help with scale - RCBS!

[SamTuckerMTNMAN]

I just received a new RCBS powder scale, the non-electronic weigh scale with a hanging pan on the right. The scale would not zero out. After even adding weight to the pan underside (screw held weighting section) it was still short of zeroing out. I then trimmed a little off of the copper counter weight back near the measuring side (grinder) and adjusted the lead in the pan until getting a solid zero. It's now at zero and seems to work fine. Does anyone know about trimming the copper counter weight ruining the reading? I need to get scale weight checks anyway, but if someone has advice I'd appreciate it.
thanks in advance
ST

 

[Critter183]

Did you make sure scale was level to begin with?

 

[The Bushmaster]

And did you turn the knob at the base of the scale away from the powder pan end?? I have a 5-0-5 RCBS

 

[SamTuckerMTNMAN]

yes, the scale was level and I did check the base knob (white) at opposite end. It helped for fine tuning after the rough engineering job mentioned above :/

 

[Critter183]

There's a simple check to see if it's good to go.

Zero it. Move your small incriment adjuster to like 3/10ths of a grain. Then check the scale on the left and see if the pointer is hitting 3/10ths.

 

[highlander 5]

first off if you were having problems with your scale you should have called RCBS help line if the scale was defective they would have replaced it not sure if they could help after grinding off a piece of the scale. All of RCBS products have a life time warranty
and my experience with them has been excellent.

 

[Luggernut]

I also have the 5-0-5 RCBS scale. I really had to rotate that knob quite a bit to zero it out.. no cutting required... just keep turning the knob.

 

[Ol` Joe]

I`d give RCBS a call and see what they have to say. I don`t think one should need to alter a scale in anyway unless it is defective. They should be prebalanced from the manufacture. I have both a 10-10 and 5-10 RCBS plus my dads old 505 and all will zero with just a turn or two of the adjustment leg if on a level surface. You say the scale was level when you started, did you make sure the counter wgt was fully engaging the zero slot(s) in the beam for it? Was there an electric field near by, fan motor, static source? Were the bearings clean? No dust, a good sharp knife edge on the poise? You did have the pan on the scale when trying to set it? I ask because I had a guy at work once claim his scale wouldn`t balance (Lyman, as I remember) and he was trying to adjust it without the pan thinking it went on later with the powder charge. (instructions? what instructions? I don`t need `em!:banghead: :banghead: )

 

[BsChoy]

Sam since you are new to reloading I'm sure this was an honest mistake but you really should research a little more (especially when dealing with precision instruments) before altering them physically. I would contact RCBS and see if they will help you out cuz your scale in my opinion is now not accurate and a hazard

 

[SamTuckerMTNMAN]

it may be a hazard

but if it weighs the correct weight with preweighted weights it should be fine. I live pretty far from eq outlets and don't have a lot of time/ability to call and ask q's of the company - you guys (net @ work) are the best source of info I have really. Thanks for the advice. . . (and yes, I checked all the basics; wind, level, electricity around, etc) I mean the scale was waaay off, I put a few fishing weights under the pan AND trimmed off of the counter weight to get a zero. I'm sure the warranty is voided but at the time it was worth the try

 

[Schleprok62]

Just for the sake of safety mindedness...

you say it is zero'd now, but have you checked the actual weights measured on it, with a known working accurate scale? By alteringing the weights and counterweights, you could be getting it to balance, but it may not be accurate to safe tolerences.

I'm not sure I'd use/trust the scale for reloading... but that's just me...

 

[SamTuckerMTNMAN]

will definitely test

with scale weight checks...no way I'm putting my rifle or face on the line for the scale, dont worry. Also wouldnt endanger others shooting with me. . . will verify before using...thanks.
st