scale and I tell them it is a very sensitive scale and they must eliminate air movement around it. You can test this by placing a glass bowl over the scale and checking your weights.

Also FYI, the back of the scale is clearly marked with temperature range of 15C - 35C (59F - 95F). Many of the shooters complained having problems with the scale after hot summers in California where garage temperatures exceeded 110F+. If you have an electronic scale, check the scale specs/manual to see the operating temperature range and don't exceed them (if the scale is left in the garage during cold/freezing winter, it will also be affected).
 
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Lee beam scale

It works if it hasn't been bent or damaged.
On any beam scale, the tiniest parts can introduce drag.
Make sure you follow the instructions (no offense intended).

If you get a digital, you will find that they have all their own systemic problems and idiosyncracies. Just because it's digital, doesn't mean your problems fly away and you'll never be frustrated again. They are susceptible to the same problems (unstable work bench, drafts, etc.) plus variations in electric powder source (AC power or batteries).
 
You most likely have a static issue. Wipe it clean with anti static cloth like a dryer sheet and you may be supprised.
 
Make sure you are not near florescent lighting and their ballasts, they can cause magnetic feilds that can affect the magnetic dampening and cause erratic static feilds which can affect the plastic beam of the Lee scale.
 
The Lee Scale is a pain to set up, but it's very sensitive, accurate and repeats reliably.

I reload in my garage and noticed scale changes and found out it was caused by drafts.

This was my 'fix'. The sides are made from Federal SPP cases to let in light. The 'door' is shown open. Looks crooked but is level. Stops dirt/dust, bumps, and drafts.
 

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dust collector

The one that came with the kit I bought over 10 years ago sits on a shelf collecting dust. didn't like it so I picked up a RCBS 5-0-5, dang thing got demagnetized somehow. Now it sits next to the Lee. Now I use a ChargeMaster 1500. If that goes down I guess I'll go to the dippers.
 
If you do go looking for a digital, I recommend the RCBS Rangemaster 750. I love it. I haven't had any problems with it in the almost two years I've had it.

I also gave away my Lee scale that came with my turret press and bought myself a RCBS 5-0-5 balance scale. Although I only use it to double check the digital scale, I love how easy it is to level and measure with.

Chuck
 
Well I did put it "in a box" as mentioned above.....I took a 85 grain bullet and used it to test for repeatability....it comes back 'close" to where it is everytime now...but not exactly....maybe I am just too stupid for this thing.....So us stupid folks need electronics.....
The rest of the kit seems to be of good quality.....I have no complaints at all with Lee....
I do like the hand held primer tool.....the press seems solid....and the dies are top notch....
 
I have 4 Lee presses & a lot of their dies---all fine equipment.
I don't like their scale & some of their factory crimp dies ( certain cal.-don't like having a
cannelure put on my brass )
I don't need to load fast anymore--my Dillions are dusty as I use Lee turret presses!!!!
I do have some grandkids that think I am a free Ammo shop--they end up doing work around the house--so it all works out ............................:)
 
I started with a Lee scale. It didn't take me long to get rid of it. I replaced it with an RCBS 10-10 and never looked back. Needless to say, I was never happy with the Lee scale. IMO RCBS makes a very good and realiable scale. You defintly get what you paid for with RCBS.
 
HOWARD J - I do have some grandkids that think I am a free Ammo shop--they end up doing work around the house--so it all works out.
Click to expand...

I figured out why my grandchildren and I get along so well.....we have a common enemy - their parents and my children! :D:evil::D

Like the old saying goes, "If I had known how wonderful grandchildren are, I would have had them first!" :)
 
HOWARD J - I do have some grandkids that think I am a free Ammo shop--they end up doing work around the house--so it all works out.
Click to expand...
I have a similar bargin with my wife since we don't have kids. We go shoot. She picks up all teh brass by herself. I load the truck. I do all the gun cleaning, reloading and anything else gun related. So all she has to do is show up and shoot and pick up brass.:neener:
 
maybe the pivot points need some grease or oil ?
Click to expand...
Never ever oil or grease the knife edge or bearings on a scale.

If anything, clean them with alcohol & Q-Tips to get every spec of oil, grease & dirt off of them.

rc
 
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