Check Weights

[lordgroom]

What do all of you use for check weights? Is there a difference between Lyman and RCBS check weights? Do I have any other options? I seem to remember reading a thread recently where someone used new coins.

 

[bensdad]

I went to the gun/reloading store to get check weights.

They are not cheap.

I found a set of weights my dad had from ages ago. I think the company is OHouse? Ohaus? Something like that. Anyway, I've got a set with 1g, 2g, 5g, etc. I know the conversions to grains, so I just use these.

I know the company also makes weights in grains.

Here it is...
http://ohaus.com/products/ind/weights06.asp?dlc=en

They make weights to different tolerances, and the prices really reflect those differences.

 

[rcmodel]

I use a 20 grain .177" bullet, 50 grain .223 bullet, a 150 grain .308 bullet, and a 250 grain .45 LC bullet.
Keep them with my scales.

That, plus the two check / calibration weights that came with my PACT scales.

If all six agree, I'm good to go.

rcmodel

 

[Encoreman]

Okay rc that sounds great. What if a person doesn't have any check weights can the bullets you listed be trusted as the listed weights? I know it sounds great, but what if each of those bullets are off by .5-1 grain?

 

[CBS220]

Don't shoot max loads, then.

Most major manufacturers make pretty consistent bullets so far as weight goes. We're talking 0.3 grain or less spread for good bullets.

That said, Check weights are a good investment... and they really aren't that expensive.

 

[rcmodel]

Don't shoot max loads, then.

I have two sets of good scales.

If the check weight bullets I use weigh what the manufacture says they are supposed to weigh, and also weigh the same on both scales, repeatably time after time, I'm pretty confident my scales are right.

And as I said earlier, I keep the same 4 bullets with the scales, not just indiscriminately grab some out of an untested box.

So far, I haven't blown myself up even once yet.
But I've only been reloading for 46 years, so theres still time I suppose.

rcmodel

 

[zxcvbob]

A recently minted dime weighs exactly 35 grains. A recently minted nickel weights exactly 5 grams.

(Don' try to use a penny as a check weight because they keep changing the recipe on those.)

 

[tkendrick]

So far, I haven't blown myself up even once yet.
But I've only been reloading for 46 years, so theres still time I suppose.

Rookie!

 

[buck460XVR]

A recently minted dime weighs exactly 35 grains. A recently minted nickel weights exactly 5 grams

+1......thats what I use, when I can afford it.

 

[lee n. field]

Check weights aren't that expensive.

Bullets vary in weight. That's why we want to weigh them. Coins wear.

 

[evan price]

A brand new dime and nickle are kept in my drawer under the press supplies. That's all I use and I don't shoot max much except for 9mm.

 

[Walkalong]

+1......thats what I use, when I can afford it.

Great line.

 

[res1b3uq]

dimes

I pulled 7 dimes out of my pocket and weighed them on my scale. (Lee cheapo) 2 were light, 4 were heavy, and one just exactly right. None of them were off very far. I think a new one weighs 35.06?

 

[cracked butt]

I just use a SMK bullet. I've never seen an SMK bullet off by more than a few tenths of a grain from the stated weight on the box- and that's usually within the accuracy of most reloading scales. Use the same bullet to check your scale every time. The weight that your scale shows is less important than getting the same reading every time when you weigh the same object. The only way that this line of thinking is wrong is if you start with the maximum powder charge in a reloading manual instead of wroking up to it.

 

[Schleprok62]

I don't see a problem with the using bullets as check weights. As RC said, he uses the same ones. So, at some point, I'm sure he took and weighed them when he knew his scale was true. Now, from that I would take the bullets and set them aside and the would only get used to make sure the scale was "on"

 

[feets]

You can always write the exact weight of the bullet on it. That way you can be sure it weighs the same every time.