I dropped my Lyman D-7 Balance Beam scale

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au_prospector

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The beam was in the up position thankfully, but I slightly bent the hash marks.
After cursing myself, I straightened the piece of metal with the hash marks. I then reset the scale and adjusted it to zero level.

Unfortunately I dont have any check weights. A dime is supposed to weigh 35 grains so I weighed one and it came out EXACTLY 35.0 grains. I then weighed a 240 grain Magtech .429 bullet and it came up EXACTLY 240.0 grains. I am thinking I am good to go to weigh 4.8 grain charges for my reloading project, but I am doing .38 spl and and the starting charge is 4.7 grains not to exceed 5.0 grains Unique under a 158 grain HP.

Any common items in the 5-10 grain range I can use as a check weight? I think I am good to go, but sheesh 4.7 not to exceed 5.0 isnt very forgiving.
 
You have any 223 match bullets?
Use one of them.

If you 'zero' out OK, and pass the 40-52gr .223 bullet test as well,
you're on fairly safe ground.
 
Sounds to me like you're good to go. Do you have any of your 38 reloads already completed? Pull the bullet on one or two and check the weight of the powder. The powder should weigh what it weighed when you loaded it. :)

A 4.5mm BB should weigh 3.0865 grains.
 
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Unless you own two scales, have a buddy with a "proven" scale, or are willing to pay for or borrow a "check" weight?

A suggestion:
After your scale is back in order,
Weigh something, anything close to the weights you use your scale for, and write on the object exactly what it weighs. (sharpies work well)
Save that to recalibrate the next time something goes amiss.
 
What do you mean you straightened it out. You missed a perfect chance man to have new scale. After all dear, you wouldn't want me to blow myself up would you?
 
Home made check weights are a good idea, provided you first get them weighed on a known-to-be-accurate scale. I asked my pharmacist to weigh mine -in grams- then converted to grains.
Keep your check weights in a small box or plastic bag, so they don't gain weight through dust, grease, etc .
 
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